Bryan & Valerie: We had one goal after getting married – to have a place in Big Bear Lake. After years of hiking, biking, canoeing and spending holidays in the mountains with our children we were thrilled to find a place of our own where our family and friends could join us to relax. Our ‘cabin’ was our weekend getaway and we became involved in the Bear Valley Community as much as our city lives would allow. In 2009 Valerie was laid off, as were many others during the economic downfall. We had to make some fast decisions. We left the city for Big Bear full time. (Mom says we can’t call it a ‘cabin’ any more.) No sooner than Valerie got settled with a new home-based job in her field, Bryan’s role changed and he began commuting almost daily. After one year we re-evaluated our decision and considered moving back down the hill. Bryan said it best: “Most days the drive stinks but when I’m home – look where my home is.” How do you argue with that?

      Our families and our cultures are very important to both of us. Combined, we have parents, 8 siblings, 5 children, many cousins, and nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles too numerous to count. Bryan is the second generation of Italian immigrants. Grandparents Carmelo and Carmella Bianchi were the neighborhood winemakers in New York, and Papa Bill – well…he was the delivery boy. He had a way of making friends with the policemen back in those days. Fortunately prohibition lifted and after the family moved to California Uncle Joe legitimized the family business. Valerie’s life has been filled with the richness of her Hispanic culture and the warmth of extended family. While not as colorful as Bryan’s family, Valerie’s upbringing meant everyone became family, and gatherings are full of conversation, laughter and music and amazing food. In addition to our families, we are fortunate to have friends that add richness to our lives and we enjoy having them up for weekend getaways. After 5 years of talking about our desire for a wine tasting room in Big Bear with our friends Jay and Carole Leon, it was time to act. This was literally our New Year’s resolution! We chose the name on 1/1/11. It reflects our appreciation for the Community that we live in – the sweet life. It’s been a flurry of activity since that day and on May 28, 2011 Le Dolce Vita Tasting Room opened its doors.

      We hope you will join us for a winery-style tasting experience, to relax with a glass of good wine, or to have a memorable time with your friends and family and lift your glasses - alla dolce vita!!