Celebrated for their expert eye, we asked some of the Bay Area’s top tastemakers and power philanthropists to share their guide to giving.
Board Member, Wente Foundation for Arts Education
For Aly Wente and her extended winemaking family, which recently celebrated 140 years in the business, the arts are critical elements of the communities they serve. Since the Wente Foundation for Arts Education launched in 2012, it has donated over $1,500,000 to help young people in the Livermore Valley and Bay Area learn and grow creatively. “It’s no coincidence that, five generations later, our family remains stewards of the same land that my great, great grandfather first planted,” says Wente. “The investment we’ve made in our Livermore Valley community goes back just as far. We believe the arts are essential to a well-rounded education.”
FOR THE FOODIE UNCLE
"I always love a fresh perspective, and this book of photographs by Nathan Myhrvold plays with different technology, equipment, styles and perspectives to capture food and wine in a new light," says Wente. "It's a unique conversation piece for anyone's coffee table." Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography, modernistcuisineshop.com
FOR THE MOM OR SISTER
"I love the simplicity of this necklace, but I also admire its elegance and how it looks great with nearly any outfit," says Wente. VRAI Tiny Station necklace, vrai.com
FOR A GREAT CLIENT, VENDOR OR FRIEND
"I always think Le Labo is the best way to show gratitude for someone who has gone above and beyond throughout the year," says Wente. "It's the kind of decadence that most people are hesitant to splurge on for themselves, but those who know Le Labo will always appreciate being gifted anything from their plant-based, cruelty-free line of incredible fragrances." Le Labo Lavande 31, lelabofragrances.com
FOR THE COLLEAGUE
"These sustainable DIY candles smell incredible and are so fun to make," says Wente. "Way more thoughtful and unique than the usual generic candle as a gift, this is great for co-workers when unsure what to get them. Also, the packaging is 100% compostable." Siblings candle starter set, siblings.co
FOR THE WINE LOVER
"I'm partial to this pinot noir," says Wente. "This small lot, certified sustainable Central Coast pinot—only available at our Livermore Valley tasting lounge—is beautifully layered with ripe cherry, rose petal, pie crust and forest floor. It pairs amazingly well with holiday fare, though I love it when curled up with a great book." Wente Vineyards, Aly's pinot noir, wentevineyards.com
FOR THE BOSS
"This limited-edition Brut Sparkling celebrates my family winery's 140th uninterrupted year in business," says Wente. "Our longevity is unprecedented in America, making this a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates history or significant milestones. The wine is crisp, complex and the perfect way to create a celebratory moment after a productive year." Wente Vineyards 140th Anniversary Sparkling Brut, wentevineyards.com
Founder, The Chemo Club
Her mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Reality hit. “Let me tell you—no one can prepare you for this,” says Alexandra O’Brien-Roualdes, founder of The Chemo Club. “I had no place to turn to. I felt isolated and alone. Sure, doctors and nurses would give advice, but there is a massive disconnect between doctors, patients and their family members.” She launched her nonprofit dream to be the go-to source for advice, education and community—and San Franciscans have embraced the idea significantly. “This coming year will be instrumental for The Chemo Club,” she says. “Not only will we be expanding our events geographically, but we will also be launching a podcast where we will be interviewing Founders of clean, nontoxic companies, chemotherapy patients and doctors who spread ‘cleaner truths.’”
FOR THE CLEAN-BEAUTY LOVER
"I've been obsessing over Sweet July Skin, Ayesha Curry's clean skincare company," says O'Brien-Roualdes. "Based in Oakland, the brand is a clean, nontoxic skincare line that ensures its products are paraben-free, organic, silicon-free and vegan." Sweet July Skin, sweetjuly.com
FOR THE SPORTS OBSESSED
"Mouth tape! ELVT breath-control patches help retrain the body to breathe the way it should—through your nose," says O'Brien-Roualdes. "These patches elevate athletic performance, mindset, sleep and overall health. These make the perfect stocking stuffers." ELVT breath-control patches, elvtbreath.com
FOR THE WINTER BRIDE
"I'm obsessed with San Francisco-based Kamperett," says O'Brien-Roualdes. "This Adeline dress is stunningly perfect for any event, or in my case, a rehearsal dinner. With Aquazzura's new slingbacks, no one will take their eyes off you." Kamperett Adeline dress, kamperett.com; Aquazzura slingback pumps, aquazzura.com
FOR THE BEST FRIEND
"This red-light mask by Dr. Dennis Gross was a game-changer for my skin and imperative to my wedding-prep routine," says O'Brien-Roualdes. "Your friend will forever thank you for helping her produce more collagen and reduce inflammation and wrinkles." Dr. Dennis Gross red light mask, drdennisgross.com
FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE
"My husband and I cold plunge every morning, and there's nothing more liberating than submerging your body in 40-degree water to get your day started," says O'Brien-Roualdes. "Cold plunging abounds with mental and physical benefits. Michael Garrett, founder of SF-based Reboot Float Spa, launched his company Plubge, where you can purchase your own sauna and cold plunge." Plunge pool, rebootfloatspa.com
FOR THE SUN CHASER
"My friend, Standford oncologist Dr. Madhu Shetti, recently launched a skincare line for cancer survivors and everyone else," says O'Brien-Roualdes. "The product—sunscreen, moisturizer and primer all in one—contains non-nano zinc, which doesn't leave a white cast. It's the perfect sunscreen that absorbs quickly. Even my husband is infatuated with it." Balmere mineral sunscreen moisturizer primer SPF 50, balmere.com
Co-Founder, Beaming Health
Some great ideas leap to life because of frustration. Marissa Pittard was baffled at the challenging hurdles families faced to receive excellent care for loved ones with developmental disabilities. So, the Stanford MBA helped launch SF-based Beaming Health to streamline the process. Pittard has dedicated her career to expanding access to mental healthcare services. She’s now driving growth at another Bay Area company, Big Health (bighealth.com), which makes innovative digital treatments for prevalent mental health conditions.
FOR THE FRIEND
.jpg)
"Staying active is such an important part of my life, and if I can add fun into the mix, all the better," says Pittard. "Pickleball is, above all, incredibly social, which is why it has swept the country. I love these paddle and bag designs by Tangerine Paddle, a brand that recognizes the sport needs an aesthetic edge too." Tangerine Paddle Chatham striped bag and paddles, tangerinepaddle.com
FOR YOUR FAVORITE GENT
"Finding the right jewelry for guys is often challenging," says Pittard. "But this gold Jacquie Aiche gold bracelet is one of those pieces I can see on nearly everyone. It's a statement piece without going overboard." Jacquie Aiche bracelet, jacquieaiche.com
FOR THE DAUGHTER
"I love the flexibility of this Eterne top—and its youthful energy," says Pittard. "Bonus: The incredibly talented Chloe Bartoli designed the piece." Eterne cropped oversize thermal top in heather gray, eterne.com
FOR THE WELLNESS-OBSESSED FRIEND
"A cleaning set for a friend? Yes, if it's this one, which feels a little luxurious in its own way," says Pittard. "Plus, I love the rose scent, which will permeate the entire kitchen." Homecourt steeped rose tray set, homecourt.co
FOR YOURSELF
"A personal payoff at the end of gift-giving season—why not? I love the vintage-inspired classic from California-based Jacquie Aiche's Sophia collection," says Pittard. "This piece can go with any look, from day to night." Jacquie Aiche Graduated Sophia diamond necklace, jacquieaiche.com
Photography by: ALY WENTE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS; PORTRAIT BY KALA WINKO
ALEXANDRA O'BRIEN-ROUALDES: PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS; PORTRAIT COURTESY OF ALLIE O'BRIEN ROULDES
MARISSA PITTARD: PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS; PORTRAIT COURTESY OF MARISSA PITTARD
