When you peruse the website for Vita Vite wine bar + art gallery + event space, it oozes with the essence of its founder, Lindsay Rice. You’re hard-pressed to authentically pair trendy with comfortable, upscale with cozy, and make sure you want to stay awhile, but Lindsay and her team succeed at every turn. You can curl up in a plush armchair near the fireplace, join friends on a comfy couch or meet a date at the bar… It all makes for the perfect experience for wine, craft beer, small plates or dessert. Paired with beautiful artwork and exceptional customer service, this reflects Lindsay’s love of art as well as gorgeous spaces and her ability to be the example of the perfect “hostess with the mostess”. Whether I’ve met folks there for happy hour or come for a Hallmark movie marathon event, I always feel comfy and welcome, which is all due to what Lindsay has created. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Lindsay Rice

Lindsay Rice is a contemporary travel photographer, wine aficionado and art enthusiast. Her artistic process began as a child learning to value travel and cultural experiences with her family and exploring wines of the world in more recent years.

Lindsay cultivated her passion for art at Sweet Briar College where she received a bachelor’s degree in Art History and an Arts Management Certificate. She furthered her studies at Georgetown University with a master’s degree in Art and Museum Studies. As part of the program at Georgetown, she also spent a semester studying decorative art and design at Sotheby’s Institute in London.

Since then, Lindsay has worked in prestigious art galleries, owned a professional photography company and managed an antique shop while interning in both nonprofit and for-profit galleries and museums. In addition, she earned a level one Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) sommelier certification from Johnson and Wales University.

Lindsay’s travels across the globe sparked her a vision for Vita Vite – Raleigh’s beloved wine bar + art gallery – where her two passions for wine and art could intertwine. Vita Vite comes from the Italian words for “life” and “vine” – the idea of life revolving around wine and food, and how they bring people together in a common space of appreciation for the beautiful things that can enrich life.

In 2015, Lindsay founded Vita Vite Downtown followed by Vita Vite Midtown in 2018. Vita Vite has secured accolades such as Best Wine Bar, Best Place to Grab a Glass of Wine and Best Place for a Girls Night Out. Lindsay’s accomplishments earned her the Triangle Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 Award along with its Women in Business Award.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Lindsay Rice

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

We’re a combination wine bar + art gallery + event space with two locations in Raleigh (the first Downtown in the Warehouse District and the second in North Hills). Our focus is on creating a comfortable, approachable space where you can relax while you enjoy wine and art.

Why did you start your company?

I moved to Raleigh from Washington, DC a little over a decade ago, and I felt like there wasn’t a place where I could go to enjoy a good glass of wine that wasn’t in a restaurant. I wanted to create a space where it felt the same no matter what day of the week and whether I was there with my parents, a group of girlfriends, on a date or just reading a book by myself. And, from that, VV was born!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

I’ve loved getting to meet so many amazing people! Whether they’re our staff, wine reps, customers or other business owners I’ve met over the years, becoming a part of this aspect of the Raleigh community has been such a joy.

About what are you most proud?

I’m most proud of the sense of community that we’ve fostered through VV. We’ve been able to be a part of so many important life moments for people over the years, and we have become a place for people to come together and feel happy, safe and comfortable. I take so much pride in that.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I have my moments  I think my staff would tell you that I function in organized chaos, where they might not be able to make sense of it, but I can tell you exactly where something from three years ago is stacked in my office. I live for lists but abhor things like filing so it’s been interesting finding the right balance and learning what I need to keep organized myself in order for the business to run smoothly, versus what I can let someone else help me optimize.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

Nobody will ever be as impactful for me as both of my parents have been. My mom taught me how to be a hostess and make everyone feel welcome, a quality I carry with me every single day at work. My dad was my first business-owner role model and is my constant sounding board for everything related to VV.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

I’m a big believer in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with people whose strengths are your weaknesses. I’m lucky to have staff members for whom organization is a strength, and we’ve found ways to work together to make sure we’re doing the best job we can. My obsession with lists helps me be productive - the best feeling is being able to finish a task and cross it off! When you have a lot of things to accomplish, it’s less intimidating to take it one at a time instead of trying to finish everything at once.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I live by my calendar and the Notes app on my iPhone. I can’t do anything without a list.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I’m still trying to figure this one out, honestly. I struggle with finding a balance and am constantly striving to do a better job of being a boss/daughter/sister/friend, being all the things to everyone all the time.

About what causes are you most passionate?

Animal welfare has long been a passion of mine. I grew up with rescue dogs and horses, and I have two of my own pups right now. I’m a big believer in animal adoption, and I will always live by the adopt-don’t-shop mentality.

I’ve also become very passionate about women’s health. We’re involved with The No Woman No Girl Initiative, and we do anything we can to help them with their mission. The founder, Shirnetta, is a force of a woman and an amazing inspiration.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I love love love reading and try to find at least 30 minutes to do it every day. Nothing makes me happier than curling up on the couch with a glass of wine and my dogs, and either reading or watching a movie and needlepointing (a hobby I took up right before COVID that does wonders for keeping me from just mindlessly scrolling my phone!).

What is your favorite author / book?

Too many to name! I’m all over the place with my reading. I bounce from historical fiction to fantasy to trashy romances to memoirs. It just depends on my mood!

What is your go-to accessory?

Sunglasses. Either prescription or regular, I can’t leave my house without them.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Drink copious amounts of water. Get in time to exercise every day, even if it’s just taking the dogs for a walk. And, as my mom always told me, “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize” (along with a great under-eye mask at night, of course)!

What is your favorite food?

I’m a sucker for anything Italian. I could eat pasta every single day!

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites?

Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie

Standard Beer + Food

Bright Spot

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

New Zealand was absolutely magical and unlike anywhere else I’ve been, but I think that, in my heart of hearts, Italy will always be my favorite.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Any ‘Harry Potter’ movie, at any time. They’re my comfort movies!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To be able to better manage stress. It’s a constant battle, and I wish I could let it all go and not worry, but, alas, that’s not a super power for me.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Don’t worry about rushing to figure everything out immediately; life has a way of working out exactly how it should, no matter how winding the path is. I never would’ve imagined this is where I’d be and what I’d be doing at almost 40, but I can’t imagine that anything else I could do would ever make me this happy.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Not to out myself as a millennial girl, but Taylor Swift. I can’t help myself, I just love her, and I admire the whole brand that she’s built.

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