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Published on 26-12-2023
Add Art to Your Itinerary
Known for world-class wines, restaurants and shopping, you may be surprised to learn that both Napa and Sonoma counties are also home to stunning art collections.

Installations abound throughout both valleys whether the exhibit is inside a winery, outdoors, or, at a standalone gallery or museum.

Art lovers and aficionados alike will be thrilled with the access to museum-quality galleries and outdoor sculpture installations by artists that include Keith Haring, Ai Weiwei, Ansel Adams, Andy Goldsworthy, Yayoi Kusama, and more.

 

Art at The Donum Estate, Sonoma
Donum Estate People Tree by Subodh Gupta, Photo by Alexander Rubin

The Donum Estate, Sonoma

Founded in 2011, The Donum Collection is perhaps best known throughout wine country as one of the world’s largest accessible private sculpture collections. More than 50 monumental works, including open-air sculptures, are placed on The Donum Estate, with more than a third being site-specific commissions. Throughout the 200-acre estate, each piece plays with scale, nature, and imagination. The evolving collection brings together a global community of artists, including works from leading practitioners from 18 nations, across six continents. The Estate’s guided wine tasting options offer an immersive experience of wine, land, and art. Guests can explore award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while soaking in the natural surroundings of the terroir and the stunning global art collection.

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Acumen Wine, Napa

Located in the heart of downtown Napa, this beautiful tasting room has its own gallery where emerging and established artists are encouraged to redesign the space for their featured exhibit. Paired with boutique wines from their organically farmed vineyards high atop Atlas Peak, guests can sample both wine and art, each of which can be purchased to take home and enjoy further.

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The Hess Art Collection at Hess Persson Estates
The Hess Collection: Art by Armando, Frank Stella, Boyle Family, Xerxes Ach and Rolf Iseli. Image by Seamless Content Co.

The Hess Art Collection at Hess Persson Estates

Donald Hess formally began collecting art in 1966. Today, Hess Persson Estates houses less than a quarter of a collection that is shown in museums worldwide. As is evident by the caliber of the art gallery, the Hess-Persson family collects art with an uncanny ability to identify lesser-known artists who often go on to become well-known and highly respected in their disciplines. Located above the handsome tasting room, guests have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the renowned art collection, followed by a tasting of the equally impressive estate-exclusive wines.

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Art at HALL Napa Valley, St. Helena
HALL Wines – Bunny Foo Foo by Lawrence Argent

HALL Napa Valley, St. Helena

Easy to find on Highway 29 in St. Helena thanks to the endearing 35-foot-tall sculpture known as Bunny Foo Foo, Hall Winery is a feast for the senses. Incorporating award-winning wines, architecture, and more than 35 contemporary art pieces that range from whimsical to serious, the historic winery is a must-see for both art and wine lovers. Modernism and history are skillfully blended to bring guests an experience unlike any other in the Napa Valley. Don’t miss the Tasting Gallery or, join a tour, schedule a formal
seated tasting, or join the Wine Club for exclusive access to the Members Lounge.

HALL Wines
HALL Wines

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Art at Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa
Paradise Ridge Winery, Monumental Words by Laura Kimpton

Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa

Bringing together art, nature, and wine, Santa Rosa’s Paradise Ridge Winery invites guests into its sculpture garden to view the ever-changing collection from a host of artists. Scattered throughout the diverse property, sculptures pop amidst stands of trees, in Marijke’s Grove, Paradise Meadow and The Love Meadow, and the new winemaking building.  While sipping a glass of award-winning wine, the effect is a thrill to the senses. Readily photographed after surviving the 2017 fires that destroyed the winery, the LOVE sign prevails on the property to this day. Many of the artworks were displayed at Burning Man and have now found a home at Paradise Ridge.

Paradise Ridge Winery Monumental Words by Laura Kimpton
Paradise Ridge Winery, Monumental Words by Laura Kimpton

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Art at di Rosa Center for  Contemporary Art, Napa
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, Napa

Located in scenic Napa Valley, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art engages its community in the connective power of art and nature through its permanent collection of Northern California art, contemporary exhibitions, and thought-provoking educational programs that inspire creativity and curiosity. The vision of two devoted patrons of the arts, Rene and Veronica di Rosa, it is through their generosity that the art collection, galleries, and surrounding open space were gifted to the public for the enjoyment of future generations. Today, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is protected in perpetuity under the Napa County Land Trust and is an art park and nature preserve that features multiple galleries, sculpture gardens, and a 35-acre lake, all located on 217 scenic acres in Napa Valley’s famed Carneros region.

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Art at Imagery Winery

​Imagery Estate Winery, Glen Ellen

Imagery Winery infuses art throughout the guest experience, from unique artwork replicated on every label, to the tasting room, and the dedicated on-site art gallery, featuring label artwork commissioned from some of the world’s most notable contemporary artists. The entire collection has over 600 artworks by over 400 artists. Currently, around 60 pieces are on view in the gallery. Originally founded by Joe Benziger and now run by his daughter, winemaker Jamie Benziger, at any given time Imagery has as many as 35 artists are working – without a deadline – on pieces that will appear on future Imagery wine labels.


Also visit
• Artesa Vineyards & Winery, Napa
• Ca’Toga Galleria d’Arte, Calistoga
• CAMi Art + Wine, Calistoga
• Cliff Lede Vineyards, Yountville
• Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Guerneville
• Jessup Cellars, Yountville
• Larkmead Vineyards, Calistoga
• St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Rutherford

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Arts in April Festival
Napa Valley’s commitment to the arts is further exemplified by the annual Arts in April festival. This month-long celebration showcases the region’s creative spirit through a series of events, exhibitions, and performances. Wineries, galleries, and cultural institutions come together to offer a diverse range of artistic experiences, from plein air painting sessions to live performances and artist talks. Arts in April transforms Napa Valley into a dynamic cultural landscape, inviting both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the arts.

Local Art Walks
Downtown areas feature vibrant art scenes with numerous public art installations in addition to the many unique galleries. The Napa ARTwalk is a public art exhibition that turns the downtown area into an open-air gallery, showcasing rotating sculptures by local and regional artists. Visitors can stroll through the streets, alleys and trails enjoying the dynamic and ever-changing outdoor exhibition. The Napa Lighted Art Festival will feature 10 lighted art sculptures for 5 weeks, January 20-February 18 plus projected artwork will be displayed on 3 iconic downtown buildings, January 20-28.
Each weekend in February, find 80 beautiful hand-crafted glass hearts, created by Napa Valley art glass artist Patti Wessman, scattered around many of the sculptures along the Yountville Art Walk.
Sonoma Art Walk takes place the first Thursday of each month, through April. Visit wine-tasting rooms, retailers, art galleries and restaurants to meet local artists and view their work as well as interactive demonstrations.
ARTrails Open Studios provides a platform for artists to open their studios to the public. This immersive experience allows art enthusiasts to interact with creators, gaining insight into their processes and inspirations.

Community Engagement
Beyond the formal gallery spaces, Napa Valley's art community actively engages with residents and visitors through workshops, art classes, and interactive events. Nimbus Arts, located in the town of St. Helena, exemplifies this commitment to community engagement. This non-profit arts organization provides a space for creativity to flourish through classes, camps, and community art projects, fostering a sense of shared artistic expression.

In Santa Rosa, the Art Museum of Sonoma County stands as a hub for both local and international artists. The museum, housed in a modern architectural gem, frequently hosts exhibitions that explore the intersection of tradition and innovation.
In the town of Healdsburg, visitors can explore the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, a community-driven space that emphasizes collaboration and community engagement. This dynamic venue often hosts workshops, artist talks, and exhibitions that highlight the intersection of art and community.

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, located less than a block from the historic Sonoma Plaza, exhibits modern and contemporary works by regional, national, and international artists. The museum features exhibition galleries, a 1500-volume art library,  workshops and year-round events plus an eclectic gift shop.

 

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