Winemaking is an art form. And it’s well known that Sonoma and Napa Valley have a variety of drinkable art for visitors to choose from. But what may not be as well known to some, is that many wineries also feature a traditional form of art available for all to enjoy.
WINERIES WITH ART IN SONOMA VALLEY
Sunset in Paradise by Carolyn Jarvis
At Balletto’s Russian River estate, guests can taste estate grown, and estate bottled Sonoma County wines. From Balletto’s 600 acres of vineyards, only 60 (the top 10%) acres are selected for the next step in the winemaking process in order to maintain the high quality and style Balletto is known for. Make your way to the winery by March 23 to take in the artistic works of award-winning painter, Carolyn Jarvis. With a style described as “colorful, loose, and impressionistic,” you’re likely to leave Balletto with award-winning wines and a beautiful piece of Carolyn Jarvis’ art. And if you happen to miss Carolyn Jarvis’ show at Balletto, you can still see her work at Screamin’ Mimi’s Ice Cream until August 24th.
Sculptures from a collection of different artists decorate throughout the property at Paradise Ridge Winery. In Marijke’s Grove, the sculptures change annually and can be found in this four acre grove of ancient gnarled oaks. A three piece sculpture series by sculpturer Gale Wagner is located in the winery’s Paradise Meadows. Near the Nagasawa winemaking building, is an art garden with sculptures revealed amid trees. Paradise Ridge offers a panoramic view of nature’s artwork in the form of surrounding vineyards. Paradise Ridge wines are hand crafted and include Savignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, sparkling wines, and more.
Imagery uses lesser known varietals to create their award-winning, critically acclaimed wines; Varietals with names such as Cinsault, Lagrein, Tannat, and Teroldego. They also create award-winning wines with names you’ve heard of like Riesling, and Malbec. Another interesting quality of Imagery is that they commission artists from across the globe to create unique artwork that is used for Imagery wine bottle labels. The gallery at Imagery hosts these one-of-a-kind pieces for visitors to enjoy.
WINERIES WITH ART IN NAPA VALLEY
This family-owned winery produces highly acclaimed wines and was one of the first ten wineries to receive their Napa Green Winery certificate in 2008. The museum is open daily, free of charge, and represents a small part of Donald Hess’ personal collection. Hess Collection offers a daily Museum Walk with a docent that also includes a complimentary tasting of their exquisite wines. Current featured artists include Franz Gertsch (photo-realist painter), Robert Motherwell (abstract expressionist style painter), Anselm Kiefer (mixed media paintings and sculptures), and more.
The Fountain at Artesa, A Work of Art by Gordon Huether
2016 marks the celebration of 25 years at Artesa Winery! Specializing in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvigno, Guests enjoy the “artwork” of Mother Nature with panoramic views of Napa Valley from Artesa Winery. Their permanent artist in residence, Gordon Huether, creates works of art from many sources including glass and metal. Along with his work on display at Artesa, you can also find his art displayed throughout the United States, Germany, and Canada.
Carlos Santana at Mumm Napa for “Jim Marshall Seen Through the Eyes of Carlos Santana”
In 2012, Mumm Napa became the first sparkling winery to receive a prestigious 94 points from Wine Spectator for Mumm’s 2004 DVX. Highly acclaimed for their award-winning wines, and recognized with Napa Green Certification for their “Green” efforts, Mumm Napa also offers a Fine Art Photography Gallery for visitors. Currently on display is “Jim Marshall Seen through the Eyes of Carlos Santana.” Jim Marshall was a legendary photographer with a career spanning 50 years. Known for his ground-breaking approach to rock-and-roll photography, Marshall received an honorary Grammy, and was the first and only photographer to receive the Recording Academy’s Trustee Award. His longtime friend, Carlos Santana, curated 40 of Marshall’s original photographs to present this incredible display.
