Napa Valley Wineries with Incredible Art Collections

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Napa Valley Wineries with Incredible Art Collections

By WineCountry Collective May 17, 2023

Venturing into the heart of Napa Valley, California is more than just a journey through world-class vineyards and cellars; it is also an invitation to explore the fascinating world of art that thrives within these wineries. From captivating garden installations to meticulously curated permanent collections and rotating exhibits, Napa Valley wineries attract artists and art enthusiasts from across the globe. Discover the magic of this enchanting combination at these five Napa Valley wineries, where art and wine blend seamlessly to create unforgettable experiences.

Hess Persson Art Gallery
Photo by Dawn Heumann, courtesy of Hess Persson Estates. Installation by Andy Goldsworthy.

Originally crafted in 1993, “Surface Tension” by Andy Goldsworthy was masterfully reassembled on the Hess estate in 2009. Famed for his use of natural materials, Goldsworthy’s piece is intricately composed of elongated chestnut tree leaf stalks, moistened and fastened together with hawthorn thorns. Remarkably, no glue or hardware was employed to secure the installation to the walls or ceiling only the thorns keep it in place. During the expertly guided tour of the Hess Collection Art Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at this captivating artwork, along with other exceptional pieces from Donald Hess’ private collection, which he began collecting in 1966. Following the tour, a tasting of current releases awaits you, offering the perfect indulgence to complement your artistic journey.

Insider Tip: Even though you’ll have lots of art to explore at Hess, there will be wine tasting involved, so note that no one under the age of 21 is permitted.

4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-1144

HALL Wines
Red Rain, Photo Courtesy of HALL Wines

Upon entering the tasting room at HALL, your senses are immediately captivated by Nick Cave’s awe-inspiring tapestry, “Garden Plot.” This elaborate welcome is a stunning blend of woven textiles, beads, sequins, and an assortment of found objects. HALL has established itself as a haven for exceptional art, and a journey beyond the lobby reveals even more artistic treasures. Be sure to venture to the fermentation tank room, where Graham Caldwell’s blown glass creation, “Red Rain,” graces the space (shown above), and Jim Campbell’s mesmerizing LED light display, “Exploded View,” enchants visitors. Moreover, the outdoor garden area showcases a diverse collection of intriguing sculptures, so don’t stay inside for too long.

Insider Tip: Representing the symbiotic relationship between art and wine, HALL’s Jack’s Masterpiece red blend is as deeply layered and unique as the artwork that adorns the label. Grab a bottle to take home, as it’s a great, cellar-worthy bottling for any of the art lovers you’re looking to impress.

401 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2626

Mumm Napa Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Mumm Napa

Indulge in a glass of Napa Valley bubbly as you immerse yourself in the iconic landscape photography of Ansel Adams at Mumm Napa. Established in 1993, Mumm’s Fine Art Photography Gallery began showcasing Adams’ masterpieces through the generosity of his grandson, Matthew Adams, who loaned the collection to the winery. Renowned for his striking black and white images of America’s natural wonders, such as Yosemite, Ansel Adams’ work is celebrated not only for its artistic prowess but also for its environmentalist undertones. Experience the captivating allure of Adams’ photography amidst the sparkling ambience of Mumm Napa all year long.

Insider Tip: If you join their wine club, you’ll get access to the uber-popular Sparkling Pinot Noir (a great choice for sipping around Thanksgiving and the holidays!), among other special releases. Club membership also means you’ll receive complimentary tastings every month for four people (especially great if you’re local).

8445 Silverado Trail Napa, CA 94573, (707) 967-7700

Acumen Wine
Photo Courtesy of Acumen Wine Gallery | Susan DeMatei

If pink is your color, you’ll want to visit the current exhibit at the Acumen Wine Lounge in downtown Napa. “Pink! With Love, For Ukraine” features artists Kate Tova, Steve Javiel, Marc Foster, and Napa local Penelope Moore. These artists united to raise funds and awareness for Ukraine, with a portion of each piece sold going to World Central Kitchen, an organization that serves fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing and remaining in their home country. Sip on a glass of red while you take in all the pinks, from pieces of murals, paintings, graffiti, and sculptures. The Acumen Art Gallery is committed to supporting all its artists and takes great pride in featuring emerging and established artists. They even encourage artists to redesign the gallery space for each exhibit. If you want to add to your own collection, you’re in luck, all art displayed is available for purchase.

Insider Tip: Acumen Vineyard sits on the mountain slopes of Atlas Peak and is known for its mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. If Champagne is more your style, enjoy the Gallery Champagne tasting and walk around the gallery at your own pace, with a glass of bubbly of course.

1315 First Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 492-8336

Cliff Lede
Photo courtesy of Cliff Lede

Cliff Lede Vineyards offers a unique wine tasting experience in their Backstage Tasting Lounge. Vineyard owner Cliff Lede, inspired by his love for classic rock and great wine, has brought a fresh take to the standard Napa Valley tasting room. The lounge is a comfortable, relaxed space that features a rotating art collection with pieces created by the rock and roll community. You’ll find art by former singer-songwriter, Grace Slick, Elton John’s collaborator, Bernie Taupin, and even a few pieces by John Lennon. Along with sculptures, paintings, and photography, the Backstage Lounge has a host of music memorabilia, even a signed electric guitar from the band Fleetwood Mac. With a curated playlist of classic rock, unique art, and great wines, this is not your average tasting room.

Insider Tip: Cliff Lede named each block of his vineyard after one of his favorite songs or albums, better known as the “Rock Blocks.” Try the small-lot Rock Block series, which is a “mash-up” of two or more blocks. These wines are known for their innovative names like “Roundabout Midnight,” a combination of Yes’ “Roundabout” and Eric Clapton’s “After Midnight.”

1473 Yountville Cross Road, Yountville, CA 94559, (707) 944-8642

Artesa Winery
Courtesy of Artesa Winery in Napa, CA

Artesa Winery in Napa Valley’s Los Carneros region offers a memorable experience for both wine and art aficionados. Showcasing a curated collection of contemporary sculptures and paintings throughout the property, the winery invites visitors to appreciate these artistic gems in the elegant tasting room or outside on the patio overlooking the Carneros appellation. A true testament to its artistic dedication, Artesa’s architecture, designed by renowned Spanish architect Domingo Triay, masterfully blends modern aesthetics with a profound appreciation for the natural environment, inviting reflection on the harmony between nature, art, and wine.

Insider Tip: Variety is the spice of life at Artesa, which crafts a wide range of wines in various styles. That said, if your group has different taste preferences, you’ll all find something to love here. Think Albariño to Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling wine to Pinot Noir, and even full-bodied wines like Cabernet. The winery also recently released their first late disgorged sparkling wine, which is always fun.

1345 Henry Road, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 224-1668

CAMi Art + Wine
Photo Courtesy of CAMi Art + Wine

Artist and founder of CAMi, Laurie M. Shelton’s cow paintings have become highly sought after, from St. Helena to Paris. After the loss of her husband, Shelton started to paint cows and make wine to deal with her grief. Shelton is also credited with painting the much beloved “I (heart) Calistoga” sign located next to her gallery. See these colorful cows at CAMi’s downtown Calistoga tasting room, which is covered in art all curated by Shelton. For larger parties or an intimate special event, reserve a private tasting to have the gallery and its rotating collection of artworks to yourself.

Insider Tip: For a great Napa Valley art and wine pairing, enjoy the deep, intense flavors of CAMi’s Merlot while gazing at the cows.

1333B Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 709-6889