The Art of Wine

From golden onion domes and giant bronze thumbs to paintings from well-known masters like Dali and Lichtenstein, Wine Country is home to thousands of original works of art. In fact, some wineries have so much art that they've become mini-museums in their own right. Places like Hess, Artesa and Clos Pegase are as well known for their outstanding collections as for their wine.

Check out some of our favorite art-loving wineries…



Artesa
Not many wineries have their own artist-in-residence. Then again, not many wineries have sod walls. Literally built into the side of a hill Artesa is a mix of powerful visual elements—both natural and man-made. Many of the most dramatic sculptural pieces have been commissioned from Napa artist Gordon Huether, who has been showing his works at the Spanish-owned winery since 1992. Don't miss the entrance fountain, with massive icicle-like sculptures surrounding a basin fountain or the arching fountains that pour into an infinity pool. The minimalist design of architects Domingo Triay and E.R. Bouligny make for a Zen-like tasting room experience (just watch out for the floor-to-ceiling glass). /p>

Clos Pegase
A temple to art and wine, Clos Pegase was designed by architect Michael Graves (in his pre-Target days) to house one of the most diverse collections of both modern and classic art in the region. From a giant bronze thumb to ancient Roman fountains and 2,000-year-old wine vessels, owner Jan Shrem has amassed nearly 1000 works at the winery. Highlights include masterpieces of the Surrealist, Abstract and Cobra schools by such artists as Salvador Dali, Francis Bacon, Henry Moore and Richard Serra. But Jan's favorite has to be Pegasus, the winged horse, painted by19th-century French artist Odilon Redon.

Quixote
Hidden in the hills of Napa, Quixote is a Seusical dreamland of curving lines, brilliant bursts of color, grass-topped roofs and magical golden dome capping everything off like a cherry. Designed by the famously brilliant and elusive Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the winemaking facility has long been off-limits to the public, seen only by those lucky enough to have an "in" with its equally fabled owner, Carl Doumani of Stag's Leap fame (and true Napa royalty). Appointments are required well in advance, but inside you'll be privy to truly amazing design details that few have ever seen - including (if you're lucky) a chance to bask in the power of the onion dome.

Hall
Excuse the dust while famed architect Richard Gehry builds the Hall's new multimillion dollar winery. Meanwhile, if you stop into their quaint temporary St. Helena winery you can stroll among some Kathryn and Craig Hall's personal art collection, which includes emerging contemporary artists from around the world, as well as Jackson Pollack, Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein.

Mumm Napa
This house of bubbly houses a top-notch gallery of fine photography, including a permanent collection of 27 Ansel Adams works from grandson Matthew's private collection. Other exhibits change up every few months and you can call ahead to see what's on display. Take your time wandering through the free, self-guided tour.

Hess Collection
A stellar gallery of modern art that's both fascinating and head-scratching. Owner Donald Hess is a well-known collector who frequently loans out his works to museums world-wide. Works include photo-realistic paintings by Franz Gertsch and recent works by Anselm Keifer. A perennial favorite is the flaming typewriter by Leopoldo Maler.

Imagery Estate
Notable contemporary artists are commissioned to create works for the winery, which then are used on their eclectic bottle labels. Curator Bob Nugent has a great eye for finding works that capture completely different moods and styles each year.

St. Supery
Escape the bustle of the busy tasting room downstairs for a walk through the winery's frequently changing gallery. Local and international artists are featured, and the gallery is free to visitors.

Domaine Chandon
Don't miss the outcropping of magic rock mushrooms created by Napa artist Richard Botto. Featured artists change up throughout the year.