The Best Art and Wine Pairings in Northern California
The picturesque region is home to a growing number of galleries that exhibit works by local talent, while many of the wineries have their own impressive collections on view
A visit to Northern California’s wine country, where more than 80 percent of the nation’s vinification occurs, typically involves tours around vineyards and tasting rooms to sample the region’s varietals. But an increasing number of visitors are also taking note of the burgeoning arts scene, which—like many wine-making areas around the world—has grown around the creatives inspired by the bucolic landscape and enticed by the temperate climate. The picturesque Napa, Sonoma, and Russian River valleys are home to a increasing number of galleries that exhibit works by local talent, while many of the wineries have their own impressive collections on view.
For those eager to enjoy both art and wine during their trip, Galerie has compiled a selection of must-visit locations that offer both wonderful curated galleries and collections as well as decadent tasting rooms perfect for culturally curious oenophiles.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg is an increasingly popular destination with wine-lovers, though still slightly off the beaten path thanks to its location in the Russian River Valley—further north from San Francisco than Napa and Sonoma. And it’s a fast-emerging creative hub too. For example, this October 3 through 5, the town is hosting Design Healdsburg, a weekend of events encompassing design tours of top restaurants, private homes, and wineries (occasionally alongside guided wine flights and food samplers); conversations and panel discussions; and exhibition openings. Many local businesses also participate in ArtNite Healdsburg, which takes place the first Thursday of the month between April and December, and includes openings, drinks receptions, and more.
Healdsburg’s most design-forward wineries include House of Flowers, which offers tastings of the brand’s Sonoma Coast-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay inside a blackened timber barn designed by Walker Warner Architects, or cabanas set amongst dreamy landscaped gardens. Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley winery is equally impressive, tucked in a striking minimalist estate by Piechota Architecture and landscape architects MFLA, while Marine Layer Wines has a beautifully appointed contemporary-style tasting room with interiors designed by Hommeboys. Design star Jay Jeffers’ boutique hotel The Madrona also hosts a dynamic art collection curated by San Francisco-based Dolby Chadwick Gallery, displayed within the maximalist, whimsical interiors of a renovated Victorian-style mansion.
Galleries clustered around the Plaza in downtown Healdsburg include Gallery Lulo, which exhibits jewelry, ceramics, and fine art, and is currently showcasing the first solo exhibit of abstract textile works by British artist Maxine Sutton. Rena Charles Gallery presents local works that range from California landscapes to portraiture, while Lori Austin Gallery shows both local and international artists. Amongst the spots to shop for art and wine simultaneously are The Harris Gallery and Bannister Wines, which offers a unique tasting room and art gallery where curator and creative director Morgania Moore exhibits furniture, lighting, and jewelry. This fall, the space is hosting a series of large-scale graphite drawings by Arminée Chahbazian.
Sonoma
At the heart of the Sonoma Valley, its namesake town is a hub for tasting rooms and galleries alike. During the summer, a one-day outdoor festival known as Art on the Plaza gathers over 60 artists and businesses for live demonstrations, culinary tastings, live music, and more. And on the first Thursday of each month, the Sonoma Art Walk steers visitors around galleries and retailers. The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art hosts a variety of educational programs, events, and exhibitions that have recently included retrospectives of artists Nancy Genn, Juana Alicia, and Arthur Monroe. The Arts Guild of Sonoma currently represents nearly 30 local talents that work in a range of media, and exhibits their work as part of group shows in a dedicated gallery space.
When it comes to the wine, aesthetes will appreciate the hacienda-style home of Scribe Winery, an idyllic property that pioneered pre-prohibition Sonoma Valley winemaking, and Gundlach Bundschu Winery, a dramatic 165-year-old property that frequently hosts events such as Harvest Movie Nights. Another historic estate in the area, Buena Vista, is worth visiting either both or after the galleries in town.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s Oakville is home to Opus One Winery—founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi—which produces a singular Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is a mecca for wine enthusiasts, and frequently hosts events and partners with local arts organizations. Whilst in the area, stop by Jessup Cellars or Cliff Lede Vineyards in nearby Yountville for a combined art and wine tasting experience—both have their own galleries. Sculpture specialist Folwell Studios is also based in Yountville, as is the Napa Valley Museum that organizes a wide variety of arts and culture programming.
Many visitors to the region choose to stay in the town of Napa, which is home to several independent galleries including Volakis Gallery, Gordon Huether Studio, and RAD Napa that are ideally placed respites between tasting-room stops. During January and February, illuminated artworks fill the streets and line the river as part of the Napa Lighted Art Festival—a free walkable experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
At the northern end of Napa Valley, near Calistoga, is the Castello di Amorosa winery designed in the style of a 14th-century Italian bastide. Visitors can tour the castle and its collection of authentic Tuscan antiques, followed by a tasting in the atmospheric cellar. Meanwhile, those who lean more contemporary may appreciate a tasting at CAMi, which has modern interiors that feature art-covered walls from local and international artists, vintner and artist Laurie Shelton. And if visitors feel inspired, the Calistoga Art Center offers classes and workshops for all ages and abilities across painting, ceramics, quilting, stained glass, and more.