California Wineries with Impressive Art Collections

Some wineries also double as a great place to view amazing art collections. Since most wine aficionados also appreciate art, we are rounding up some of California’s wineries that also happen to have incredible art collections.

Image by Taste of Home

The Markham Gallery located inside the Markham Vineyards Visitor’s Center has free admission and is open to the public. The gallery features rotating exhibits. Markham has a history dating all the way back to 1874 and is one of the first vineyards in Napa Valley. Markham is famous for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Image source: the Food Republic of the Grateful Dead Art Exhibit at Cliff Lede

Cliff Lede Vineyards prides itself on being a wine destination with a “classic rock edge” that offers the best in wine, music, art, architecture, and nature. They are famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon. The Backstage Tasting Lounge of Cliff Lede Vineyards features rotating art exhibits by world-renowned artists. Access to the gallery is granted to guests who purchase a Backstage Tasting Lounge Experience which includes a tasting of limited-production wines in addition to access to the art gallery. The art showcased is typically influenced by music.

Image source: Hess Collection

The Hess Collection Winery features a sampling of the collection amassed by Donald Hess, who began collecting art back in 1966. Hess prefers to feature lesser-known artists, though many eventually become internationally known. His collection includes Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, and John Connell. The Hess Collection is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Image source: Turnbull Wine Cellars

A beautiful winery designed by famous architect William Turnbull Jr. boasts one of the largest private collections of Ansel Adams photography. Turnbull is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The gallery’s collection rotates twice a year, featuring artists such as Berenice Abbott, Margaret Bourke White, Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston, and Herb Ritts.

Image source: Donum Estate/Robert Berg (Maze by Gao Weigang)

Donum Winery’s 200-acre estate has world-class contemporary sculptures sprinkled throughout its sprawling grapevines. Famous for its Pinot Noir, the estate’s collection includes artists such as Zhan Wang, Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, and Carl Fredrik Reutersward. Visitors may reserve an experience with Donum for an afternoon of wine tastings and art.

Have you visited the art collections of any of these wineries? What was your favorite pairing of art with wine?