This lovely path leads to the di Rosa Collection– one of the most extensive contemporary art collections in Northern California.
If you’re ready for a break from wine tasting and need to get off the well-trodden and always busy wine road that is Route 29, head over to the tranquil Carneros District and stop in at the di Rosa Collection. This lovely property has been open to the public since 2000, when it was incorporated as a nonprofit public trust.
The Gatehouse Gallery features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.
Rene and Veronica di Rosa’s extensive contemporary art collection includes some 2,000 works by 800 artists including Richard Shaw, Bruce Nauman, Larry Sultan, John Buck, Allan Rath, Paul Kos, Viola Frey and many others and is considered to be one of the most important collections in Northern California.
Book a tour to see the entire collection both inside the buildings and around the gorgeous grounds.
The works are displayed in three buildings and throughout the property. The modern Gatehouse Gallery is home to rotating exhibitions of modern paintings, sculpture, multi-media and interactive pieces.
A recent exhibition in the Gatehouse Gallery.
An interactive piece lets visitors…
…blow giant smoke rings!
Tongue-In-Cheek, a recent exhibition at Gatehouse.
Gallery admission allows access only to the current exhibition on view in the Gatehouse and is self-guided. To experience the entire collection, set aside 1-1/2 to two hours for the superb guided tour of the outbuildings, including the chapel, and the exquisite grounds. It is best to book the guided tour in advance to avoid disappointment.
Take a tour and experience the art outdoors.
You’ll likely see peacocks racing through the tall grass around many of the outdoor sculptures including, “Field Hands.” The catalog of the permanent collection, Local Color, makes a great souvenir or a gift for an art-loving friend. Click here for updated information.
Outside art.
Domaine Carneros is right across the road from di Rosa.
After your tour of the di Rosa Collection, go across the street to the elegant Domaine Carneros—it’s home to Tattinger’s California sparkling wines. Reservations are required.
Domaine Carneros– Taittinger’s California Sparkling Wine.
There are numerous options for tasting from flights to single glasses. Take your glass out onto the beautiful terrace and enjoy the spectacular view across the vineyards of the Carneros District.
Enjoy a drink in this pleasant lounge area at Farm.
One of my favorite dining destinations is in the Carneros, just a short distance away—Farm at the Carneros Inn. We have celebrated many memorable meals here and the last, which happened to be an anniversary, was no exception. Start with your libation of choice and relax outside on the comfy couches that surround the open fire. Depending on the hour, you’re likely to see children running happily around the lawn—much better here than in the dining room!
The dining room is casual but elegant.
The menu at Farm changes often to reflect the restaurant’s commitment to local, seasonal and sustainable produce, fish and meat. The cuisine is contemporary Californian and the wine list draws almost entirely from California producers.
The wine list focuses on Californian bottlings. Our somm gave us terrific recommendations like this Philip Staley 2012 Viognier.
Service is impeccable and the room is spare yet elegant. The restaurant is open daily for dinner only and reservations are a must.
A complimentary amuse bouche began our dining adventure.
Even a chicken breast is elevated to new culinary heights at Farm.
The halibut was sublime.
A chocolate lover’s dream dessert.
A lovely finish to a beautiful meal.
The hotel also has a casual option called Boon Fly, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are only available at dinner. This is great place to stop if you want a quick and tasty lunch and are in the mood for a burger, salad or sandwich.
Mix it up a bit and add Carneros to your itinerary. You’ll be glad you did!
Note– I have updated this post to reflect the need for reservations during the current coronavirus crisis, though other elements of your visit may also change. Please check with individual wineries, restaurants and galleries for details and requirements.
