Arts & Culture

Man cannot live on bread alone. Or wine for that matter (though he may try). At the end of the day, we all need a little culture to keep us human. Whether that's a painting, ballet, opera or sculpture, a little dash of culture helps express the innermost feelings and reactions to the world that sometimes defy words.

Until the last couple of decades, however, folks north of the Golden Gate could just about count on one hand the number of cultural outlets in Wine Country. No longer. As the region has grown, and grown…and grown, arts and cultural institutions have begun sprouting up to support local artisans and a growing number of their admirers.

Among the first was the di Rosa collection, now celebrating more than 40 years of regional artists among its collection. More recently, The Sonoma Museum of Art—one of the most accessible public gallery spaces in the area—opened its doors, followed soon after by COPIA, The American Center for Food, Wine and Art. Attracting both regional and national attention, these increasingly popular cultural icons have set a solid benchmark for Wine Country's continued growth as a mecca for imaginative California artists and their admirers.

Art gets a breath of fresh air in a one-of-a kind collection that stretches over several acres—both indoors and out at the di Rosa Preserve. Giant sculptures, glass buildings, paintings and treasured objects d'art are scattered through the hills, groves and outbuildings of this privately-held preserve featuring the works of contemporary California artists favored by Rene and Veronica di Rosa. Tours are offered year round, but viewing is at its most spectacular during spring and summer months when visitors can tour the gardens and stroll through the preserve's ancient olive grove.

>>2006 Winners in the Arts & Cultural Category

Best Cultural Experience

Foodies drool. Oenophiles swoon. Art enthusiasts gather among the cheese doodles and sardine cans to seek a deeper understanding. Part gallery, part wine cellar, and part shrine to food, COPIA is Napa's cultural intersection of food, wine and art. But like any good party, some of the best fun is to be had round the kitchen. Julia's Kitchen, the café, summer farmer's markets and cooking classes at the center are local gathering spots to share recipes, gossip and a warm, gooey dessert or two.

Best Art Museum

A simple idea: create a public space to host the works of local artists. The newest of the North Bay’s cultural institutions, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (known to us locals as the SVMA) is helping to raise awareness of some of the lesser-known sculptors and painters of the region as well as bring together thematic regional works (like a show of artistic wine label designs) that speak to residents and visitors alike.