An Art Lover’s Guide to Napa Valley

There’s a long list of amazing ways to experience art and culture in Napa Valley, and the regional appreciation for artisanal products extends throughout California’s Wine Country. Below are some of the best artistic destinations and events in the area, all within a reasonable distance of Napa Valley luxury homes for sale.

Downtown Napa features a selection of sculpture installations that make up the Napa ARTwalk, a collection of completely free public art. The sculptures are scattered all throughout downtown, acting as a backdrop for other events during the year. The art on display changes every two years.

If you haven’t walked it before, stop by the Napa Valley Welcome Center and pick up a map, which is free for visitors and community members alike. There’s a free self-guided audio tour from AutoCast to listen to while you walk, and you can learn more about the artists whose pieces are on display alongside their inspiration. Overall, the downtown area is highly walkable and near many Napa homes for sale.

MarketplaceWhile you’re walking through Downtown Napa, be sure to swing by the Rail Arts District. This two-mile stretch runs along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. The Rail Arts District has several incredible murals by world-renowned artists, including Cinta Vidal and Felipe Pantone, whose art can be seen around the world.

While you’re grabbing your brochure for the Napa ARTwalk, be sure to snag the walking tour map of historic buildings in Downtown Napa. Napa has the highest concentration of buildings built before 1906 in California outside of the Bay Area. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find these historic buildings listed among Napa Valley homes for sale, you can still walk through the neighborhoods and appreciate classic Victorian Gothic, Art Deco, and Spanish Colonial-style homes.

If contemporary art is more your style, the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art has you covered. This nonprofit art park features rotating artworks as well as a permanent collection curated by the late Rene di Rosa and his wife.

The property itself is huge, and the home rivals many of Napa’s most luxurious homes. There are two full galleries—one is 4,500 square feet while the other is 10,000 square feet—plus a sculpture meadow with dozens of displays. The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art hosts regular events for the community, so it’s a destination worth a return trip.

If you’ve just started looking at Napa Valley homes for sale, you may not yet be familiar with the iconic Donum Estate, a 200-acre winery in Napa. Donum Estate is known for two things: their exceptional chardonnay and their art. There are over 50 different art installations on the property from incredible artists, and the winery is always adding more—making Donum Estate a great destination to return to again and again. Donum Estate is also one of the world’s largest accessible private sculpture gardens, and features museum-quality displays.

There’s an accompanying audio tour, which is highly recommended for those who want to know the stories behind some of Donum’s fantastic installations. It not only helps you get around the property, it gives great insight into the pieces from the artists themselves.

If you’re looking for an indoor activity, visit Hess Persson Estates and their extensive private art gallery. Located above the tasting room and accessible by appointment, Donald Hess personally acquired this private collection over the course of 40 years. The Hess Collection is always purchasing new items or changing exhibits, so be sure to come back often. For the best viewing experience, take a guided tour through the art exhibit and end with a wine tasting.

If you’ve just begun your search for Napa Valley homes for sale, you may not realize what a gem Brasswood truly is. Not only does the space host events, a restaurant, a bakery, and a full winery, it also has an art gallery with rotating exhibits. Brasswood has featured work from the likes of Salvador Dalí and housed several sculptures from French artist Cévé.

The gallery is open to all Brasswood visitors, so whether you live in one of the surrounding Napa luxury homes or you’re visiting the winery, you can check out their latest exhibit. Those interested in a tasting as well as a tour should book in advance. Spots fill up quickly, even during the off-season.

If you’re ready to begin your search for Napa Valley real estate, reach out to Avi Strugo today. Avi specializes in Napa luxury homes and has over 15 years of experience working with the best—and most exclusive—Napa luxury homes. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a primary residence, Avi and his team will help you find it.