From a distance the modern, minimalist architecture of Artesa blends harmoniously with the surrounding Carneros landscape, but up close its pools, fountains, and the large outdoor sculptures by resident artist Gordon Huether of Napa make a vivid impression. So, too, do the wines crafted by Mark Beringer, who focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and other...
Views, modern architecture, seclusion, and region-specific pinot noir flights are the reasons this is one of my favorite stops. Arrive on a day when the wind is blowing less than 10 mph, and the fountains are captivating; they automatically shut off with higher winds. Step into the winery, and there's plenty to do. You can wander through the very tasteful gift shop, browse a room that outlines...
If you're coming from San Francisco, begin or end the day at Artesa, one of the closest wineries to the city. Dug into a hilltop high above the Carneros District, the 127,000-square-foot winery has one of the most dramatic approaches in wine country: a sweeping staircase surrounded by fountains, cascading waterfalls, and architectural glass sculptures by artist-in-residence Gordon Huether. At...
Traditional Spanish wine-making techniques in a postmodern setting.:
In Short
Built into the Carneros hillside, Artesa ditches the usual Mediterranean-chateau look, instead opting for a postmodern cube of black glass. Owned by the Spanish House of...