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Let's face it, at some point, even the most devout wine geeks who head to Napa Valley, want to take a break from the swirling and sniffing, the swishing and swallowing. For years, in private emails, we've been telling friends to NOT MISS the di Rosa Preserve art experience and every single person we've ever sent has responded with an enthusiastic, "Thank You!"
Rene di Rosa, a former San Francisco journalist, purchased a huge tract of land in the Carneros at the southern tip of Napa Valley in 1960. Established with vineyards a hundred years earlier, the property had fallen victim first to Phylloxera, then to Prohibition. To raise funds and pursue his dream, Rene sold a portion of the 460-acre estate to Seagram, keeping 53 acres and a 35-acre lake for a non-profit art and nature preserve.
Rene's beautiful lake attracts migratory birds, which can be seen in different seasons; Rene's collected art attracts visitors to Napa Valley all year round. It's wild, whimsical, whacko, wonderful art. AND DID WE UNDERLINE: NOT TO BE MISSED. It features the works of Robert Arneson, Roy De Forest, Robert Hudson, William T. Wiley and… oh, 750 others.
What Rene did was amass the largest collection of contemporary Bay-area art in the world. His collection, spanning all media, has more than 2,000 pieces, each created by a talented Bay-area artist. At any one time, most of this work is on display in four different buildings on the site.
Perhaps the works that most fill us with laughter each time we visit are those of David Best. In particular, we love the two old cars he has encrusted with kids' toys, marbles, gewgaws and tossed-out memorabilia. One is an old Pontiac, the other a 1976 Olds. As well, di Rosa houses 83 other pieces by Best, who lives in Petaluma.
In rather inventive fashion, visitors to the Preserve move through a series of buildings, including the original winery, Rene's home, and a chapel to see all the art; at one point, a jitney conveys visitors across the spacious grounds.
Top of mind highlights from our recent visit: Wild pheasants that strut the grounds, a Volkswagen Sirocco chassis hung in a tree, whimsical art that made us laugh out loud, a few spiritual highs, gorgeous meadows… If we have had a more fun art-experience in the last five years - hey! For that matter, ever - we can't remember it.
Tours, which last 2-1/2 to 3 hours, are limited to 25 people; from October through the end of May they are offered two or three times daily except Sunday and Monday when the gallery is closed. In high season, June through the end of September, tours are offered twice daily, Monday through Thursday and there is an evening tour Tuesdays. In high season, the gallery is closed Friday and Sunday. Advance reservations are required in all seasons. The cost is $12 per person.
For those with limited time in Napa Valley, consider visiting the di Rosa satellite gallery in the town of Napa. Called Off the Preserve!, it features exhibits that change every six weeks. 1142 Main St., town of Napa. Admission is free; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
di Rosa Preserve, call 707-226-5991 or check out www.dirosapreserve.org.
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