Art and Nature Intertwined in Private Vineyard Collections
Private art collections associated with family vineyards are home to some of the most unique site-specific works of art in the world. These collections often blend seamlessly with the natural landscapes that vineyards provide, offering a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond traditional museum settings. From the diRosa Center for Contemporary Art in Northern California to The Donum Estate and Estancia Colomé in Argentina, vineyards serve as both a backdrop and a canvas for artistic expression. The open spaces and immersive environments allow visitors to engage with art in a way that is deeply connected to nature, the production process, and the culture of winemaking.
During a recent trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to visit Castello di Ama, a winery located in the Tuscany region. Known for its art collection, the winery attracted me with images of works by artists like Jenny Holzer and Hiroshi Sugimoto. My travel companion and I joined a wine tour and tasting, hoping to catch a glimpse of the artworks on display.
While the primary focus of the tour was on the wine production process, we were still able to encounter several pieces of art throughout the vineyard. Some installations were subtle, such as handwritten haiku etched onto the lids of barrels placed around the facility. Others were more striking, like a piece found in the near-total darkness of the wine cellar. One particularly notable work was a series of blown glass decanters suspended from the ceiling of the wine vault. Designed by artist Chen Zhen, these sculptural vessels resemble the internal organs of the human body, creating an intriguing juxtaposition between art and the natural elements of the vineyard.
Art in Unconventional Spaces
The experience of encountering art in a non-traditional setting like Castello di Ama requires a sense of curiosity and adventure. Some artworks are placed in plain sight, such as Cristina Iglesias’Towards the Groundor Daniel Buren’sSulle Vigne: Punti di Visti, which are installed in a courtyard and sweeping viewpoints. These pieces invite visitors to interact with their surroundings and appreciate how the environment enhances the art.
Other works, however, require a bit more exploration. For example, Hiroshi Sugimoto’sConfession of Zeroand Anish Kapoor’sαἷμαare situated inside ancient chapels. To fully appreciate these pieces, visitors must step beyond the obvious, looking behind doors or past altars. The reward for this effort is immense—Sugimoto’s sculpture evokes the delicate formations of caves, while Kapoor’s luminous red void resembles a fiery portal to another realm.
A Hidden Treasure
One of the standout pieces at Castello di Ama is Jenny Holzer’sPer Ama, a manmade pond surrounded by helichrysum, a fragrant aromatic shrub known for its use in perfumes and candles sold at the vineyard’s gift shop. The scent of the plant transforms the environment before visitors even reach the artwork itself. Holzer’s signature use of text appears in the form of poems engraved onto stones, one placed near the shore of the pond and the other hidden among the wild mint growing nearby.
My travel companion and I were determined to find the Jenny Holzer installation, even going so far as to hike into the vineyards without a guide. However, we soon realized the importance of respecting the land and the care taken by our Italian hosts. After a large sale of wine to tourists from Fresno, our guide and her colleague offered to lead us to the site. As we arrived, the beauty of the setting and the poetic message of the artwork left us in awe.
A Unique Experience
Visiting Castello di Ama is more than just a wine tour—it’s an immersive journey through art, nature, and history. Each piece in the collection adds a new layer of meaning to the experience, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. The combination of stunning landscapes, thought-provoking installations, and the rich cultural heritage of the vineyard creates a truly unforgettable experience.
