Drink Wine, See Art: The Winery Galleries of Napa Valley

NAPA VALLEY-Visitors can get a double dose of Wine Country culture at some of the many local wineries offering a museum-quality art with your pour. As avid collectors, many of Napa Valley's winery owners have put incredible personal collections of sculpture, fabric arts and paintings on public display in tasting rooms, caves and throughout their vineyards. Usually available for perusal at no charge, these unlikely galleries have some of the most impressive modern and regional art around. Lucky you. Here are some favorites:

Clos Pegase

This is the winery that Michael Graves built. Throughout the grounds, modern art (a giant thumb, anyone?) mingles with ancient fountains and tapestries. Though there is no formal gallery open to the public, the grounds offer plenty of pleasant sculptures on which to balance a wine glass or just sit and ponder thoughtfully. Plus, the Cabernet Sauvignon isn't half bad.

The Details: Not recommended for kids or pets. No charge for viewing the art, though there is a small tasting fee, if you're wine tasting. Notable: The winery was built by architectural giant Michael Graves. 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, California.

COPIA

Though it isn't technically a winery, plenty of wine can be tasted at COPIA while wandering the halls of Napa's most unique museum/restaurant/gallery/exhibition hall. Art tends to veer toward the highly modern—including installations made entirely of cheese curls, sardine cans and bottle caps. Prepare to be amazed, confused, intrigued and, if nothing else, gastronomically amused. The Wine Spectator Tasting table is open from 11am to 4pm daily.

The Details: COPIA has plenty to interest older children, though younger kids might prefer to stroll through the culinary gardens or have a sandwich in the bistro. No pets allowed. January through March, COPIA has suspended its admission fee, call ahead for details on regular admission. Notable: Inside, Julia's Kitchen restaurant is a highly regarded Napa institution. 500 First Street, Napa, California.

Hess Collection

Owner Donald Hess has been collecting contemporary works of art for more than 30 years, much of which is now housed in the winery. Curious bronze statues greet visitors on arrival, while objets d'art like a flaming typewriter and eerie photorealistic paintings by Franz Gertsch await visitors inside.

The Details: Though older kids might get a kick out of the flaming typewriter and contemporary art, younger tots will be better entertained in the courtyard where there is a large pond and abstract artwork to amuse them. No pets. There is no charge for the self-guided tour of the art collection. $10 fee for wine tasting (optional). 4411 Redwood Road, Napa, California.

Mondavi Winery

Beginning in March 2006, Margrit Biever Mondavi (Mrs. Mondavi to you) will personally lead the first of five bi-monthly tours of the winery's stellar art collection. The first tour, focused on San Francisco artist Beniamino Bufano (who created the towering Bufano Saint Francis that stands at the winery's entrance) will include personal anecdotes about the artist

The Details: These special guided tours are $50 per person and are offered March 6, May 8, July 10, Sept. 11 and Nov. 12, 2006. Visitors can see much of the collection, however, without charge during the winery's public hours from 10am to 5pm. Tasting fee. Kids and pets not recommended. Highway 29, Oakville, California.

Mumm Napa Valley

Photography is the name of the game at Mumm, with permanent and visiting exhibitions open to visitors. Most recently, the winery hosted a Legends of Rock showing with incredible candid shots of Janice Joplin, Bono and many others posing at their rock 'n roll best. The permanent exhibit includes rarely seen images from photo-great Ansel Adams. While you're there, don't miss a taste of Santana's DVX bubbly.

The Details: Tours of the winery, including the photography exhibits, are free, but require a reservation in advance. Kids and pets not recommended. Notable: Tastings, which range from $10 to $25 are sit-down service, an a wonderful way to start or end your day. Mumm has one of the most spectacular views overlooking the vineyards in the valley. 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, California.

St. Supery

This Napa Valley winery offers a rotating selection of local and international artists in its gallery. Through March, the winery hosts a selection of art from the Mustard Festival.

The details: The gallery is open to visitors at no charge. Kids and pets not recommended. 8440 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, California.