By Leslie Sbrocco–
Looking for an exceptional place to visit in Wine Country? I have just the spot: The Donum Estate. Donum is the Latin word for “gift,” and a visit to the property is just that. It’s a winery that invites visitors to use all their senses to experience a magical world of wine, nature, and art.
Situated in the lush Carneros area between Sonoma and Napa straddling the San Pablo Bay, The Donum Estate is tucked away along a winding road. You’ll know you’ve reached the destination when suddenly greeted by breathtaking outdoor sculptures.
The Donum Collection has become an international destination for lovers and creators of sculpture. As one of the world’s largest accessible private sculpture collections with nearly 60 pieces—many commissioned for specific sites on the property—it’s unlike any winery I’ve ever visited. Works from famed artists/sculptors such as Keith Haring, Fernando Botero, and Richard Hudson grace the 200-acre estate.
Not only are the sculptures stunning, but also the land itself is held in the highest regard by the family-owned winery. Donum’s reverence for nature, the soil, the vines, and ultimately, the wines, shines through in the glass reflecting Donum’s commitment to regenerative farming practices and low-intervention winemaking. When visiting, there are multiple experiences to choose from including sculpture tours, wine tastings, and fabulous chef-prepared food and wine pairings (reservations required).
Their wines, too, are as elegant and artistic as the place itself. As a winery that specializes in pinot noir and chardonnay, they make multiple versions, but I recommend starting your Donum journey with their flagship Carneros bottlings:
The Donum “Carneros Estate” Pinot Noir ($95) is a beauty expressing floral, red berry aromatics with a medium bodied, silky texture. A touch of spice lingers on the finish showcasing the depth of the wine. Decant and drink now alongside roast pork loin or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
The Donum “Carneros Estate” Chardonnay ($75) is one of the best California chardonnays I’ve tasted in years. With laser-like purity of fruit that complements balanced freshness and a kiss of French oak complexity, it’s truly a gift to drink. It is delicious now, but will age for years.
https://www.thedonumestate.com
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”
Sbrocco Sips
Published on October 17, 2024
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