Editor’s note: Rene di Rosa passed away on October 3, 2010.

Having made his fortune growing some of Napa Valley’s most sought-after grapes, Rene di Rosa transformed his Napa Valley property into an art preserve devoted solely to Bay Area art. Spark traveled along with di Rosa as he scouted galleries and studios, seeking out artists and artworks that appealed to his eclectic tastes.

Rene di Rosa was born in Boston in 1919. After graduating from Yale University and serving in the Navy, di Rosa moved to France, where he started collecting art. Today, the collection of di Rosa and his late wife, Veronica, consists of more than 2,000 works of art by more than 750 contemporary Bay Area artists.

In 1960, di Rosa purchased 460 acres in Carneros Valley near Napa. A portion of this land has been established as the di Rosa Preserve to house his art collection and serve as a wildlife refuge. The preserve includes three large galleries and a sculpture meadow that are open to the public. Migratory birds, vineyards, ancient olive trees, a 35-acre lake, a 130-year old stone winery and an extraordinary art collection amassed throughout the last four decades makes the di Rosa Preserve an unparalleled haven where art and nature share the landscape.

Reservations are required.

From the di Rosa Web site:
The art on display may not be age appropriate for all groups. Children must be under adult supervision at all times.

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