I’ve been wanting to visit the stunning architecture and grounds at Clos Pegase Winery in Calistoga, Napa Valley for some time now after reading this post on “30 things to do in Napa Valley” by Jenna at her blog, This is my Happiness.
Clos Pegase is named after Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology. According to napanow.com, legend says that the birth of both wine and art happened when Pegasus’ hooves unleashed the sacred Spring of the Muses. Even without trying a drop of wine – which I plan to do next time – this winery is a stop worth making. If you go this time of year, the crowds are smaller, the colors brighter.
The winery is an example of postmodernist architecture, “which merges modern and ancient architecture with strong allusions to ancient Mediterranean themes, especially Crete.”
Mythology is at the heart of many of its pieces. Children like my daughter, who are fans of author Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series) will appreciate the art.
Gaia, Mother Earth. A sculpture by Henry Moore, one of the 2oth Century’s most well-known sculptors.
This Bacchus once graced the Italian Royal Palace in Torino, Italy. (19th Century)
You can picnic and enjoy a glass of their wine near this fountain from 17th Century Italy.
A thumbs up experience at Clos Pegase, according to the whole family.
Where are your favorite places to enjoy outdoor art?
bringing travel home 
I am smiling now because your lovely photos remind me of how much I enjoyed Clos Pegase, too. I took my kids there and we all had a great time–looks like you and your kids did, too. The colors in Napa Valley in fall are so beautiful. I love the colors in the background in the last photo!
Thanks for the mention. Have you seen the post I dedicated just to the art of Clos Pegase? http://thisismyhappiness.com/2012/04/30/clos-pegase/
thanks jenna and also for the tip and sharing your post! I was trying hard to enforce the “no climbing on fine art” rule, but it’s difficult at such an amazing place like clos pegase. I didnt realize Shrem was the same person who made the donation for the uc davis museum. how exciting!
Thumbs up! Great combination of art and winery.
Agree with Jenna about that last picture. The autumn colors kind of remind me of Japan.
emiel, I think you are due for a trip to california…
Thanks so much for letting us know about this winery. How beautiful it is! I will make a point to visit it next time I am in the area. UCLA has a wonderful sculpture garden that I was lucky enough to enjoy during my four years there. It is very close to my house and I visit whenever I can. Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes, I hope you have a chance to visit one day – I think you would enjoy it. Have a wonderful thanksgiving Sunday!
I love outdoor art! My mom used to take me to the Getty Museum in L.A., and I would say that all of my memories consist of the outside exhibitions. I’m jotting down the Clos Pegase for the next time I’m in Napa.