The Donum Estate
Where Art and Wine Find Perfect Harmony
Nestled in the rolling hills of Carneros, The Donum Estate is a place where the land, the vine, and artistic vision converge to create an experience that transcends traditional wine tasting. This 200-acre estate, founded in 2001, has become a benchmark for single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while also serving as a destination where contemporary art meets agricultural excellence.
The philosophy at Donum is deeply rooted in expressing the purest form of terroir. With organic and biodynamic farming practices, the estate nurtures each vine to showcase its intrinsic character. Winemaker Dan Fishman, who has been with Donum since 2012, takes a meticulous, hands-off approach, allowing the vineyard sites—from Carneros to the Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley—to speak for themselves. The result is a collection of wines that are vibrant, nuanced, and deeply expressive.
Pinot Noir is the heart of Donum’s production, with each bottling offering a snapshot of its distinct origin. The Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, for example, exudes dark cherry and earthy spice, while the Russian River Valley counterpart is plush with notes of ripe berries and velvety tannins. The Chardonnay program is equally compelling, showcasing precision, texture, and a balance of richness and minerality that makes each glass an exploration of place.
An Open-Air Museum Among the Vines
Beyond the world-class wines, The Donum Estate is known for its extraordinary outdoor art collection. Founded by Allan and Mei Warburg, the estate has grown into one of the most significant private sculpture parks in the world, featuring over 50 large-scale installations from renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, and Anselm Kiefer.
Each piece is carefully integrated into the landscape, creating a seamless dialogue between nature and art. Visitors strolling through the vineyards might find themselves standing before Ai Weiwei’s "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads" or gazing upon a reflective Kusama pumpkin amidst rolling hills. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and thought-provoking sculpture turns a visit to Donum into an immersive experience where each sip of wine becomes part of a larger sensory journey.
Plan Your Visit
A visit to Donum is not just about tasting wine—it’s about engaging with the land, the art, and the ethos that binds them together. The estate offers curated experiences that range from private tastings to immersive art and vineyard tours, allowing guests to explore the full breadth of what Donum has to offer.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Donum’s wines are a must-have, not just for their extraordinary quality but also for the story they tell—one of passion, patience, and place. Whether you come for the wine, the art, or both, The Donum Estate offers a moment of reflection, inspiration, and appreciation for the boundless intersections between nature and creativity.
