Bella Union Winery’s Artist-In-Residence Program Draws Creative Spirits

It takes courage to open a new winery tasting room during a downturn in U.S. wine sales, but that is what Bella Union winery in Napa Valley did in the autumn of 2024. And the bet paid off, because since its grand opening, a steady stream of visitors has poured into the winery to enjoy their wide variety of wine offerings, the beautiful architecture and interior design, and the expansive outdoor patio where you can watch the sunset.

“We have welcomed more than 10,000 visitors since opening last September, including Wine Club members and guests attending events that celebrated our new space. It’s been a tremendous first year with a very positive response to what we’ve created at Bella Union,” stated Kate McManus, Vice President of Marketing at Far Niente Wine Estates, told me in an online interview.

Bella Union is the newest winery opened by the House of Far Niente. Their other Napa Valley wineries include Nickel & Nickel and the original Far Niente, all located just off the famous Highway 29 Route.

Part of the appeal of Bella Union is its eight (8) unique tasting experiences, ranging from the fun and casual Taste of Bella Tasting that includes 3 wines and small snacks for only $45 per person (a bargain in Napa Valley, where the average tasting fee is $85 per person) to a special Bella Moments Proposal Package, where someone can ‘pop the question’ in the glorious Jewel Box room.

“We’re seeing a mix of guests — including a younger audience — drawn to the $45 tasting and our relaxed patio setting,” continued McManus. “The tasting options are designed for flexibility, whether someone wants to stop in for a quick introduction to the wines or enjoy a more in-depth experience.”

But probably one of the most unique experiences is the Bella Union Salon Series, where once a quarter, visitors can meet the latest Bella Union Artist in Residence. This experience includes a tour of the winery to view the latest art installations, as well as a mini-lecture and conversation, all while enjoying Bella Union wines and light appetizers.

Bella Union’s Artist in Residence Program and Salon Series

The Artist in Residence Program was the brainchild of Proprietress Beth Nickel, who has always had a strong passion and commitment to the arts. With this in mind, the Bella Union team decided to invite one artist to spend the year learning about the artistry of winemaking and the Mexican cultural contributions to viticulture in Northern California.

At the end of the year, the artist is commissioned to create a body of work to reflect the spirit of Bella Union and their personal experience. In addition, they are encouraged to bring other pieces of art from their collection to be featured in the winery to assist the artist in making sales.

Harold Mendez was the artist selected for the inaugural residency program, and I was invited to attend one of the Salons where he was featured. Beth Nickel was in attendance, and she described the importance of the program in a very eloquent manner.

“I have always been inspired by the Hispanic workers who came to pick the grapes and did all the hard work in the cellar, and therefore we want to honor them by ensuring that Hispanic artists are included in our residency program,” Nickel stated.

She added, “As our first artist in residence, Harold Mendez brings depth, vision, and reverence for both environment and culture. His works will foster connection—between guests, the land, and the traditions that make Napa Valley extraordinary.”

A Tour And Conversation With Artist, Harold Mendez

Harold Mendez is a Los Angeles-based artist whose work focuses on the reconstruction of place and identity. As a first-generation American of Mexican-Colombian descent and recipient of the 2024 Guggenheim Fellowship Award, Harold was excited to come to Bella Union and learn more about the winemaking process and culture of Napa Valley.

I was able to interview Harold after the tour he provided of his artwork spread throughout the many rooms of the Bella Union visitors’ center. The collection was amazing due to the different types of art that he creates.

“I am an artist of mixed media and do everything from porcelain to large canvases and sculpture,” Mendez stated. “The main purpose of my art is to reflect a sense of place, so the process of being here at the winery and learning about winemaking has been fascinating.”

Harold described how he became enthralled with the color and texture of the lees in winemaking, which is the leftover sediment after fermentation. It is composed of grape seeds, dead yeast, and grape skin fragments, and is a beautiful maroon color with red wines and a mustard-brown color with white wines.

“The main purpose of my art is to reflect a sense of place, so the process of being here at Bella Union winery and learning about winemaking has been fascinating.”

Because of this fascination with wine lees, Harold decided to incorporate it in the large painting he produced for his commissioned piece of art. Therefore, he asked Bella Union to ship some of the red lees to his studio in Los Angeles.

“Bella Union sent me a gallon of lees via UPS, but it started fermenting again and exploded in the van. Therefore, I had to ask a friend if they could drive down a second gallon to use for my painting,” Mendez explained.

The end result is a stunning textured landscape canvas measuring 10 feet long and 27 inches high. Titled, A Moment’s Notice, it represents the timing of the grape harvest and the harmonious flow of the land. The landscape includes bright splashes of the red wine lees, and integrates reclaimed Bella Union copper, marbled cork and silver leaf. From a distance, it resembles a red sun setting over the hilltops of Napa Valley (see painting above in photo with Harold Mendez).

“I was immediately drawn to the rhythms of Bella Union and its abundant landscape, where the environment is beautifully represented through its wine,” reported Mendez. “The materials I’ve worked with are all in conversation with this place, carrying its history.”

Tasting the Wines of Bella Union

During his residency, Harold had the chance to work side by side with Bella Union winemaker, Brooke Bobyak Price, and her team.

“I definitely have developed a better palate for wine during the past year,” Mendez smiled.

Bella Union is especially known for its unique and creative wine blends, including both white and red blends. However, being located in the center of Napa Valley, they also make exceptional cabernet sauvignons, along with chardonnay, rosé, and sparkling wine.

At the Salon, guests were served four of the specialty blend wines along with light snacks. The following are some of my tasting notes:

2022 Bella Union Bianco ($45): A crowd favorite, this wine was a blend of six different white grapes, including 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon, 7% Viognier, 7% Marsanne, 2% Muscat Canelli, and 2% Roussanne. It tasted like summertime, with bright peach, citrus, orange blossom and honey, but with a vibrant and refreshing finish.

2023 Bella Union Melange ($50): a bigger, more sophisticated white blend made from 53% Roussanne and 47% Marsanne, with notes of stone fruit, almonds, lemon zest, and a hint of oak. Rounder and fuller in style, and a perfect match for creamy cheese, grilled fish, and poultry.

2023 Bella Union Cultivist ($120): a classic Napa Valley Bordeaux blend made of Merlot (30%), Malbec (27%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Cabernet Franc (16%), and Petit Verdot (4%). Aged in 60% new French oak, this wine tasted of blackberries, plum, spice, cedar, and a touch of vanilla with velvety tannins and a long finish. Very approachable and enjoyable to drink now.

2022 Bella Union La Gemma ($120) – a Cabernet Sauvignon dominate red blend, this wine was more structured with rich black currant, earth and tobacco. Quite complex with concluding flavors of cocoa and espresso on the very long, textured finish. Ready to drink now, but will age beautifully. Pairs well with grilled meats or portobello mushrooms.

The Next Bella Union Artist In Residence

The Artist in Residence and Salon programs were so successful during the first year that Bella Union employees are getting ready to welcome the next artist to join them in the ‘art’ of winemaking.

“The Artist in Residence series has become an integral part of the Bella Union Winery experience, serving as a highlight of our immersive tasting offerings. We recently concluded our inaugural year with artist Harold Mendez and are now looking ahead to welcoming Eduardo Sarabia this fall as we enter the second year of the program,” announced Kate McManus.”

Based in Guadalajara, Sarabia is known for his multidisciplinary style, where he incorporates ceramics, hand-woven textiles, and glass. Sarabia’s work will be on display at Bella Union starting on November 7, 2025, and will be featured through Fall 2026. He will also be speaking at several Artist Salon experiences.