By Alexandra Russell
If you’re looking for a wine experience that elevates the palate, the heart and the mind, The Donum Estate should be on your list. Tucked away in the Sonoma portion of the Carneros AVA, this 200-acre property showcases natural beauty, regenerative organically farmed and certified by ROA and California Certified Organic Farmers, 
alongside an impressive collection of large-scale sculptures and art. We’re welcomed with a light, refreshing rosé of pinot noir, which we sip as we learn about the history of the estate.
Founded in 2001 as a premier vineyard site, Donum was acquired in 2011 by Allan and Mei Warburg. As the couple developed the property, they embraced the opportunity to share their love of contemporary art with their patrons. Today, the grounds include more than 60 monumental works, more than one-third of which are site-specific commissions.
Art forward
Our Discover experience, a communal wine and food pairing with walking tour ($150), takes us across the grounds at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to learn about each piece we encounter. This evolving collection brings together a global community of artists, including works from leading practitioners from 18 nations and across six continents.
Art-savvy readers will recognize names such as Ai Weiwei, Yue Minjun, Jaume Plesna, Doug Aitken, Keith Haring and Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, all of whom (among many others) are represented on the Donum property. (You can view an interactive map of all pieces at thedonumestate.com/art.) Taken as a whole, the collection expresses a sense of place and the important connection between art, nature and the human hand. Being up close to such mastery—and guided by our expert host, Mikhail, who was well-versed on each piece—was moving and inspirational.
Elevated tastings
Later, comfortably ensconced in an intimate tasting room, we settle in for wine tasting. Two chardonnays and two pinot noirs, all but one from the 2021 vintage, are each matched with a small bite, made with ingredients sourced from the onsite organic garden (the menu changes twice per season). It’s a lovely way to showcase the terroir and technique that differentiate each wine.
First up, a Carneros chardonnay, aged 16 months in 30% French oak, is a leaner take on the variety—bright and fresh, with crisp apple, pear and bright acidity. Refreshing on its own, it’s well-matched to a Spanish style gazpacho. In contrast, a Russian River Valley
chardonnay is rounder and softer, closer to California style but still not super buttery. This welcoming wine dances with a surprisingly seasoned squash puree.
Moving on to pinots, we again start with a lighter presentation. The 2020 Three Hills Pinot Noir is sourced from hillside vineyards; the cooler climate and elevation produces fruit that’s bright and herbaceous. Its underlying sweetness matches a fresh corn and leek puree (atop a confit potato).
Finally, the hearty, meaty Home Ranch pinot showcases darker fruit, spice and undertones of smokiness. This richer red teams with an eggplant, sesame seed, basil and bacon bite for the best pairing of the day.
I’m not surprised by the artistry that’s greeted us with these sips and bites. It’s clear The Donum Estate takes pride in sharing the beauty of its bounty and art’s ability to uplift and unite.
Did You Know?
Hyperspace, the Donum Estate’s newest installation, debuted in July 2024 with a live performance by artist Yang Bao. The sculpture entails nine strategically placed geometric and reflective monoliths surrounding a golden pyramid (which itself houses nine additional monoliths). Speakers inside each broadcast Bao’s site-specific composition. Altogether, Hyperspace seamlessly melds with the ebb and flow of wind, light, seasonal environment and natural movement to create a dynamic soundscape and monument that celebrates the beauty of the property as well as its own communion with the landscape.
The Donum Estate
24500 Ramal Road
Sonoma CA 95476
Carneros Experience
This 60-minute experience starts with a splash of one of Donum’s award-winning wines, then visitors are invited to taste pinot noir and chardonnay from the Carneros Estate Vineyard while enjoying a guided walking tour of culinary garden and private, open-air sculpture collection. Tour concludes in newest tasting venue, Vertical Panorama Pavilion.
Monday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m.; one hour, $100 per person.
Discover Experience
The experience begins with a splash of one of the estate’s award-winning wines, followed by a guided walking tour of the open-air art sculpture collection, working farm and picturesque landscape. After the tour, a tasting features seasonal wines, based on availability, from the estate vineyards. Enjoy a selection of carefully paired canapés made with fresh ingredients from estate gardens.
Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; 90 minutes, $150 per person.
Explore Experience
The experience begins with a splash of one of the estate’s award-winning wines, followed by a guided all-terrain vehicle tour of the expansive art collection, working farm and surrounding vineyards. After the tour guests will enjoy a private tasting of seasonal, estate wines, paired with chef-prepared small plates featuring estate-sourced ingredients.
Wednesday to Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; two hours, $250 per person.
Culinary Experience
The experience begins with a splash of rosé and includes a guided walking tour of our Estate culinary and sensory gardens, as well as a delicious two-course lunch menu showcasing seasonal, Estate-sourced produce, paired with four carefully selected Estate wines. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure at The Donum Estate.
Twice a month, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for parties of two to 12; two-and-a-half hours, $299 per person.
