BEYOND THE LABEL
REFRAMING THE ART
GO BEYOND THE LABEL WITH ORIN SWIFT FOUNDER AND WINEMAKER, DAVE PHINNEY, AND EXPLORE THE ART-FILLED TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN ST. HELENA.
MAY 16 2024
BEYOND THE LABEL
MAY 16 2024
Anyone who’s followed Dave Phinney, our founder, winemaker, and all-around creative force, knows his passion for art. You can see it front and center on every bottle we produce — and on every wall in our new tasting room. But there is one artwork that uniquely brings together Dave’s ability to create, collect, and connect.
At first glance, the two-by-two grid of oversized shadow box frames that fill the wall opposite the bar are hard to make out. The objects that appear to float in the generous white space are striking in contrast. One single charred-black leaf creates a visual rhythm across the set, while the small, organic differences draw you in to look a little closer.
What you won’t be able to see is the impact these leaves have had in the Napa Valley community.
After the Glass Fires of 2020 blazed over the rolling hills, it was clear the damage was significant. People’s homes, work, memories, and lives were all impacted. Thankfully, the Napa Valley vineyards act as fireblocks, limiting the speed and sprawl of the fire. As Dave walked through his backyard, he felt the crunch of burnt leaves underfoot. He collected those leaves and framed them in his home – they are now preserved as a reminder behind glass in our Tasting Room, and as a gift to the community on the glass of each bottle of Burnt Sacrifice.
The wine, Burnt Sacrifice, was created to support the Napa Valley Community Foundation, a group vital to helping people in the aftermath of the fire. Each year, and with every bottle, we are able to show our pride and commitment to being part of the resilient community that works and lives in Napa Valley.
Some art is powerful because of what it allows you to see, some because of the impact it creates, and some because of how it makes you feel. The power of Burnt Sacrifice is it in doing all three.
Experience the artwork at our Napa Valley Tasting Room, or show your support by enjoying a bottle of Burnt Sacrifice.
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