On October 4th, Sullivan Rutherford Estate will host an afternoon that blends wine, food, and art in the heart of Napa Valley. The centerpiece is a visit from Jacobo and María Ángeles, the Oaxacan artists whose intricate alebrijes (brightly painted wood carvings of fantastical creatures) have appeared in collections from the Smithsonian to the Vatican. Their work will shape both the day’s program and the atmosphere of the estate.
The morning begins with a private painting class led by the artists. Guests will carve and paint their own wood figure under their guidance, an experience that brings folk art traditions into direct conversation with Napa hospitality. By noon, the focus shifts to the winery lawn for a reception where attendees can meet the artists before settling into lunch.
Executive Chef Jim Leiken of Poetry Inn will prepare a seasonal multi-course menu. His cooking carries the influence of three decades in kitchens alongside Daniel Boulud, Michael Anthony, and Cindy Pawlcyn, pairing fine-dining technique with Napa ingredients. Each dish will be served with the estate’s J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, poured by Winemaker Jeff Cole and the estate team.
The partnership stretches into the glass as well. Loco Tequila will showcase a limited-edition collection created with the artists, including the Puro Corazón expression. A hand-painted format of the Founder’s Reserve Collection will also be revealed, turning the bottle itself into part of the artwork.
For Sullivan Rutherford Estate, the event reflects a broader philosophy. The winery has built its reputation on Cabernet and Merlot grown in gravelly Rutherford soils, producing wines that balance density and freshness. “Excellence is not a benchmark but a responsibility,” says General Manager Joshua Lowell. “Through this collaboration, we hope to create an unforgettable experience to share with like-minded guests.”
Tickets are limited. Reservations can be made at hospitality@sullivanwine.com, with separate inquiries for the morning painting session.