Art, Architecture (+ Wine): A Northern California Design Tour
Indulge in an unforgettable day in the heart of Sonoma County to support the Center for Architecture + Design.
The day will begin with a guided tour of the renowned Oliver Ranch. A private, 100-acre property that has been transformed into a harmonious outdoor museum. Oliver Ranch is home to an extraordinary collection of 18 site-specific installations by some of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists - including Ann Hamilton, Bruce Nauman and Richard Serra. Curated by Steve Oliver over the past 35 years, each installation is carefully woven into the natural landscape. The Ranch offers a unique exploration of contemporary art that is deeply integrated into this environment.
Following the two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of Oliver Ranch, guests will enjoy a picnic lunch and personalized wine tasting at Medlock Ames Organic Vineyard at Bell Mountain Ranch. Nestled at the intersection of Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley, the 338-acre estate is known for its commitment to sustainability, thoughtful land stewardship and modernist design approach.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Center for Architecture + Design, supporting our mission to advance public appreciation for architecture, design, and the built environment through engaging programs and exhibitions.
The Oliver Ranch tour is currently not ADA accessible, please see Oliver Ranch Tour Information for more.
Registration Options
|
Registration Options
|
Price |
|---|---|
|
Oliver Ranch Tour + Medlock Ames Lunch + Tasting
|
$260.00 |
|
Medlock Ames Lunch + Tasting
|
$185.00 |
We will meet at the Geyserville Park and Ride to be picked up by a bus which will take us up to Oliver Ranch
Address: Remmel Rd, Geyserville, CA 95441
Park, get settled and enjoy a coffee. Be sure to use the facilities at Fermata Coffee - there are no public restrooms at the ranch and the tour is aprox. 2.5 hours long.
Meet the Docents who will lead us up the hill to the Ranch. Board the bus and depart from the Park and Ride.
We will depart promptly at 9:40, we will not be able to wait for any late comers, and individual vehicles will not be permitted to enter the Ranch.
Tour begins at 10AM at Oliver Ranch. It will take around 2.5 hours.
When the Tour is completed, the bus will take us back to the Park and Ride.
1:00 PM- 4:00 PM- Lunch, Tour and Tasting at Medlock Ames Winery at Bell Mountain Ranch
For lunch, drive your own vehicle 20–25 minutes to Medlock Ames at:
13414 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg.
- From Chalk Hill, turn onto Toby Lane, a private road with one entrance.
- A mile in, turn left at the Bell Mountain sign and go through the gate.
- A second gate a few hundred feet ahead will open automatically.
- Stay left when the road splits and continue straight to the silver barn with the wooden door.
Please see the Agenda Tab for all meeting information.
- This tour is not appropriate for everyone. We do not recommend it for anyone with mobility issues. This is a 2.5 hour hike that covers 2.5 miles of rugged terrain with up and down in elevation. It can be a little strenuous in a couple of spots. Those on the tour will need to be able to hike up and down hills. Weather will also be a factor. The paths can be slippery in some areas. We recommend that anyone who goes on this tour to be able to wear hiking shoes. No sandals or heels.
- There are no public restrooms at Oliver Ranch. A restroom will be available at our meeting point before the tour
- Because of the rugged terrain and elevation variances, this tour is not handicap accessible. A plan is being worked on to change this.
- No food (e.g., boxed lunches or picnics) is permitted on Oliver Ranch. We will provide plastic water bottles but we encourage you to bring your own.
- Smoking is prohibited while on the Ranch property.
- You cannot gain access to Oliver Ranch with out a docent present so it is imperative that you arrive to the pick up spot on time to board the bus for group transport up to the Ranch.
- Still photography is allowed. Video is only allowed when Steve and/or docents are not speaking
- No pets.
Join us for the second half of the day in beautiful Healdsburg! Just a short drive from our drop off point after the Oliver Ranch tour, we will be serving a picnic lunch at Medlock Ames Winery, followed by a a tour of the vineyard, garden, winery, and barrel room with a barrel sample followed by a wine and local cheese pairing. The wine lineup features a Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, Merlot, and two Cabernet Sauvignons plus a special pour from the vineyard.
See the Agenda tab or look out for communications from the Center for arrival instructions.