We have always felt that art and wine are a natural pairing as winemaking itself is a creative endeavor. Our very first label was designed by a local artist to represent the Valley’s wheat fields. Our founders, Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small, have been supportive of our regional arts communities for decades, from being patrons of local artists to volunteering for local arts organizations. This passion has carried through to the next generation by celebrating the confluence of art, wine, and music with supporting and participating in the Blood of Gods Annual Merrymaking.
The family’s love for art inspired Rick and Darcey to create the Artist Series label back in 1992. The label for this wine changes every year with a different West Coast artist featured with each vintage. The Small family works together to choose the artist and the artwork for the different labels, with Jordan Small and Sager Small as the next generation now taking the lead in this process. Getting to work with all the different artists has been extremely rewarding. Each artist and each piece of art is so unique, and the connections between the winery family and various artists have been deeply meaningful. The 2022 vintage to be released in 2025 will celebrate the 30th anniversary of this wine and its featured artists.
For the Artist Series labels, Woodward Canyon purchases each piece of original artwork, and many of the pieces are on display in our Tasting Room and Reserve House for customers to view, and the wine is available for tasting. There are also several sculptures and other works of art throughout the property. We invite guests to come enjoy and explore our legacy of art and creativity!
