The Inspiration Behind Artiste

For Bion Rice, winemaking was more than a family tradition—it was a way to merge two of his greatest passions: wine and art. Growing up immersed in the craft, Bion’s curiosity for blending wines took root early on, fueled by his creative drive. In 2002, he founded Artiste Winery, where he introduced the concept of “Art Inspired Wines,” blending his love for the arts with winemaking in a unique and innovative way.

Meet Bion Rice – Owner and Winemaker

As a fifth-generation winemaker, Bion Rice carries a rich family legacy. His great-great-grandfather worked as a grape grower for renowned Napa Valley wineries in the late 1800s. Bion grew up hearing stories from his grandfather, who fondly recalled his childhood days spent picking grapes on the family’s vineyard. When Bion’s family planted their own 25-acre vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1990, that legacy continued to flourish.

After years of hands-on experience in the cellar and formal enology training under acclaimed winemaker Daniel Gehrs, Bion was ready to make his mark. In 1997, he produced his first vintage as Head Winemaker at Sunstone Vineyard and Winery in Santa Ynez. But Bion’s vision didn’t stop there—he wanted to blend his artistic side with winemaking. His college background in art and filmmaking inspired him to experiment, and in 1999, he created his first Artiste wine, featuring the artwork of James-Paul Brown on the label. This sparked the idea that would eventually become Artiste Winery.

The Opening of Artiste’s Tasting Studio

In 2003, Artiste’s “Tasting Studio” opened its doors, quickly becoming a favorite among wine lovers with an appreciation for the arts. It wasn’t just a place to taste wine; it was an immersive experience. Visitors could paint on large easels, sketch in art journals, and even take part in wine blending classes. It was where art and wine truly came together.

At the heart of Artiste is Bion’s innovative approach to blending wine. His "Art Inspired Wines" are crafted in response to the emotional and sensory impact of artwork. For Bion, each blend is a translation of a visual experience into a sensory one, creating wines that evoke feelings and memories through their aromas, flavors, and textures. Every wine is treated as a limited-edition masterpiece, never to be replicated, ensuring that each bottle is as unique as the artwork that inspired it.

wine corks and glass - Pixabay