Pascale Marthine Tayou Interprets the 2022 Vintage “La Determinazione”

For the 17th edition of its celebrated Vendemmia d’Artista project, the Tuscan estate Ornellaia has partnered with renowned Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou to interpret the character of the 2022 vintage, aptly named “La Determinazione” (Determination). This unique initiative continues to unite contemporary art and fine winemaking while championing cultural philanthropy.

From June 12 to 24, 2025, Bonhams will host an online auction featuring fourteen rare large-format bottles of Ornellaia 2022, each adorned with Tayou’s original works. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, supporting the conservation of key artworks for the upcoming exhibition “Collection in Focus: Modern European Currents”, opening on July 15, 2025, at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Art Inspired by Nature and Resilience

Pascale Marthine Tayou drew inspiration from the life cycle of a plant—from seed to full bloom—mirroring the persistence and strength required to flourish in adverse conditions. Known for his vibrant, material-rich practice, Tayou crafted a colorful, concentric circle design for the 750 ml bottles, symbolizing the dynamic energy created by unity and diversity.

The Double Magnums feature photographs of desert plants sprouting through cracked soil—each label unique, capturing a distinct stage of growth as a metaphor for determination. The 10 Imperials (6 liters) and the one-of-a-kind Salmanazar (9 liters) are transformed into sculptural pieces, wrapped in colorful, hand-sewn patchworks of recycled fabric, each crafted by the artist to embody resilience and transformation.

“I looked deep within myself for imagery connected to a plant’s life cycle,” Tayou explains. “For example, I saw a plant growing through stone, managing to bloom. That plant became a symbol of what I was trying to express. Determination is a form of courage and commitment—it’s about how nature and humans adapt, resist, and persist.”

A Vintage Forged by Extremes

The 2022 vintage was shaped by an unusually dry and hot climate, the driest in the past four years. Rain arrived late in August and September, balancing the intense growing conditions. The result is a low-yield but highly concentrated vintage, requiring meticulous work in the vineyard and winery. “This vintage stands out for its precision, structure, and vibrancy,” notes Marco Balsimelli, Technical Director. “We incorporated a higher percentage of Petit Verdot than usual to reflect the vintage’s energy and structure.”

Art, Wine, and Philanthropy Intertwined

Since 2006, Vendemmia d’Artista has invited contemporary artists to interpret each Ornellaia vintage through site-specific artworks and limited-edition bottle designs. These large-format bottles (Double Magnums, Imperials, and the Salmanazar) are signed by the artist and auctioned, with proceeds donated to support arts institutions worldwide.

Ornellaia’s long-standing partnership with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, now in its seventh year, continues to promote access to art while supporting critical conservation efforts. As Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of the Frescobaldi Group, shares:

“Pascale Marthine Tayou’s interpretation of ‘La Determinazione’ moved me deeply. His art shows us that courage and resilience can bring us joy. His vision resonates with our world of wine, where the bond between humans and nature is at the heart of everything we do.”

Auction Details:

• Where: www.bonhams.com/ornellaia

• When: June 12–24, 2025, closing at 8:00 PM CET

• Exhibition supported: Collection in Focus: Modern European Currents, opening July 15, 2025, Guggenheim Museum, New York

With “La Determinazione,” Ornellaia once again affirms its commitment to creativity, excellence, and cultural enrichment—demonstrating how fine wine can become a catalyst for artistic expression and global impact.