2009 marks the third consecutive year that I'm photographing Auction Napa Valley festivities for the Napa Valley Vintners. Sweet, I know!
But it’s not all fun and games; it’s serious business with many facets – much planning and high expectations for my results. After all, these photos will be used throughout the following year and beyond to promote the auction in publications around the globe – from the Wine Spectator and other wine publications, to the LA Times, NY Times and other cities with Times newspapers, and other US, Danish or Japanese glossy magazines. Heck, this year, my previous year’s photos were made into a video and played in NYC cabs for weeks!
Shooting the Auction is a multi-day affair, which entails visiting some of the most spectacular private and winery properties in Napa Valley for elaborate parties, fetes and shindigs. It’s grueling work mingling with fine folks from around the world and valley whilst practicing the craft I love. Occasionally, I even have to sample delectable treats and fine wine! It’s really quite hard.
Okay, okay… you got me… I LOVE IT!!! And I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year’s Auction Napa Valley.
I’ll post my fave photos as the festivities unfold.
Enjoy!
The Half-Bottle Party
So Auction Napa Valley week begins as it does every year - unofficially - with the annual Half-Bottle Party held at Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena. What happens at a Half-Bottle Party? Well... wine tasting, of course. It IS Napa Valley! Who can attend? Anyone with a half-bottle of wine to share.
Only have a big bottle to share? Drink half at home and bring the rest to the party! That's what the rules state.
The Half-Bottle Party tradition started as a snub to the exclusive Wine Spectator Magnum Party that takes place later that day at Tra Vigne Restaurant in St. Helena. It's setting is a tad more posh and only the biggest whosie whos attend by invite only. As the name suggests, they drink from magnums.
Guess size does matter to some...
View the slideshow below or view them at WineCountryPictures.com
