Saturday, September 28, 2013

Harvest is underway!
Since childhood, I have always had a fondness for Fall. Growing up in Northern California can't compare to the harsh differences that our East Coasters get with their 4seasons, yet here in Wine Country we have learned to sense the seasons approaching by more subtle shifts in things other than weather.. tourist influx, the smell of oak burning, neighbors wrapping their avocado trees... 
We aren't picking grapes just yet, but I am looking forward to a Season of Harvest photos with friends this year.
In the meantime, we are busy shooting wine bottles!
Our latest project for the Buoncristiani Wine Company, to shoot their white wines, is the first of many bottles this season.
The Buoncristiani's have recently launched their cave tasting room with the Vintner's Collective, and it's definitely worth checking out!





Friday, June 28, 2013

Roma & Tom

Napa is a beautiful place.

Weddings are a beautiful thing.

Last weekend was a reminder of why I love what I do!
Roma & Tom asked me to be part of their nuptials at the Carneros Inn in Napa, and after meeting Roma and Tom over a glass of champagne during the Kentucky Derby weekend in May, I was happy to be in the saddle for June!
The Ceremony and Party to follow was a beautiful sample of Love and Family and friendship, and I was honored to be tasked to manage the memories.

Tom & Roma Steffanci own a wine label in the Napa Valley named BOYANCI
I have to admit, I already cracked their bottle of Cab (Wedding Guest gift), and it was top-notch! check it out.


Thank You Roma & Tom, may you celebrate your 50th in June of 2063, under a framed photo from a spectacular day!








Thursday, May 16, 2013



The two hour drive East from Panama City, to the DariƩn gap, with my Sister's husband, Juan.
Juan is in the exotic hardwood business, and he's brought me along to experience a day-in-the-life of a Tree Farmer. We set off at 6AM to visit his Teak Farm, meet the indigenous peoples, sample the road-side fare, and time permitting search for wild cacao.
Rule #1, bring your passport. Colombia borders Panama to the East, and so it goes without saying that being an American, traveling with my Canadian brother-in-law and his Mexican associate, we were going to be spending some time being profiled at checkpoints.
Rule #2, bring your camera.
Rule #3, drink water.





One of the many decorated commuter buses.. Panama's version of the "art car".. This one dedicated to "El Patron".

Juan sees the Forest for the Teak

Hitching a ride behind a Toyota "HiLux".. the breeze feels great.

A herd of Brahman going against traffic

A local deep in the forest with his pets

Children of the Forest

We witness a spider wrap a cricket in a matter of seconds

Juan shows me the seed pod of the Panama Tree. The National Tree of Panama.

We ask a Village girl to climb a tree in search of Cacao pods

Juan prepares to catch falling children

Success!