Below are a few images from a shoot at ​one of my favorite wineries, ​Chateau Montelena​.​  Montelena ​and it’s owner, Jim Barrett​​, are ​known​ worldwide.   They make a variety of incredible reds and whites and the property has an extensive history. ​ ​Barrett, with the help of Steven Spurrier, owner and founder of then Academie du Vin in Paris, played key roles in bringing a new generation of California wines that could stand up to France’s finest. ​ Ch​ateau ​Montelena​’s ​1973 Chardonnay won first place in the “Judgment of Paris” wine competition.   ​The four winning wines were Chateau Montelena ’73 from Napa, French Meursault-Charmes ’73, Chlaone ’74 Monterey County, California and Napa’s Spring Mountain ’73. ​A fictionalized version of Chateau Montelena’s victory was featured in the 2008 film Bottle Shock ​, which I suggest watching if you enjoying learning about wine.​ T​he historic win at the Judgement of Paris clearly called attention to the lesser known and valued California wine industry and firmly planted Napa Valley on the map.  If you happen to be in the Calistoga area, Chateau Montelena is well worth the trip.