Wine Barrels – Alexander Rubin | Napa Valley Photographer

Tuscany Italy

In May I did a shoot for Branca International in Tuscany, Italy. Branca International is the maker of Fernet Branca, which many of you foodies out there have sipped on after a delicious meal. Villa Branca is in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Region. Branca makes Chianti Classico and hearty Tuscan Olive Oil. The Villa’s history is long by american standards- the cellar dates back to the 1300’s and was previously owned by the Medici family! The vineyards and wine cellar are just spectacular. I had am amazing time working with the winemaking and management team of Stefano and Anna Serbakova. So in addition to an incredible photo shoot, I gained new friendship that day in Tuscany.

Chateau Montelena Winery

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. Chateau 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. The 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.