Cabernet Grapes

Here in the Columbia Gorge AVA we are blessed to have a massive variety of wine grapes.

In the world of wine, few varietals command the same level of respect and admiration as the noble Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are a favorite among winemakers and enthusiasts, known for their deep color, rich flavors, and exceptional aging potential. To truly appreciate this iconic grape, one must delve into the captivating journey of Cabernet grapes on the vine.

From the planting time, is can take three years to get the first harvest. One winemaker told me once that it takes 7 years from raw land to a glass of wine.

Wine bottle photography

Here are a few simple bottle shots. Wine bottle photography is a labor of love. While these look simple, each bottle takes precision and lighting control to capture the bottle at its best.

Studio photography with a white background is all about simplicity. The white backdrop is a canvas, allowing the wine bottle to take center stage without distractions. This approach highlights the bottle's shape, label, and contents and conveys an air of purity and elegance.

Wine bottle studio photography on a white background is an art that combines simplicity and precision. With the proper techniques, attention to detail, and creative flair, you can capture the elegance and sophistication of wine in every glass.

Nearest Green Distillery

About a year ago, my wife took me and a few friends to the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN, for my 50th birthday. If you like American Whiskey and you have yet to discover Uncle Nearest, stop what you're doing and go to the store! I'm a huge Whiskey/Bourbon fan, and Nearest is by far the best! Uncle Nearest is the guy who taught Jack Daniels the art of charcoal mellowing (the Lincoln County process).

This photo was taken while on tour. The rick house is beautiful and so inspiring photographically. I wish I had more time there and some lighting. This photo was lit by the door about 20' away.

Their facility, staff, whiskey, and everything about them is top-notch. I highly recommend Nearest Green Distillery.

Milbrandt Chardonay

A few years back, I had the opportunity to shoot for Milbrandt Vineyards in Woodinville, WA. They have a beautiful tasting room. One of their vineyards is right next to the Gorge Amphitheater. It's a beautiful part of the world. 

Paul Gregutt at Wine Enthusiast describes it as "concentrated, beautifully defined flavors of pear, apple, and ripe pineapple drive a stake through the heart of this wine, blazing a trail across the palate with tongue-thrashing acids and bracing minerality. As it slowly unwinds, it reveals a finish of banana caramel tart, luscious and long."

Racecar at PIR

This is one of my favorite pictures. Nick Fluge of Fluge Global Adventures drives this racecar at Portland International Raceway. It was taken back in 2008 at PIR.

First day of fall

It’s the first day of fall. Here’s a shot I recently did for Hawkins Cellars. These two bottles will be in the fall release for their wine club. This is a single light setup in the studio.

Crush at Hawkins Cellars

Went up to Hawkins Cellars on Monday, Sep 18 to shoot their crush. This is their first crush in their new winery. Thane Hawkins is very pleased with the new facility. I hiighly recommend their Black lable Syrah.

Crush at Willow

Had a little fun yesterday. Stoppbed by Willow Wine to shoot my friend Brendan Simpers while he prepared Cabernet Franc grapes for crush. They are an incredible family owned winery on Underwood Mountain. In my opinion, the absolute best wine maker in the Columbia Gorge AVA.

Instagram post

My photos on @HawkinsCellar’s Instagram feed

Engagement Photos

I had a blast the other day shooting engagement photos for some great friends. Wes and Alex have not picked their date, but they wanted some engagement photos to share with friends and family.

Mobile Bottling

This was a mobile bottling on Aug 17th at Hawkins Cellars. Signature Mobile Bottlers has multiple trucks that travel to various wineries. Hawkins’ does their bottling mostly with wine club members—a very smooth and impressive operation.

Bee

Just had to share this shot from the Portland Rose Garden. I am simply amazed by the detail captured by my iPhone 14. I’m increasingly impressed by the advances in camera phone technology.

Bee on a rose

Lost Lake, Oregon

We had a great camping a couple of nights ago at one of our favorite places. I’ve been going to Lost Lake with my parents since I was a small child. This is a dusk photo, about a half-hour before sunset.

Hawkins Cellars

I had the privilege of shooting for Hawkins Cellars on Underwood Mountain the other day. They needed new images for their social media and advertising purposes.