Early this morning I made my way to the top of a mountain in Southern Mendocino County to photograph the Rosati Family Winery vineyard just as the night frost disappeared under the rising sun. While the valleys were shrouded in dense icy fog, the top of the Russian Cove Ranch was basking in the first light of the day.
Even in the winter months, a vineyard gets much attention! During the winter dormant season at the vineyard, infrastructure plans are developed for the upcoming year. Soon workers will be at the vineyard to carefully prune last years growth setting the stage for new growth and a 2011 vintage of cabernet. Today I had the pleasure of meeting Philip Freese, a world renowned viticulturist who also is a partner in Vilafonte’ Winery, South Africa. Phil was meeting with vineyard manager Ulises Valdez today, discussing plans for 2011. This was also an opportunity for me put into service a new camera: Canon’s 1D Mark IV which is replacing my 1D Mark II camera body. So far all I can say is AMAZING and well worth the wait!
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