SCHRADER CELLARS
Schrader is an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
There’s no story about the best of Napa Valley that doesn’t include the wines of Schrader Cellars… Since its inception in the late 1990’s, the wines have received an incomparable level of critical acclaim.. at a recent count, twenty-seven perfect scores. The Cabernets - sought after by collectors all across the world - are bold, impactful, and full of spirit… much like the extraordinary people who make them.
Any great chef will tell you that the best dishes are always a result of finding the best ingredients… that analogy couldn’t be more perfect for Schrader. Great wines must start with great grapes, and under the watchful eyes of Founders Fred Schrader, Carol Schrader, and Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, Schrader is laser focused on sourcing the absolute best fruit the Napa Valley has to offer. Their portfolio of vineyards is small but mighty; the famed and historic To Kalon, Las Piedras, and George III Vineyards serve as the cornerstones of their portfolio. But, just having an iconic vineyard name on a label isn’t enough for Schrader. As they become more and more comfortable working in their terroir they expand further down into the minutia - new wines aren’t from new vineyards, but instead from cherished sub-blocks or historic clonal selections unavailable to other vintners. They play the long game… benefitting organically from time, commitment, and consistency.
My work for Schrader Cellars has been ongoing since early 2017. In addition to seasonal vineyard and process photography, the project has included extensive portraiture, environmental product photography, drone landscapes and tight cropped imagery showcasing the details, colors, and textures of winemaking and grapegrowing across the seasons. It is certainly an honor to work with such an iconic estate… there is always something exciting to capture.
