Whenever I travel for a shoot – whether it’s a World FITASC or chasing driven birds in Spain – I inevitably find myself exploring the local vineyards. Drawn into some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, I’ve learned that walking the vines is the ultimate way to truly understand a region’s food, people, and culture. These pursuits have allowed me to experience the great, robust reds of Umbria and Tuscany, the legendary sweet whites of Hungary’s Tokaj and Balaton Lake region, and the dramatic, high-altitude varietals grown in the northern mountains of Cyprus.
Spain, in particular, holds a special place in these travels. While shooting partridge across the rugged countryside is an unforgettable thrill, I equally enjoyed exploring the incredible wines of Rioja. Walking through historic cellars lined with decades of aging oak, you quickly realize that Rioja’s deep, structured Tempranillos and beautifully aged Reservas are a masterclass in tradition and terroir. It is a region where the wine is inextricably bound to the history of the land and its people.
