Getting the Job
This wine-label project began with a telephone call to me from Daryl Sattui. He's the owner of V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley, California. Daryl informed me that he was in the process of creating a second winery called Castello di Amorosa located in Calistoga, Napa Valley, and that the key feature of this winery would be an Italian-style castle. What Daryl needed from me was a drawing of the castle to be used on labels of his new Castello di Amorosa wine varieties.

After briefing me on the project and settling on a fee, Daryl suggested that before beginning the illustration I should come to Napa Valley to see the new winery and castle, which were still under construction. Daryl didn't want me to rely solely on photographs or blueprints to make the illustration. He wanted me to see the winery in person — to walk on the grounds and to see the place in real life so I could get a better feel for what Castello di Amorosa was about. I agreed, and headed to California to meet with Daryl...Next>