For every wine lover, a world of stories lies behind each bottle: the terroir, the seasons, and above all, the dedication of the people who guide the grapes from vine to glass. The annual Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year competition, part of the prestigious World Food Photography Awards, captures these essential narratives in breathtaking images. The winners were announced on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, at the Mall Galleries in London, offering a profound glimpse into the soul of the wine world.
Pinot Noir at Midnight
Under the glow of a tractor’s lights, vineyard workers handpick Pinot Noir in the cool, misty midnight air at Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley in California’s Central Coast wine region. One worker adds his contribution to the back of the tractor, a cascade of Pinot Noir falling from his picking bin.
Top Prize for Human Endeavour
The overall top prize, and the winner in the ‘People’ category, went to American photographer Heather Daenitz for her compelling image titled “Pinot Noir at Midnight”. This powerful shot depicts vineyard workers hand-picking grapes during a night harvest at the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in California. Lit by the harsh beams of a tractor, the photograph reveals the arduous yet often unseen labour required to cultivate top-quality grapes. For wine lovers, this is a window into the heart of the harvest, a reminder of the passion and physical effort that forms the foundation of every cherished bottle. Daenitz aimed to highlight the invaluable contributions of these farmworkers, which often remain unrecognised.
The Magic of Place and Produce
Beyond the human element, the beauty of the landscape and the complexity of the production process were also celebrated:
- ‘Places’ Category Winner: Italian photographer Alessandro Anglisani triumphed with a sublime depiction of the rolling hills of Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, Italy. His photo, “Window in the Vineyard,” captures the unique essence of the terroir – the specific place that so definitively shapes the character of the region’s wines. It’s a visual feast for anyone who appreciates the connection between land and wine.
- ‘Produce’ Category Winner: French photographer Franck Tremblay secured a win with his striking image, “The Hand in a Vat”, taken at Domaine Alain Graillot in Crozes-Hermitage. This evocative shot, showing a hand submerged in a fermentation vat, speaks volumes about the craft and the tactile relationship between winemaker and product—a crucial process in the transformation from grape to wine.
Where to See the Exhibition
For those keen to delve deeper into the world of wine through the lens of these talented photographers, a free exhibition featuring all 185 finalists from various categories of the World Food Photography Awards was held at the Mall Galleries in London from 21st to 25th May 2025. A selection of the images will also be on display at Fortnum & Mason from 2nd June and at the Museum of the Home from 3rd June to 7th September.
These awards not only highlight the artistic skill of the photographers but also the rich and often unseen stories embedded in every grape, every vineyard, and every bottle of wine. It’s a visual ode to a craft cherished worldwide.
Reacties: Paula Rook paula@flyingwinewriter.com