More than 30 years ago, National Geographic photographer Charles O'Rear came to the Napa Valley to cover a wine region few knew about. It was a pivotal moment for the valley as well as for O'Rear: his magazine article helped launch national awareness of America's blossoming wine region and the photographer found a place to call home. Since then his work has taken him across the globe many times over, but he has always been happy to return to this special place. With this book, his third on Napa Valley, O'Rear creates a treasured collector's item and establishes his legacy as the master photographer of the legendary wine region. He simply has no peers. This 9 inch by 12 inch book showcases O'Rear's love of the Napa Valley through classically beautiful photographs that are iconic and singularly his. In his artful and compelling images, the place comes alive as he takes us on a journey into a Garden of Eden where we feast with all of our senses. We see people working the vineyards, creating memorable wines and living a life tied to the land. We admire awe-inspiring vistas, diverse winery architecture and world famous restaurants that make Napa Valley a national destination for food and wine. We are enthralled with the spectacular and comprehensive collection of art on the bottles of 350 wine capsules representing nearly every winery in the valley. We chuckle over the whimsical vanity license plates that broadcast we are in America's premier winegrowing region. With more than three decades documenting Napa Valley, O'Rear knows the place better than any other photographer on earth. In this book, his wife, writer Daphne Larkin, partners again with him. O'Rear's spectacular images and Larkin's illuminating text create a treasured collector's item to be enjoyed for years.
I've seen hundreds of photo books and this is the best I've ever seen!
--W. E. (Bill) Garrett, former editor-in-chief, National Geographic magazine.
Napa Valley. . . is the coffee table book to have.
-- Narsai David, KCBS Food and Wine Editor.
Chuck's incredible eye and perspective, and Daphne's artful prose capture the essence of the Napa Valley experience and community
Clay Gregory, President & CEO of Napa Valley Destination Council.
His artistic eye has always captivated people who know excellence
. -- Margrit Mondavi, Robert Mondavi Winery.
Charles O'Rear's breathtaking photographs feel very personal. They inspire; they are sentimental.
-- Chef Thomas Keller, The French Laundry.
O'Rear makes one of the most beautiful places in America seem even more beautiful that it is.
--Chicago Tribune
