During the month of September, I was flown to beautiful Burgundy, France on a photo assignmnet for Domaine de Cromey and Burgundy Wine Cellars. For five days I stayed at the property which sits above the vines at Domaine de Cromey, in the heart of the wine capital of the world. Located in Saint-Sernin-du-Plain in the center of the Burgundy region, it is a romantic and enchanting property.
Domaine De Cromey Courtyard. Saint Sernin du Plain
Burgundy Countryside. My first Road Trip
The grounds are stunning with six bedrooms and vaulted wine cellar only open to those invited. Since the 1600s, the chateau has been home to a majestic baronial farm where the Lords of Cromey once lived. The stunning establishment is bubbling with the delicate knowledge of crafting perfectly balanced wine. It is obvious the best and most prestigious wines come from Burgundy, France.
Araud Desfontaine
Bernard at the Domaine De Cromey
My client, Dennis Sherman is married to the American chef and author Eleanor Garvin. Dennis is an American who has made a home for himself in France for over 30 years. He has been in the wine industry and has met with hundreds of winemakers in the area, gathering knowledge and connections across the valley. His wife, Eleanor, has a beautiful private garden in the back of the Domain de Cromey and crafts incredible meals for her guests. The bountiful garden is ripe with radishes, beets and greens. Her book, At Home in Burgundy is a collection of hand selected recipes and I was lucky enough to experience a few of these mouth watering dishes.
Eleanor Garvin
Her amazing beets
And her incredible lush vegetables garden
The purpose of my trip and the project was to create a story about Domaine De Cromey and the magic that surrounds the historical establishment. It goes much deeper than the beautiful scenery with vast vineyards. Travelers can also explore the countryside, meet winemakers, chocolatiers, bakers and other local makers. The town takes you back in time, transporting you to a picture perfect French countryside where locals congregate for coffee or a warm meal from a nearby farm.
Proud Marcel Arcelain in Pommard.
Marcel Arcelain in his beautiful cellar with his nephew Pierre.
I was fortunate enough to have a driver that took me all over the place so that I could have the full experience of Burgundy. I was truly inspired and felt the images I captured properly tell the story of this untouched land. It was a fantastic experience to see the village through the eyes of a local.
The timing of my trip was perfect, just in time for harvest. I was able to capture stunning images of the various aspects of harvest on the vineyards I explored.
After visiting several wineries on my trip, I came across my favorite, Michel Arcelain and Arnaud Desfontaine. What really took me away is their vast wine vineyards are set to the backdrop of a castle. You can smell the freshness of the soil which translates into their unbelievable wine.
At the end of my time in France, I visited to Lyon, the French food capital. The whole experience was a fantastic time and I learned so much from my host Dennis and Eleanor! I was truly inspired by this project and the experienced I was able to capture. I look forward to taking another trip to Burgundy and spending time with my new friends in France.
