A while ago I stopped randomly at ZD Winery in Napa Valley. The tasting room was nice enough: well lit, decorated with a view of the vat room. After tasting a few wines, I realized that maybe this wasn’t worth the stop. It was at that moment I turned around and saw what I thought were the most beautiful photographs of wine bottles, glasses, corks and accessories I had ever seen. Their composition was so perfect, it reminded me of my kitchen table after a night of chatting and tasting with my friends. It was only upon a further look that I realized these were oil paintings, not photographs. Amazing, I thought. I wonder if I will ever see these again.
Little did I know that these were the works of Thomas Arvid, a relatively well known “wine artist” of Napa Valley. Several wineries carry original paintings as well as copies and various coffee table books filled with his life’s work. I have even heard of several events where Mr. Arvid is present for autographs and speaking engagements. Unfortunately, the current financial stability of a recent college graduate doesn’t afford me the pleasure of purchasing one of his larger works, most seen in tasting rooms and wine stores around California. But, a nice $50 hard back book might be nice.
So, if you are so inclined, take a look at his website, check out his art and see if you can spot his pieces along the Silverado Trail.
