Livermore Valley Wine Country by Photographer Erik Wait

Photographer Erik Wait
As a photographer and wine enthusiast based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Erik Wait is well known for his work documenting the beauty of California and Oregon wine country through landscape and travel photography.

Erik Wait studied enology (the science of winemaking) at Las Positas College in Livermore, California, a region renowned for its vineyards and wineries. In 2012, he earned the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Advanced Certification, building on his formal training in wine production and appreciation. He later became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and pursued additional credentials, including French Wine Scholar and studies with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.

Giant Vintage Wine Barrel at Wente Family Vineyards
Established in 1883 with 47 Acres of Vineyard Land in the Livermore Valley

Wente Family Vineyards Photographed by Erik Wait

Wente Family Vineyards
The "Wente Clone" of Chardonnay Creates 75 Percent of California's Chardonnay

Wente Family Vineyards Photographed by Erik Wait

Erik Wait Photography
Erik Wait's work reflects a multidisciplinary approach—merging technical knowledge of wine with visual storytelling to celebrate wine country experiences. His images have been widely shared and applauded as vibrant illustrations of the places he visited and the wines he tasted.

He launched Erik Wait's Wine Country Photography and The Oregon Winery Review as visual companions to his wine tasting adventures. His photos captured scenic vineyards, wineries, and the landscapes of regions in the Livermore Valley, Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, and other Pacific Northwest locales.

Ellen Rowe Victorian House at Concannon Vineyard
The Elegant 1885 House is Surrounded by Olive Trees and Grape Vines

Concannon Vineyard Photographed by Erik Wait

Grape Arbor at Concannon Vineyard
Celebrating Over 140 Years of Winemaking History

Concannon Vineyard Photographed by Erik Wait

Erik Wait's photography served primarily as a personal and educational outlet to highlight the aesthetic and cultural appeal of wine regions. Over time, his interests expanded into whisky and spirits education. He's produced more than 840 videos exploring the world of whisky. Be sure to subscribe below.

Exploring the World of Whisky
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Livermore California Red Wine Bottles
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AuburnJames Winery

AuburnJames Winery in Danville is Closed

AuburnJames Winery
AuburnJames Winery was a family-run artisan operation specializing in small-lot, Bordeaux-style red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends, sourced primarily from Napa Valley vineyards. AuburnJames also produced Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and other varietals from the North Coast, with a focus on hand-crafted wines aged in French oak (under 2,000 cases annually). The welcoming tasting rooms blended hospitality with art and automotive heritage nods, offering intimate flights, by-appointment experiences, and harvest parties, with a loyal following among wine enthusiasts seeking Napa gems.

AuburnJames Winery History
AuburnJames Winery originated in 2005 with its inaugural crush of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa's Raywood Vineyard. Wines were initially produced in Livermore Valley facilities while sourcing grapes from Napa and beyond, with a commitment to hand-harvested, meticulously blended reds. In 2011, a charming tasting room and gallery debuted at 321 Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville, a hub for local art and community events. The Danville outpost thrived for six years, aided by word-of-mouth acclaim. Seeking deeper Napa roots for logistics, the operation relocated in 2015 to an estate at 1001 Silverado Trail South in St. Helena. Nestled between the Silverado Trail and Napa River, the new state-of-the-art facility included a barrel room, tasting cottage, and estate vines. This expansion solidified their Napa focus, with vintages like the 2015 debut earning praise for elegance. AuburnJames ceased operations in 2024, marking the close of a boutique legacy in California's premier wine regions.

The "Auburn" portion of the name was inspired by co-founder Matthew Ospeck—a car designer with a passion for vintage Auburn automobiles. Indiana marque was an automobile brand active from 1903 until 1937. "James" refers to co-founder and winemaker Jim Frost, who had previously crafted wines under the Hidden Creek label.

San Ramon Valley
Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon (Images of America)
by Beverly Lane and Ralph Cozine (Museum of the San Ramon Valley)

San Ramon Valley: Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon (CA) (Images of America)

AuburnJames Winery - Napa Valley


The Coolest People on Earth Live in Danville
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Celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial (1776 - 2026)
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Semiquincentennial serves as a nationwide commemoration of the country's history, resilience, and evolution over two and a half centuries. Click on the banner to see our state pride shirts for All 50 States.

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