Fine Wine Art - How to Enjoy Responsibly!

The Vineyard, Oil Plein Air by Ann M. Bailey

Glorious grapes and wonderful wines have always sparked the imagination. From Vincent van Gogh's “Red Vineyard at Arles” to wine bottle art on Pinterest, our fascination with everything vino is as lasting as the pleasure of a good glass shared with friends. The success of vineyards across the country is testament to our abiding affection for the perfect sip. It's no wonder then that the wine bottle itself holds a popular place in our taste for the artistic, and that we need to be wise in our quest for enjoyment.

Bottles of Inspiration

They catch the light on a window sill, refracting soft shades of green. A clever twist of sleek metal through the neck turns them into sculpted objects of suspension. The creative touch of a glass cutter shapes them into vases and bells. It's a different kind of recycling, but wine bottles are the latest inspiration for whimsical popular art. If one state could lay claim to the origins of this intriguing re-purposing, it might be California. The Napa Valley is home to upscale wineries and quirky vineyards that have charmed oenophiles for generations. An afternoon spent touring the fields and tasting their finest can easily, with constructive restraint, become a cherished memory with beautiful wine bottle art, and nothing more, for a souvenir.

Grapes of Joy

Edward Ladell and Andy Warhol are separated by a century of stylistic changes, but they both painted images of the simple grape that we still enjoy. The grape is an engaging globe that invites us to imagine its fresh pop of taste off the stem and its fermented flavor in a good bottle. From kitchen kitsch to abstract cubism, these tart treasures are the subject of countless still lifes. A search for the perfect model leads to the gorgeous Spanish grape that grows in the Texas Wimberley Valley. These dark beauties produce the finest port in the state and could easily have inspired Ladell's “Still Life of Black Grapes.”  Clusters of grapes in a painting bring to mind the happy contented warmth of a group of friends, importantly reminding us of another benefit of drinking in moderation during group excursions.

Vistas of Vineyards

Neatly planted rows of beautifully tangled vines are the backdrop of every winery, and they provide a canvas of inspiration. It's no wonder that so many vineyards are home to art galleries that perfectly frame their landscapes. The images range from sun-splashed fields to subtle sunsets, and they all charm with relaxing appeal. The perfect painting of a lovely vineyard conjures up a stroll through the warm afternoon and the taste of a favorite Cabernet. Wine lovers with an artistic eye claim that the vineyards of Virginia are premier vistas for framing in memory and gracing a wall. A tour of the area's enchanting wineries is an opportunity to indulge in the good taste of both fine wine and art, and we are reminded to wine-taste and drive responsibly by our Virginia dui attorneys at the Wilson Law Firm.

Beautiful bottles, gorgeous grapes and divine vineyards will always influence our taste in popular art. Touring our favorite wineries inspires our souls and imaginations. As long as we travel with moderation, and perhaps a designated driver, we can imbibe and enjoy an artful journey.

An artist and amateur wine enthusiast, Ann Bailey contributes this article for the enjoyment of wine art connoisseurs everywhere.  The Virginia dui defense team at the Wilson Law Firm in Manassas is available to answer questions about wine tasting and driving limits, and to help any clients who may have dui issues.  Their highly qualified attorneys and educated staff tirelessly educate about and defend against Virginia's alcohol-impaired driving laws.