Into the Earth: A Wine Cave Renaissance

From the hand-dug caverns of the late 1800s to the elaborate, dramatic caves of recent decades, this is an intriguing overview of NapaValley’s wine caves—where wine is stored at specific temperatures in order to leave the land unscarred and available for agriculture. The magic, mystery, and magnificence of the region—from the rich history and unique character to the classic architecture and delectable cuisine—is fully captured in this stunning guidebook that profiles such esteemed estates as Quintessa, Spring Mountain, Far Niente, and Stags’ Leap. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and novices alike, this tour of California wine caves also includes profiles of the stewards of the land, who share their philosophies, accomplishments, and dreams for the future.

Daniel D’Agostini, author-photographer of Into the Earth, uses the medium of photography to explore, document and teach. His limited-edition color and black-and-white prints are noted for their delicacy and sensitivity. His photographic work has been published in a variety of printed media, including books Storm Over Mono Lake, California Oaks, The Romance of
the California Vineyards and A Vineyard Garden.

For more than 30 years he balanced photographic commissions, assignments and printmaking with teaching middle-grade students fine arts, science and organic gardening. He was a hands-on leader in the “Garden in Every School” initiative for more than two decades—long before the concept achieved widespread popularity—developing several award-winning gardens and introducing thousands of children to the wonders of growing everything from fava beans to popcorn. In 1996 he was commissioned by Delaine Eastin to draft the program’s vision statement for the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He retired in 2008 to devote all of his time to photography, writing and his personal gardens.

Daniel’s fascination with caves and winemaking reaches back to his vineyard and winery upbringing. The D’Agostini family owned the third-oldest winery in the state—a designated California Historic Landmark—until the 1980s. The writer-photographer has followed the evolution of wine caves in California since the industry’s inception, forming close relationships along the way that have given him access to some of the world’s most extraordinary underground spaces. Daniel resides in the Sierra foothills of Northern California.

Molly Chappellet and her husband Donn established Chappellet Winery & Vineyard in 1967. Molly is an advocate of organic farming as well as a celebrated garden designer. Her family winery, gardens, photography and writing have been published in more than 100 prominent magazines, and she is the author of three exquisite books: A Vineyard Garden, The Romance of California Vineyards and Gardens of the Wine Country. Molly is especially known for the lavish and memorable events that she has designed and produced across the United States through her company Artforms. Philanthropically, Molly is responsible for starting The Napa Valley Cooking Class—a program that, for more than 20 years, raised funds for dozens of local charities; helped to establish the local high school’s first tennis program; worked to expand the local junior high school’s art program; and was deeply involved in organizing and designing the first Napa Valley Wine Auction, an annual event that she continues to support.