Photographing Fort Berens Estate Winery: A Story in Two Chapters

Earlier this year, I had the chance to photograph Fort Berens Estate Winery’s Washington State wines shortly after bottling. Those first clean, studio-quality bottle shots set the stage for a relationship that grew into something even more exciting — an invitation to travel out to Lillooet on August 5th to capture the winery itself.

Guided Through the Vineyard

When I arrived, I was welcomed by Seth, assistant tasting room manager and assistant winemaker, who became my guide for the day. Together, we toured the vineyard rows, stepped into the cellar, and moved into the tasting spaces, following the detailed shot list thoughtfully prepared by Kim Lawton, Fort Berens’ Marketing Manager.

The list gave me a clear roadmap for the day’s winery marketing photography:

• Fresh perspectives of the vineyard, patio, and tasting room

• Natural, candid images of the team at work

• Showcasing the dramatic Lillooet mountains and Fraser Canyon views

• Sustainability practices: native plants, bluebird and bat boxes, reduced water use

• Charcuterie boards and wine are enjoyed on the patio, highlighting hospitality

The balance of Kim’s planning and the creative freedom I was given meant I could deliver images that were not only useful for their marketing but also aligned with the winery’s authentic style.

A Winery with a Distinctive Setting

What stood out most about Fort Berens was their emphasis on capturing place. It wasn’t enough to photograph “generic” vineyards — they wanted their images to unmistakably say Lillooet. The rugged mountains, wide skies, and wild beauty of the Fraser Canyon set Fort Berens apart, and it was a joy to bring that distinctiveness into their vineyard photography.

Rediscovering My Rhythm

As I moved through the day, camera in hand, I found myself easing back into the rhythm of winery life — a rhythm I know well from my years working in wine sales, tasting rooms, and as a wine shop manager. There’s a certain pace and energy to wineries: the quiet focus of the cellar, the lively hum of the tasting room, the steady heartbeat of the vineyard. Being in that environment reminded me of the deep love I have for the Okanagan wine industry and the people who pour their passion into every bottle.

From Bottles to Brand Storytelling

Having already photographed their bottled wines earlier in the year, stepping into the winery itself allowed me to connect those studio wine bottle shots with the people, land, and atmosphere behind the labels. From Tammy engaging with guests in the tasting room, to Chris in the vineyard, to Felicia enjoying charcuterie on the patio, the day was about showcasing both the craft and the community that make Fort Berens unique.

This project reminded me of why I love Okanagan winery photography: it’s not just about capturing bottles, but about telling the full story — the people, the land, and the small but powerful details that make each winery stand out.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to Kim Lawton for her thoughtful planning, to Seth for guiding me through the day, and to Alex, Tammy, Chris, and Felecia for welcoming me into your spaces and stories. Photographing Fort Berens was not just another shoot, but a chance to reconnect with the rhythm of the wine industry I love so much. I’m grateful to help tell your story through authentic, elevated winery photography that highlights both your wines and your place in the Okanagan and beyond.