Ansel Adams Murals — Paul Masson Vineyards
Posted on July 6, 2023 | No Comments
The Story of a Winery
Paul Masson Vineyards, Saratoga, California
ANSEL ADAMS
Paul Masson Vineyards. 1959
39 1/4″ x 38 1/2″ Vintage mural-sized gelatin silver print
Available in smaller sizes, with variations
From “The Story of a Winery”
Now known as The Mountain Winery, Paul Masson Vineyards built La Cresta, the “Vineyard in the Sky”, in 1905. Masson and vintner Charles Lefranc grafted imported vines to Franciscian “Mission” vines left behind by missionaries years before, and their fine selection of French clippings helped to create a positive reputation for California wines worldwide.
The vineyard weathered prohibition by selling grapes wholesale, and by receiving a special designation to sell sacramental wines.
ANSEL ADAMS
The Rotunda, Paul Masson Vineyards. 1959
31 1/2″ x 41″ Vintage mural-sized gelatin silver print
From “The Story of a Winery”
Born in Burgundy, France, Paul Masson was on a mission to create fine Californian champagne. Before he acquired La Cresta, Masson had won the champagne category of the Paris Expo in 1900, earning a reputation as the “Champagne King of California”.
The Rotunda, the vineyard’s champagne cellar with pool and fountain, were built to symbolize the effervescence of the beverage.
ANSEL ADAMS
Winery Facade, Paul Masson Vineyards. 1959
40 1/2″ x 20″ Vintage mural-sized gelatin silver print
From “The Story of a Winery”
The Concert Summer Series at Paul Masson Vineyards began in 1958. To this day, musicians continue to grace the concert bowl stage, located in front of the winery’s facade shown above.
Winemaking stopped at Paul Masson Mountain Winery in 1952.
In 2004 the vineyards were reestablished for production.
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