Writing is how I express the artist in me. Over the years, wine has not only inspired poetry and short stories, but has become the central character in many of them. Writing about wine through a creative lens has helped me connect with it on a deeper level—and I believe that when we invite consumers to form their own emotional connections to wine, their understanding and appreciation naturally expands.

To test this theory, I invited my friend, photographer Lea Sharpe, to taste a wine and respond through her art. The wine: 2023 Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc.

I chose this wine for one simple reason: I’d once heard Lea say, “I don’t like Sauvignon Blanc.” If you know me, you know I see that as a personal challenge. Whenever someone tells me they dislike a varietal, I make it my mission to find the bottle that changes their mind.

Without offering tasting notes, food pairings, or opinions, I handed her the bottle and said:
 “Find the humanity in this wine the same way you capture the humanity in your subjects.”

Here’s what she created…

Q&A with Lea Sharpe

Regine: What about the 2023 Priest Ranch inspired the set you created?

Lea: First off—the wine is delicious. I picked up clear citrus notes right away. It felt refreshing, the kind of wine you could enjoy on its own or mix into a cocktail. I imagined pairing it with something sweet and bright, like clementine, to bring symmetry. 

Regine: Did you try it in a cocktail?

Lea: I actually made the cocktail, tasted it, but didn’t drink it—the wine was perfect on its own. But the image of the cocktail felt right, like an extension of the experience.

Regine: Talk to me about the other objects in the photos. Were they inspired by the wine itself? The label?

Lea: Definitely. The little “pot of gold” in the image holds candied pecans. It’s a subtle nod to the founder of Priest Ranch, who was a Gold Rush prospector. The name of the wine inspired the horse bottle stopper, and the clementines echo the vibrant citrus notes I tasted.

Regine: Wow—that’s such a thoughtful interpretation.

Lea: Thank you. Honestly, what surprised me the most is… I love Sauvignon Blanc. Well, I love this Sauvignon Blanc. I’m not sure what I was drinking before!

From “I Don’t Like Sauvignon Blanc” to “I Love This One”

This experiment reminded me why I do what I do—introducing people to wines that challenge their assumptions, spark creativity, and offer a deeper connection. Priest Ranch’s 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is bold, expressive, and nuanced—just like Lea’s photos.

This is the first of many visual storytelling collaborations we’ll be sharing. Stay tuned as Lea continues to explore wine through the lens of art, mood, and memory.

📸 Follow us on Instagram @ShallWeWine to see more of Lea’s stunning wine photography.

Lea Sharpe – Portrait Photographer | Visual Storyteller
Instagram.com/LeasharpeIG

After a distinguished career as a leader in the finance industry, Lea Sharpe transitioned from the boardroom to a digital darkroom, embracing her lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Today, she is a portrait photographer with an artistic mission to reveal the divinity and beauty within every subject. 

Lea holds a certification in Graphic Design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she refined her eye for composition, color, and form. Her work reflects both technical precision and a soulful, intentional aesthetic.

Lea’s portraiture is more than an image. It’s a mirror, a meditation, and an invitation to see oneself with clarity and reverence.