California 360 photography
This 360 panorama was captured from the top of a hill overlooking Pope Valley, part of California’s celebrated Napa wine region. It’s a quieter side of wine country, with vineyards and oak-covered hills stretched out under the sky. I shot this on a clear, warm day, just perfect for California 360 photography. From the ridge, the view takes in rolling vineyards, winding country roads, and the distant Mayacamas Mountains.
The climb to reach it was steep and dry, and after a few local warnings about rattlesnakes, I kept a careful eye on where I was standing. The spot I chose turned out to be a little spicier than I’d have liked, though the view made it easy to forget.
Pope Valley feels a world away from the more famous parts of Napa. The pace is slower, the vineyards smaller, and the sense of space much greater. From up here, you can see why photographers and winemakers alike are drawn to this landscape. The light, the contours of the land, and the quiet beauty defines this part of California.
This image forms part of my wider California 360 photography work, which includes views from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Yosemite, and across the Pacific coast. Each panorama captures a different side of the state, from its wild open spaces to its cities and vineyards. You can explore more of my California 360 images and other interactive panoramas here.