If you know me, you know that I LOVE wine. I love wine every day, in almost every form. I honestly probably wouldn’t drink if it weren’t for wine. As such, you can only imagine how thrilled I have been to connect for repeat work with Colangelo & Partners for a number of events across the southwest.
One of the most exciting events I’ve had the privilege to capture for them is the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO), held in representation of the Landmarks of Europe and organized by the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani. This prestigious gathering showcases some of the finest wines from Italy’s Langhe Region, bringing together trade professionals, media, and wine lovers for a world-class tasting experience. This year, for the first time ever, the event landed in my hometown of Austin, TX, hosted at the stunning Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller—a modern, open-air venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a night of exceptional wine and lively conversation.
As a photographer, my job is always capture the energy, connections, and the enjoyment of the the wine producers and, of course, of the crowd. Honestly, it’s my dream job an I’m not going to mince words, the Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller made my job VERY easy.
About the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening
The Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening is essentially a grand tour of Italy’s most prestigious Nebbiolo-based wines, without the jet lag. Organized in a different region of North America every year, it’s goal is to promote wines from Piedmont’s Langhe region. It brings together producers, trade professionals, media, and serious wine lovers for a deep dive into Barolo and Barbaresco. Leading up to this were a number of much smaller BBWO Wine Academies at various cities across the southwest including Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and Denver. Held in smaller event spaces and restaurants in each city, the academies each hosted about 40 guests who tasted up to 70 wines at each and received a history on the region, it’s terrior, and it’s winemaking.
At the main event, over 160 wine producers were there eager to share their standout wines in side-by-side tastings. The morning was dedicated to trade and was attended by over 800 sommeliers, wine distributors, restaurateurs, wine buyers, wine sellers, and journalists. All throughout the Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller, attendees sampled a massive lineup of DOCG-certified Barolos and Barbarescos.
The Venue: Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller
As I mentioned before, the Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller made my job incredibly easy. It was the perfect venue for an event of this size and scale. Initially, we were almost worried about over-selling the event, but the sheer size of the venue allowed for great flow throughout the day and allowed for great use of space. Located in the heart of the Mueller development in Austin, it’s an incredibly modern space offers incredibly large floor to ceiling windows that provided amazing all day light.
Although the event was incredibly packed and super busy, the Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller never felt overbearing in the venue’s layout. The spacious design allowed for multiple tasting stations without feeling crowded, while the outdoor areas gave guests a chance to step away and discuss their impressions of the wines in a relaxed and comfortable setting all day.
The venue’s location within the Mueller district was another advantage. Easily accessible from downtown Austin and surrounded by a thriving community, it made for a convenient and inviting spot for both local and visiting guests. Given its versatility and stylish aesthetic, I have to say that the Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller is a stunning event venue that accomodate any kind of event in the city, whether it be a wedding, a reception or party, or an event like the BBWO.
Why Events Like This Matter for the Wine Industry
Events like the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening aren’t just about tasting great wine—they’re critical for the industry. These gatherings serve as a bridge between winemakers, trade professionals, and consumers, allowing direct engagement that simply can’t be replicated through online sales or traditional retail channels.
For winemakers, especially those from the Langhe region, this event provided an invaluable opportunity to share their stories and educate attendees about the nuances of their wines. In an era where authenticity and origin matter more than ever, these personal connections help reinforce the value of small-production, high-quality wines.
For sommeliers and buyers, events like BBWO are a chance to discover new wines, refine their palates, and make purchasing decisions that can shape wine lists and inventory for years to come. Having access to so many DOCG-certified Barolos and Barbarescos in one setting allows for direct comparisons, deeper appreciation, and ultimately better selections for restaurants, retailers, and collectors. All of this leads to a broader impact on the consumer market: when industry professionals gain firsthand knowledge at events like this, they pass it on to their customers, creating a more informed and engaged audience. The ripple effect means more people appreciating and seeking out quality wines from Italy’s Langhe region, ensuring their continued presence and success in the global market. I can say for certain that I’ve been looking for Barolos and Barbarescos on every wine list I’ve seen since learning about them photographing the BBWO Academies this past few months!
In addition to over 160 wine producers, my new friend Malon Lemoins and his incredible wine club, Blurred Vines, was also there. Blurred Vines is an exclusive wine club that is redefining the way Austinites experience fine wine. Every month, Malon offers a curated selection of high-quality wines, intimate tasting experiences, and access to exclusive events for his members. For those interested in joining, Blurred Vines provides memberships that include monthly wine selections, private tastings, and educational events, making it an excellent resource for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. In fact, their monthly pickup party was AT the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening, offering an incredible added value to his wine club members.
I feel incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to capture such an incredible event. Events like the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening at Branch Park Pavilion at Mueller aren’t just about tasting great wine—they are critical for the wine industry. These gatherings serve as a bridge between winemakers, trade professionals, and consumers, and ultimately, between countries. It’s direct engagement that simply can’t be replicated through online sales or traditional retail channels and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Let’s raise a glass of wine to that!
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