A Visual Journey Through De Meye
In the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands lies a family-owned treasure — De Meye Wine Farm. Known for its heritage, small-batch wines, and tranquil surroundings, the farm offers more than a wine tasting experience. It’s a glimpse into the soul of South African winemaking. Recently, I had the privilege of capturing the farm’s spirit through a dedicated wine photography session — an editorial-style shoot designed to showcase the brand’s elegance, earthiness, and timeless identity.
As a Cape Town-based photographer specialising in wine, product, and lifestyle photography, I’ve worked with several estates across the Winelands. But there’s something about De Meye — its natural light, rustic charm, and attention to detail — that made this shoot truly special.
Why De Meye?
The farm has been in the Myburgh family for generations and carries its legacy through handcrafted wines that reflect the terroir of Stellenbosch. Every bottle is a quiet celebration of tradition and patience.
There’s a lot to love about De Meye — the family-owned story, the peaceful estate, and their unpretentious passion for good wine. But what truly stands out is their consistency. Each vintage feels intentional.
For this shoot, I aimed to visually communicate that authenticity. The tones, textures, and light were selected to honour De Meye’s identity — minimalist, honest, and rooted in craft.
Behind the Scenes: Styling the Shoot
Planning a wine-focused product shoot requires more than just good lighting. It’s about telling a story.
Here’s how we approached it:
1. Bottle Photography with Character
We began with individual bottle shots — clean, high-contrast images with soft natural shadows. These are perfect for e-commerce use, tasting menus, and social media posts. De Meye’s labels are elegantly minimalist, so we styled them with a muted backdrop to make the typography and branding pop.
2. Lifestyle & Contextual Shots
To show the wines in their natural environment, I photographed them nestled among grapevines, set on old farm tables. These images bring warmth and personality, making them ideal for website headers or seasonal marketing campaigns.
3. Environment & Details
I always say the magic is in the details. We captured shots of the vineyards, olive trees, and garden restaurant — all filled with natural textures like weathered wood, sunlight filtering through the trees, and rustic stone walls. This creates atmosphere and anchors the wine in its authentic home.
What Makes Wine Photography So Powerful?
Wine is more than a beverage — it’s a story in a bottle. For a brand like De Meye, which thrives on small production and personal touch, visuals become the first point of connection.
Why investing in professional wine photography matters:
First impressions count: Strong product images increase conversions on websites and online stores.
Social media thrives on visuals: Beautiful content keeps your brand memorable and shareable.
Label detail matters: Your bottle needs to stand out in a crowded marketplace — both online and on shelves.
Brand consistency: Visual content brings cohesion across your brochures, ads, packaging, and events.
As a photographer, I aim to produce content that tells your brand story, enhances trust, and sells your product.
De Meye’s Wine Philosophy: Slow, Honest, Local
During the shoot, I took time to understand what makes De Meye tick. Their philosophy? Small volumes. Big soul. They don’t chase trends — they stick to traditional methods, sustainable farming, and hand-harvesting techniques.
From their smooth Shiraz and complex Cabernet Sauvignon to a bright Chenin Blanc — every bottle reflects the character of the land. These are not mass-produced wines. They’re thoughtfully made, best enjoyed slowly — just like the photos we created to represent them.
I incorporated that same slow aesthetic into my editing style: warm tones, soft textures, natural shadows — all crafted to evoke emotion and tell a fuller story.
A Photographer’s Perspective: Shooting in the Winelands
Shooting on a wine farm isn’t just about the bottles — it’s about space, time of day, and working with the elements.
Here are a few things I keep in mind:
Golden hour rules – Morning and late afternoon light provides a soft, inviting glow perfect for vineyard shots.
Environmental styling – Local foliage, seasonal produce, and natural props keep the story grounded.
Angles matter – Whether overhead for flat-lays or eye-level for lifestyle, variety keeps visuals dynamic.
Client goals first – Whether the winery needs web content, POS material, or social media assets, I shoot with usage in mind.
Planning Your Own Wine Shoot?
If you’re a winemaker, wine marketer, or hospitality business in the Western Cape, consider what visual storytelling can do for your brand. Whether you’re launching a new vintage, updating your online shop, or building your tasting room experience — imagery is often your first conversation with your customer.
At Elaine Otto Photography, I offer:
Styled bottle & label photography
Lifestyle vineyard imagery
Menu and food pairing shoots
Website, social and print-ready assets
Professional retouching with brand alignment
And yes — I come to you. From Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, and the broader Winelands, I shoot on location and bring the creative direction with me.
Book Your Winery or Product Shoot
📍 Location: De Meye Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
📸 Photographer: Elaine Otto – Wine, Lifestyle & Commercial Photographer
🌐 Website: www.elaineottophotography.co.za
📧 Enquiries: Contact me here
Let’s bring your product or brand to life through photography that resonates.