Have you dined at French Blue, lodged at Meadowwood, or taken a tipple at Harlan Estate? If so, you're probably a Howard Backen fan without knowing it. Delve into the architect's oeuvre in the recently released tome From the Land, featuring a lovely intro by Diane Keaton (she describes Backen as "Western, big boned, charming") with text by Daniel Gregory. From the Land features 38 properties, ranging from farmhouses and wineries to restaurants and barns. And see more of the firm's work on the Backen, Gillam & Kroeger listing in the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.
Above: From the Land is $53 from Amazon. Original photography shot with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR. The filmmaker's camera.
Above: MacMurray Ranch near the Russian River west of Healdsburg.
Above: The Pritchard Hill residence.
Above: The Oakville Wintery just west of the Silverado Trail.
Above: A Woodside residence on the San Francisco Peninsula.
Above: The Witt Barn near St. Helena; see more at House Call: Napa Valley Barn.
Want to take a virtual tour of wine country's best tasting rooms? See our Tasting Room Roundup.