Ok, this is a bit silly, but I thought I’d share it anyway. With the massive amount of Zoom-ing going on—whether you’re wine tasting or just chatting with Mom—maybe you need a fun way to spice it up a bit. I’ve seen folks using generic, Zoom-supplied background images; a few people are savvy enough (and good enough photographers) to supply their own. Now, if you want to pretend you’re in Wine Country (or have other people “think” you are [right]) the Wine Institute is supplying images that “depict stunning vineyard and winery scenes across the Golden State.” It’s pretty cool, you got your classic Napa and Sonoma scenes, but also a few from Lake County, Paso Robles, and even El Dorado County.

Below is the formal press release, including all the links and instructions you’ll need. Just a bit of fun I thought I’d share—I know I’ll be downloading a few myself. Cheers.

San Francisco, Calif.—Ever wish you were touring California wine country instead of sheltering in place at home? Now you can—at least virtually. Wine Institute is offering background photos for the Zoom video conference service that depict stunning vineyard and winery scenes across the Golden State. Just download the images to your computer and select a California Wine Country backdrop for your next Zoom meeting or happy hour session with family or friends. Backgrounds include iconic views from between the vine rows, sweeping aerial vistas and more.

Follow these simple steps to virtually transport yourself to California’s wine regions:

  1. Download the desired background images and save them to your computer as .jpg files.
  2. In the Zoom app, click your profile in the top right corner, then choose Settings.
  3. On the menu to the left, click Virtual Background.
  4. To upload a new background photo, click the + icon (Add Image) to the right of Choose Virtual Background. Click on the image you want to upload from your computer and it will appear at the bottom of the screen as a background option.

To use the virtual background feature, you’ll need a fast computer processor and newer operating system (see Zoom’s support page for requirement details), or a green screen or solid color background.

For more free California Wine Country Zoom backgrounds, see Visit Napa Valley, the Sonoma Valley Visitors BureauVisit Temecula ValleyVisit California, and Discover Buellton.

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination.


BriscoeBites officially accepts samples as well as conducts on-site and online interviews. Want to have your wine, winery or tasting room featured? Please visit the Sample Policy page where you can contact me directly. Cheers!

**Please note: all reviews and opinions are my own and are not associated with any of my places of business. I will always state when a wine has been sent as a sample for review. Sending samples for review on my personal website in no way guarantees coverage in any other media outlet I may be currently associated with.**

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