Winemaker Monk, Italy. "Religion, winemaking and food are tightly wound in this monastery run by Capuchin monks in the town of Matelica. Their lives are inspirational, wholly devoting themselves to God and the mission of the monastery, making wine from grapes donated to them from the region. After we arrived, we immediately had an insanely simple and delicious meal in a room with long wooden tables that felt like a replica of The Last Supper. This monk spoke little English, but I was able to communicate and direct him through goofy gestures and humor, as well as a mutual appreciation for the beautiful interior of the monastery. I'm always really nervous around shoots having to do with strict religion, since I'm agnostic and it can be a very touchy and obscure subject. This was another image from a series for The SPQR Cookbook, to be published in the Fall of 2012."