Lance Cutler spent fifteen years as winemaker/general manager for the historic Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, California. He almost single-handedly brought humor into the fine wine business producing the fabulous Gundlach Bundschu poster series, not to mention Fortune Corks, Time for Wine Hats, and the Sonoma Valley Wine Patrol, which masterminded the hijacking of the Napa Wine Train and the kidnapping of Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic Airlines. Whenever Lance’s poster ideas proved too controversial for his employers, he used them for his own Cutler Cellar label.
Posters
$45 each. Price includes poster tube and shipping.
Simply Needs Exposure
This was the first Cutler Cellar poster. Inspired by a famous poster entitled “Expose Yourself to Art”, it features classic two-shot photography, printed seamlessly by photographer Ron Zak. Using crisp shadow and light effects, it has an Ansel Adams feel to it. Lance has never revealed the name of the model.
Play in Daddy’s Cellar
This poster was shot in Lance’s private wine cellar, and features his daughter Dawn. Lance’s hospitality is legendary in Sonoma Valley. Legendary designer Chuck House creates a sophisticated effect by using gold print, the large scripted “E” to begin the text, and the rich black to frame the photo.
I’ll Name Names
Never one to shy away from politics or controversy, this poster was created in direct response to the New Prohibitionist movement that peaked in the early 1990s. All the characters are friends of Lance’s, including his landlord as one of the judges, and local winemaker Claude Berthoud as Lance’s attorney.
Show Us Your Tips
New Orleans was the single largest market in the United States for The Cutler Cellar wines. In 1990, Lance was made an honorary citizen of New Orleans. He sponsors an annual party for New Orleans waitstaff called the Waitstaff Ball. This poster was his thank you to all the waiters who supported The Cutler Cellar.
In Case of Emergency
This last Cutler Cellar poster features Lance in his now famous wine cellar. When questioned about the propriety of the pose, Lance replied, “There’s just something about the picture that makes me laugh.” This poster was designed by Bob Johnson, the great wine cartoonist and illustrator.
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