Scout Napa Valley® Digital Archive
Across Northern California Wine Country and Beyond
A Letter from the Founder
To Our Friends, Clients, Property Owners, Members, and the Scout Napa Valley® Community,
For more than twenty years, Scout Napa Valley® has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life and work. What began as a simple idea grew into an extraordinary journey—made possible by the trust of homeowners, wineries, hospitality partners, businesses, photographers, filmmakers, and countless friends. Together, we celebrated the places, people, and stories that define this remarkable region.
Although Scout Napa Valley® proudly carried the name of Napa Valley, the relationships we built and the places we represented extended well beyond its borders. Every assignment, every collaboration, and every friendship became part of a story far greater than I could have imagined when this work began.
After nearly three decades in California, I returned home to Wisconsin, where my story began and where family roots run deep. The move happened quickly and quietly, leaving little opportunity to reconnect with many who had been part of Scout Napa Valley®—or to share where my life and work were leading.
Today, Scout Napa Valley® exists primarily through this archive, while my own journey has entered a new chapter centered on documentary storytelling, historical preservation, and legacy development.
That next chapter has led me to Seashells and Balloons: The McGuire Legacy Project—a documentary I am honored to help develop. Against the familiar story of legendary Marquette basketball coach Al McGuire and the 1977 NCAA Championship, it explores the life he and his wife, Pat McGuire, built beyond the public spotlight—grounded in family and unmistakably their own, with Pat’s independent spirit and strength of character at its heart. Guided by the memories of their youngest son, Robert McGuire, it offers a perspective only he can provide—a son’s understanding of the values, humor, faith, sacrifice, and love behind one of basketball’s most unforgettable figures.
Basketball provides the backdrop; family is the story.
While the focus of my work has evolved, the principles behind it have endured: to honor, preserve, and share stories that deepen our understanding of the people, places, and communities we call home.
Stories connect us. Places inspire us.
Shared experiences become our legacy.
Most importantly, thank you—to everyone who welcomed Scout Napa Valley® into your homes, businesses, and lives; believed in the work; and entrusted us with a small part of your story. My hope is that this archive helps preserve the history that defined Scout Napa Valley® LLC—honoring the body of work and the people who made it possible.
With sincere appreciation,
Patrick J. Sprinkel
Founder
Scout Napa Valley® LLC
Scout Napa Valley: locations only a local expert could know.
Scout Napa Valley is a nationally recognized location company that lives, breathes and loves the
This singular focus makes us very different from most location companies.
By and large, location scouts are generalists: they know a little bit about a lot of areas. In contrast, we’re specialists:
We know all there is to know about one specific area – the beautiful and amazingly diverse Napa Valley.
We’re experts on the area because it’s not just our territory. It’s our well-loved home. Owner Patrick Sprinkel has resided here for more than 20 years, and the people on his team live right down the street. This local connection benefits you in several ways.
First, no one in the industry is better qualified to find precisely the setting you require. From the lush vineyards and gracious homes to rustic ranches, elegant restaurants and stunning natural settings, Scout Napa Valley offers you locations only a local could know and – even more importantly – gain access to.
What’s more, our innovative Online Location Library lets you see every amazing setting, so your choices are not limited by a handful of file pulls. In fact, our powerful search capability can fuel the creative process, using the images you discover to spark ever fresher ideas.
And then there are our production capabilities. With years of experience in the fashion photo industry, Patrick and his team offer a full scope of concierge-level production services. We have developed relationships (often including special pricing discounts) with the many resources you’ll require while you’re in Napa - from photography and film permits and production-friendly accommodations to caterers, florists, prop sources and more.
Whether it’s securing tables at the finest restaurants or putting together a behind-the-scene winery visit (as well as privileged pricing on wine purchases), we will make your next 