Movie for Wine Lovers
Whether it’s that pivotal restaurant scene, the romantic evening in front of the fire, or the family drama, seeing wine consumed in movies is a fairly common occurrence. However, the number of movies where wine, as well as its making and the culture that surrounds it, is cast as the star are a bit more difficult to find. 

But don’t despair. There are some major motion pictures, documentaries and even films that poke fun at the winemaking culture out there. Here are just a few to look for the next time you’re in the mood to make wine the “star” of your home movie evening.

Sideways (2004)

Director: Alexander Payne
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh

A list of flicks for the wine lover would certainly not be complete without the 2004 cult classic, Sideways.  The movie, which won an Academy Award for adapted screenplay, is set in the rolling hills of Southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley and follows two friends on a bachelor party road trip through wine country. Some credit the movie with not only turning the once-sleepy region into a tourist hotbed, but also with putting Pinot Noir on the map.

Mondovino (2004)

Director: Jonathan Nossiter

More suited to the serious student of wines, this documentary provides viewers with a rare look behind the scenes at the lives of importers, retailers, wine writers and producers.  The documentary is a fun, thought-provoking ride through some of the world's most hallowed wine spots, including Napa, Bordeaux and Tuscany.        

French Kiss (1995)

Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Cast: Meg Ryan & Kevin Kline

Many believe that Kevin Kline’s portrayal of a Frenchman in this romantic comedy is reason enough to rent it, but when love-interest Meg Ryan, an exciting journey through the stunning French countryside and a smuggled grapevine are added to the mix, it might just make the perfect movie-wine night fare.

Corked (2008)

Directors: Ross Clendenen & Paul Hawley
Cast: Ross Clendenen, Ben Tolpin, Rob Reinis, Jeffrey Weissman, Todd Norris, Devin Westberg, Martina Finch

In the popular style of Best in Show and This is Spinal Tap, this mockumentary set around the California wine industry was well received at its official debut at the 2008 Sonoma Valley Film Festival.  It was shot during the harvest of 2005 and features a manic winemaker, a billionaire, a clueless winery manager and an incompetent rich kid as they compete to win the fictional Golden Cluster trophy.
It is considered a wry comedic look at the wine business by insiders who thoroughly know the process from the vine to the street. 

A Walk In the Clouds (1995)

Director: Alfonso Arau
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Giancarlo Giannini, Anthony Quinn

Despite Keanu Reeves having been nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor following his performance in this 1940s- era love story, the acting is not thought to overshadow the stunning scenery and memorable grape stomping during harvest at a fictional California winery called Las Nubes (“the clouds”).  The movie was shot on location at such well-known spots as Mount Veeder Winery, Duckhorn Vineyards and Charles Krug Winery.

Bottle Shock (2008)

Director: Randall Miller
Cast: Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, Chris Pine, Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez

In wine circles, the story behind this film is known and talked of often.  In 1976, a small American winery bested the illustrious French wines of the time and sent the wine industry into complete shock – bottle shock.  This true story is thought by many to have put California wines on the map. The movie chronicles the events leading up to the famous ‘Judgment of Paris’ tastings, told through the lives of father and son, Jim and Bo Barrett.

A Good Year (2006)

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Didier Bourdon, Abbie Cornish, Albert Finney

The film, based on a 2004 novel of the same name by British author Peter Mayle, is a romantic comedy set in London and Provence.  Russell Crowe, supported by Marion Cotillard, plays a workaholic investment banker who unexpectedly inherits a château and vineyard in Provence.  The film features prominently the sumptuous French countryside coupled with mouthwatering food and wine shots.