Cover The late great Alan Rickman stars as British wine expert Steven Spurrier in the film Bottle Shock in 2008 (Photo: Bottle Shock)
The late great Alan Rickman stars as British wine expert Steven Spurrier in the film Bottle Shock in 2008 (Photo: Bottle Shock)
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Unwind over the allure of vineyards and vintages over the silver screen and revel in the magic of wine in film
Wine is more than just a beverage—it is an experience, a culture, and most definitely, an art form. For those who find solace in a perfectly decanted burgundy or revel in the nuances of a crisp chardonnay, cinema could be a cellar full of delights. Wine films have long captured the essence of this rich and complex world by uniting casual wine enthusiasts and serious oenophiles over those who dedicate themselves to the noble grape.
For a unique perspective into the world of wine both past and modern, here are sips of the best wine films that are essential viewing—psst, there’s no better time to break out a bottle and the cheese board.
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Sideways (2004)
Obsessed with pinot noir? This is your sign to bust out the popcorn. Often dubbed an unmissable gem by oenophiles, this comedy-drama, directed by Alexander Payne, follows two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, on a week-long road trip through California’s Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Miles—played by acclaimed actor Paul Giamatti—is a struggling writer and wine aficionado, and his fervent passion for pinot noir drives much of the film’s narrative. Stunning vineyard landscapes are a given but the heartfelt storytelling is what truly captures the nuances of wine tasting, the complexities of friendship, and the bittersweet nature of life’s transitions. While a typical glass of pinot noir may run a touch dry, the plot certainly isn’t.
Bottle Shock (2008)
The “Judgment of Paris” held in 1976 was a blind wine tasting that put California wines on the global map. Since then, the world of wine has never been the same. Based on the inspiring true story, the dramatised film—directed by Randall Miller—starred the late Alan Rickman as the British wine expert Steven Spurrier, who journeyed to the picturesque Napa Valley and discovered a fledgling vineyard run by Jim Barrett and his son Bo—played by actors Bill Pullman and Chris Pine, respectively.
The film tells all about the fabled Château Montelena chardonnay, which ultimately surprises the wine world by triumphing over prestigious French wines in a blind tasting. The passions, struggles, and triumphs of winemaking and its spirit are all charmingly encapsulated in the compelling film.
The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969)
Above Official movie poster of The Secret of Santa Vittoria (Photo: Instagram / @officialoliverstone)
Official movie poster of The Secret of Santa Vittoria (Photo: Instagram / @officialoliverstone)
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If you’re one to stash your prized wines, you might glean a thing or two from this classic. Directed by Stanley Kramer, this beautifully shot film arrests with humour, drama, and a pure love for wine. The story unfolds in a small Italian village during World War II, where its villagers band together to hide a million bottles of their cherished wine from the occupying German Nazis. Anthony Quinn stars as the bumbling but endearing mayor Italo Bombolini, who proves his worth by scheming up an elaborate plan to save their wine.
The engaging yet humanistic story not only serves as a testament to the people’s resilience and the great lengths they will go to protect what means most, but it also reflects the deep connection to their cultural heritage and way of life.
Uncorked (2020)
Anyone who has ever dared to follow their heart would resonate with this picture. The modern film, directed by Prentice Penny, follows Elijah—played by Mamoudou Athie—a young man from Memphis with dreams of becoming a master sommelier. The plot thickens when Elijah chooses between pursuing a tough but epic wine journey and his father’s expectations for him to take over the family barbecue restaurant.
Heavy on self-discovery and determination, this film—and its commendable attempts to balance with humour—offers a realistic glimpse into the contemporary world of wine from an aspiring sommelier’s perspective. The gritty scenes of rigorous training and extensive knowledge acquisition to excel in the sommelier profession are enough to yield viewers with a deeper appreciation for wines.
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Back to Burgundy (2017)
Extracting the cork from a bottle of wine and taking a sip may be plain sailing but what goes into the craft is quite the opposite. Also known as Ce qui nous lie in French, the film, directed by Cédric Klapisch, follows Jean—played by Pio Marmaï—who returns to his family’s vineyard in Burgundy after spending a decade away. With his father’s passing, he has to reunite with his siblings, Juliette and Jérémie—played by Ana Girardot and François Civil respectively—to save the family estate.
The poignant film touches on the importance of unity and the arduous winemaking process but not without intricately weaving in the complexities of sibling relationships. Brownie points to the gripping scenes of one of the world’s most renowned wine regions of Burgundian vineyards and cellars.
Saint-Amour (2016)
Saint-Amour is more than just a film about wine. Instead, it’s a celebration of the joy and connection that wine can bring into our lives. The French comedy, directed by Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern, explores the delight of wine, familial bonds, and the intricacies of father-son relationships. Jaded farmer Bruno—played by Benoît Poelvoorde—and his father Jean—portrayed by Gérard Depardieu—set out on a wine-tasting trip across France’s wine regions in an effort to reconnect and heal old wounds.
The light-hearted narrative anchors on love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. But there’s no intention to take itself too seriously either as the film comes with bags of outrageously quirky comedic moments that provide a good laugh. Overall, it makes a profound film that is best shared with our loved ones over some wine.
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