May 25th is National Wine Day, and we are gearing up to celebrate with our favorite wine-filled films. Nothing beats an excuse to cozy up with a nice glass of wine (and your favorite snacks) for movie night. Keep reading and join us in toasting our favorite films about wine for #NationalWineDay .
1) Sideways - 2004
Available to rent on Amazon Prime
We couldn't possibly make this list without including Sideways, which had a tremendous impact on the wine world. For one, it essentially single-handedly created the niche wine film genre. It also single-handedly crashed the California Merlot market (and did wonders for the Pinot Noir market). The film is based off Rex Pickett's 2004 novel Sideways, which follows a serious wine connoisseur and his friend on a California wine country tour. Wine itself is the driving plot device in the film, making Sideways absolutely perfect for toasting National Wine Day. One of the things we love about the movie is its clever Easter eggs for connoisseurs out there (like my dad, who pauses the film to explain every reference with great passion). Even with minimal (or no) knowledge of the fine wine world, viewers love Sideways for its dry wit and phenomenal performances.
2) Somm - 2012
Available to rent on Amazon Prime
This documentary follows four individuals on their journey to pass the prestigious sommelier exam. Somm sheds light on the extreme measures taken by candidates in attempts to pass the extensive three-part exam, which has a pass rate of only 3-8%. We love this film for its raw emotion and gut-wrenching tension. Regardless of wine knowledge, viewers go on an anxiety- and obsession-fueled ride with the documentary's subjects during the last three months leading up to the exam. Somm is also perfect for celebrating National Wine Day as it gives a glimpse into the fine wine world, while still being enjoyable for the casual enjoyer.
3) The Menu - 2022
Available for streaming on HBO Max
Although this film isn't explicitly wine-related, it definitely fits the bill for toasting National Wine Day. The plot revolves around the absurdity of the fine dining experience (which often includes multi-course meals with specific, niche wine pairings). It's important to note that The Menu is not for the faint of heart; it is very much a dark comedy. That being said, the film has some great lines that really illustrate how far too seriously the wine (and fine dining) world takes itself:
And to pair, from our friends at Caroline Morey, a Chassagne-Montrachet premier cru
from 2014. Not just a single vineyard. A single row of vines.
That's a 2013 Pinot Noir from Ross Cobb. We hyper-decanted it with an immersion
blender to awaken it from its slumber. Slavonian oak, rich cherry and tobacco notes,
and a faint sense of longing and regret. Enjoy.
No matter matter how familiar you are with the ins-and-outs of the industry, this film will have you rethinking everything you know (or thought you knew).
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