Top Famous Wine Movies Every Enthusiast Should Watch
Who doesn’t love a good bottle of wine and a great movie? We settle in for the night with a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon
These famous wine movies take us on captivating journeys, from the rolling vineyards of California to the prestigious chateaux of France. Through these cinematic experiences, we witness the passion, dedication, and sometimes even the drama that unfolds in pursuit of the perfect vintage. This genre of films goes beyond entertainment—it offers a glimpse into a world rich
Rich wine refers to wines that deliver a... More in history, culture, and craftsmanship, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass.
A Toast to Hollywood: Famous Wine Movies Worth Watching
This is not an exhaustive list but it will provide you with some great movie options the next time you have a free evening to sit back, relax, and enjoy one of these famous wine movies. We’ve made sure to choose movies that got positive reviews in various publications, as well as some fan favorites from IMDB, just in case you want to make movie night a group activity.
We kick off our list with a comedic classic, followed by films featuring captivating characters. Some of the movies highlighted tell stories steeped in drama, history, and a fair share of greed, treachery, and scandal. All the more reason to check them out.
Sideways (2004)
This critically acclaimed comedy-drama starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, and Virginia Madsen captivated the hearts of critics and audiences. The movie tells the story of two friends, Miles (Giamatti) a depressed writer and struggling wine enthusiast, and Jack (Church) an actor, on a week-long road trip through the vineyards of Santa Barbara.
To say these two have contrasting personalities would be putting it mildly. Naturally, with contrasting personalities come contrasting ways to navigate this world. This movie beautifully showcases Santa Barbara County wineries and gives us a small glimpse into Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most re... More country.
Sideways received multiple award nominations, including five Oscar nominations, with Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor winning Best Adapted Screenplay. It is a funny and charming film, definitely one worth watching if you are planning a night in, and it will inspire you to taste well on a budget.
The Kids Are All Right (2010)
Switching gears from vineyards to family life in the suburbs, The Kids Are All Right starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo is an endearing tale of a family. Perhaps somewhat unconventional, it's a family nonetheless.
When their children’s sperm donor, played by Ruffalo, is sought out, family dynamics are put to the test in unexpected and sometimes funny, awkward
An “awkward wine” isn’t an official wine... More ways. Wine, it seems, plays a vital supporting role in bringing people together. Or in this instance forcing them to address those difficult conversations we’d all rather not have. If you want a story with some family drama this may be a good one to watch.
Bottle Shock (2008)
Bottle Shock tells the story of the 1976 Judgement of Paris. This was an important event in modern wine history when California Wines triumphed over French wines during a blind tasting
Blind tasting eliminates psychological b... More.
This movie tells the true story about the winning white wine (Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine made from gre... More), however, the movie makers decided to not include the winning red wine that came from Kentucky. This is somewhat surprising. Alan Rickman is wonderful, of course, as Steven Spurrier a somewhat pompous but lovable wine connoisseur, who at first dismisses the Californian wines entered into his competition but soon finds himself quite pleasantly surprised at how much he likes those same wines he initially discounted.
Corked (2009)
Touted as “Sideways meets Waiting,” and coming in with a 6.6 IMDB score, Corked offers its share of funny moments, a glimpse into one man's somewhat neurotic midlife crisis, with just a touch of toilet humor sprinkled in.
From aspiring chef to struggling screenwriter, to a job at a high-end restaurant - all in all, Corked
Corked wine is caused by cork taint, a c... More will make you laugh and you might learn a thing or two about some very famous wines.
A Good Year (2006)
Looking for love, a good laugh, or better yet both? Then you’ll enjoy A Good Year, directed by Ridley Scott (who happens to be a wine enthusiast and vineyard owner in his own right), starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
This film, set amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, in Southern France, combines a heartwarming love story, a comedic turn by Mr. Crowe, and the beauty and appeal of a slower pace of life far removed from a hectic London banking career. Sometimes, you need those “feel-good” movies, and this is one of them.
Documentaries that Satisfy Our Thirst For Knowledge and Great Wine
Of course, we can't forget about the many excellent wine documentaries available to watch, many of them free to watch, on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and streaming services. These films showcase captivating cinematography, focus on telling personal stories from passionate vintners, introduce us to different wine regions around the world, and so much more.
We are looking forward to upcoming releases this year. Keep in mind there are so many to choose from, but we narrowed it down to a few.
SOMM (2012)
There seems to be something alluring, and unattainable to some, about becoming a master sommelier
The sommelier is a real cornerstone of t... More. Directed by Jason Wise, SOMM gives us an insider look at the Master Sommelier exam, perhaps the toughest exam to pass with a 10% success rate.
It is fascinating to learn what these candidates are required to do. To understand the details between various vintages, smell profiles, and the history behind specific winemaking methods, all to correctly identify wines while blindfolded in a timed test environment. SOMM spawned a following of subsequent films, Somm: Into The Bottle and SOMM 3 both of which continued to highlight intriguing elements related to this unique, highly specialized world of Master Sommeliers. These famous wine movies have generated quite a following of fans.
Red Obsession (2013)
Narrated by Russell Crowe, Red Obsession takes viewers on a journey into the world of Bordeaux
Bordeaux is one of France's most famous ... More vintages - this not only influences pricing on rare bottles of wine, it highlights the power dynamic that emerges between this sought-after, premium beverage and basic supply and demand forces at work.
One interesting thing about the increase in demand for luxury items is that it raises the concerns about fakes and counterfeit products entering the market.
Sour Grapes (2016)
With wine fraud at the forefront of Red Obsession, this brings us to Sour Grapes. This documentary takes a closer look at the case of Rudy Kurniawan, an Indonesian wine collector, and connoisseur who managed to defraud his wealthy clients of millions by selling counterfeit wines over several years, starting in the mid-90s through 2008.
What makes his story so interesting is how one person managed to pull this off for so long by creating such believable fakes. His scheme was uncovered in 2008 after the FBI investigated allegations by several clients as well as an incident at a wine auction, when bottles of Domaine
A domaine is a French term for a wine es... More Ponsot, Clos Saint-Denis with vintages dating back to 1945, raised eyebrows and set in motion a chain of events ultimately leading to a raid of Mr. Kurniawan’s home, resulting in criminal prosecution and prison.
FAQs about Famous Wine Movies
What movie takes place at a winery?
While many films on this list feature wineries, “A Good Year,” starring Russell Crowe, prominently features a charming winery in Provence that he inherits. This serves as the backdrop for romance, self-discovery, and the allure of the winemaking lifestyle. If your interest leans toward documentaries, you might want to consider "Mondovino," a captivating exploration of the globalization of wine and its impact on wineries and winemakers worldwide.
What is the movie on Netflix about wines?
Currently streaming on Netflix is “Sour Grapes.” This documentary chronicles the downfall of Rudy Kurniawan, a once-revered wine collector who coordinated one of the most audacious counterfeit wine operations in history.
What was the movie about wine tasting?
If you’re looking for a film about blind tasting “Bottle Shock
What does bottle shock do to wine? Defin... More,” inspired by the Judgment of Paris, is an excellent pick. This movie chronicles a pivotal event in 1976, when a group of Californian wines, in a blind tasting competition, bested some of France's most distinguished vintages.
Another great watch is “SOMM,” a documentary, that provides a compelling and, let's face it, a nerve-wracking glimpse into the world of aspiring Master Sommeliers as they strive for wine-tasting excellence. We don't see actual footage of the exam (due to the secretive nature of the Court of Masters) but, what we get is the next best thing, leaving the viewer rooting for all the candidates, regardless of how prepared (or unprepared.) they may feel. The anxiety is real.
What is the movie about rare wine?
This would be “Sour Grapes,” where the allure (and significant markups) of highly sought-after, and extremely rare vintages drive a complex, years-long scheme by Rudy Kurniawan to sell his fake wines at prestigious auction houses. While it seems implausible that someone could defraud seasoned wine experts and collectors - he managed to successfully accomplish this feat this for years.
Planning Your Own "Wine Country" Movie Night
Wine movies have taken us on journeys through breathtaking landscapes, offered heartwarming laughs, nail-biting, anxiety-ridden exam scenarios (think SOMM), and introduced us to captivating personalities in the industry - while bringing to the forefront the fact that wine can truly be a lifestyle. Hopefully, this inspires you to make movie night a little bit more special. Gather your friends, pour your favorite wine, and prepare for an immersive movie experience.
Planning your Wine-Inspired Movie Marathon
Now for the fun part – deciding which wine to pair with each movie. Will you be enjoying a sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon with “A Good Year”? How about pairing that fun, lighthearted viewing of "Sideways" with a crisp
Crisp wines come from several key grape ... More Sauvignon Blanc
Pronunciation: SO-vee-nyohn BLAHN (Frenc... More, since the movie primarily takes place in Santa Barbara County (known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).
However, you decide - make it memorable. And since it can feel somewhat overwhelming choosing from a seemingly never-ending variety of wines, below is a small sampling to help get you started. We took the liberty of suggesting the movie with its regional counterpart:
| Movie Title | Wine Region/Grape varietal | Recommended Wine | Average Price | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Good Year | Provence/Rosé (Grenache blend) | Chateau Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé | $25 | Notes of pear, citrus, vanilla, and toasted nuts. Elegant and full-bodied. |
| Bottle Shock | Napa Valley/ Chardonnay | Chateau Montelena Chardonnay | $80-$100 | Notes of cassis, cedar, and tobacco, excellent aging potential. |
| Sideways | Santa Barbara/ Pinot Noir | Sea Smoke “Southing” Pinot Noir | $80 | Notes of ripe cherry, earthy Earthy wines are those that evoke aromas... More undertones, and a hint of spice. |
| Red Obsession | Bordeaux/ Cabernet Sauvignon | Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac | $150-$300+ | Notes of cassis, cedar and tobacco, excellent aging potential. |
Just a small taste of the famous wine movies waiting to be savored.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Hopefully, this look into these very different famous wine movies gives you an idea or two for planning that perfect movie night in. Who knows - maybe one of these films will inspire you to visit a vineyard yourself and embark on your vinicultural adventure. Until next time.
