Whether you have snowy, cold weather outside of your window or not, winter is the perfect time to curl up with some snacks, relax, and watch a good movie. We’ve pulled together a list of our favorite films about wine and a pairing suggestion for each movie, so pick something you’ve never seen, grab the corresponding wine, and settle in for an enjoyable time. Enjoy!
Somm (2012)
This groundbreaking documentary follows a group of wine professionals as they prepare for the most demanding wine exam in the world – the Master Sommelier (MS) diploma. See if they have what it takes to pass while you gain new insights into the exciting culture of wine and food.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Toast the MS candidates good luck with a glass of Champagne!
Somm: Into the Bottle (2015)
In this sequel to Somm, hear the perspectives of celebrated sommeliers and producers as they give a crash course in fine wine and open some of the world’s most rare and prestigious bottles.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Drink a wine from Napa Valley’s “Earthquake” vintage, 2014.
Sideways (2004)
This blend of comedy and drama stars Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh. Two unlikely best friends travel to wine country for a last hurrah before one of them ties the knot. The film boosted the popularity of Pinot Noir and caused some growers to rethink Merlot, but we still love both grapes!
Wine Pairing Suggestion: You’re definitely going to want some Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir with this.
Merlove (2008)
Made in response to Sideways, this documentary pays tribute to one of the world’s greatest grapes – Merlot. Learn about what makes Merlot so special, as esteemed producers are profiled and bottles are poured.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Merlot, of course.
A Year in Burgundy (2013)
Behold an entire year in Burgundy with venerable French wine importer Martine Saunier as your tour guide. Seven winemaking families are featured in this illuminating documentary which examines the relationship between people, places, and wine.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: You won’t go wrong with Red or White Burgundy.
Bottle Shock (2008)
Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, Chris Pine, and Rachel Taylor star in this comedy-drama focusing on legendary Napa Valley producer Chateau Montelena and the 1976 “Judgment of Paris” in which California wines competed against their French counterparts as part of an historic blind tasting.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: If you can arrange it, try an informal blind tasting of your own.
Mondovino (2004)
This documentary explores the modern movement to produce wines in a global, or international style. Interviews with industry greats like Robert Parker, Robert Mondavi, and Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland are both entertaining and insightful.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Red Bordeaux – but let it breathe first.
Sour Grapes (2016)
Rudy Kurniawan sold millions of dollars worth of famous wines from his private collection at auction. The only problem: the bottles were counterfeit. This documentary examines the events surrounding the wine fraud scandal that shocked the world.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Reacquaint yourself with a favorite bottle.