Picture the scene: the fire is lit and you’re tucked up in your warmest clothes; it’s raining outside, and all you have is a bottle of your favourite wine (be it red, white or even orange). It’s perfect for wine movies.
There’s nothing I love more than sitting back with a good film or documentary, and really easing into what it’s all about.
I’m by no means an expert when it comes to wine, but I do love it completely. Its complexity constantly leaves me in awe and its ability to make me keep wanting to learn more, excites me.
Here are some of my favourite movies about the beloved bottles of vino that I care about so much:
Red Obsession (2013)
Taking a look at China’s early 21st century frenzy over Bordeaux’s heavily sough premier cru, this documentary shows the impact of wine as a luxury product for the richest of the rich. Narrated by Russell Crowe, the film interviews industry experts, critics and wine lovers.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL326WZCPSQ]
Sideways (2004)
A comedy-drama that revolves around wine, Sideways stars Paul Giamatti agus Thomas Haden Church as almost mismatched friends that head out on a trip for a last single-guy bonding experience before a wedding!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqbz8yojxBY]
A Year in Burgundy (2013)
The film follows seven wine-making families in the, you guessed it, Burgundy region of France throughout the course of a full year. It takes a look at the creativity involved with making wine and its ties to the terroir.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxoExRnzyaI]
SOMM (2013)
An emotional and illuminating look at the Court of Master Sommeliers and its incredibly difficult Master Sommelier Exam. Since the court’s inception there are less than 200 people who have claimed the title. If you think you know about wine – think again!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4zeyuk8hL8]
MondoVino (2004)
Focusing on the impact of globalization on the world’s different wine regions – It was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and a César Award.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_6clMfMKc]
Blood Into Wine (2010)
A transition from rock star to farmer! This film takes a look at the Northern Arizona wine industry, focusing in on multi-platinum recording artist Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski, and their Caduceus brand wine.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BWDw6_UN5U]
The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969)
In an Italian town renowned for its vineyards, the residents discover that Nazi troops plan to take all their wine for themselves. Determined to keep as many bottles as they can, the townsfolk all team up in attempt to hide it away.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjqLfc7ptHg]
Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution (2014)
Ever heard of Barolo wine? This film tells the story of how it became a world phenomenon through the initiative of a group of small-scale wine producers, known as the Barolo Boys.
[vimeo 99037299 w=500 h=281]
Barolo Boys.The Story of a Revolution (2014) International Trailer HD from Stuffilm on Vimeo.
(Lead image via WikimediaCommons/Bujar I Gashi)
