I wanted to make a list of a few good films and documentaries about wine that I've been surprised more people haven't seen. So here's a quick list along with my comments. Enjoy, and please include other wine films in the comments that you feel are worth sharing.
A Year in Champagne (2015)
This inside look at the people, traditions and culture of Champagne is an absolute blast. It's no wonder the wine they make is the basis for so many celebrations. Filmmaker David Kennard's earlier film, A Year in Burgundy, is also a must watch film, but I wanted to put this one on the list as I didn't feel it had the hype and reach that the Burgundy film did.
Wine pairing: Champagne, naturally.
Blood Into Wine (2010)
I remember seeing the band Tool play second stage at Lollapalooza in 1993 and was fascinated with front man Maynard James Keenan. Who would guess that this metal rocker who also founded the bands A Perfect Circle and Puscifer would go on to pioneer winemaking in Arizona? And believe it or not, the wine's really good.
Wine pairing: Caduceus Cellars 2013 Nagual de la Naga (Sangiovese/ Cabernet/ Merlot)
Somm: Into the Bottle (2016)
The first Somm movie was great as we follow a group of wine experts preparing for the Master's Sommelier exam. Into the Bottle dives deeper behind the scenes of the wine industry and looks at the history, regions and practices at some of the world's top wine producing locations. A beautifully shot film that every wine lover should view.
Wine Pairing: Elio Altare Barolo Cerretta
You Will Be My Son (2011)
This is a gut wrenching, moving story about an aging French winemaker in St Emilion whose son tries passionately to win his father's affection and approval for his work in the family business. But the Father instead favors someone else. This is high drama and amazing storytelling.
Wine pairing: St. Emilion Bordeaux
Merlove (2008)
Here's an interesting film that seeks to take on the movie Sideways and the famous proclamation from Miles about "not drinking any f'ing Merlot." They travel to the most popular Merlot producing areas of the wine world (including Cheval Blanc and Petrus) and interview some of the top names in the wine industry to prove that the noble Merlot grape is being unfairly shunned. Note: this one is low budget, about twice as long as it needs to be, and blanketed with terrible moving graphics that make Southpark look like a high end production. But that said, there are enough good takeaways and interesting interviews, that it's still worth a watch.
Wine Pairing: Any Merlot from Santa Barbara County
See also "5 Must Read Books About Wine"
Victoria Hulick says
I'm surprised you didn't include "Bottle Shock" in your list, considering it is about the first California wine to win the Paris blind taste test back in 1976.
Editor says
That's a great one of course. I was aiming for a few that people may not have seen.
Jan Vanderwall says
The Year of the Comet is a movie we have to watch every couple of years, both for the wine and the incomparable Louis Jordain
Editor says
Thanks. I have not seen it but will make a point to soon. Appreciate the recommendation.
Hedley Mendez says
We enjoy hunting for your recommendations at Costco, although we can't find many of them at the Wilmington, NC location. Our friends who live near Costco HQ in Washington told us about the * sign on items, including wines. They told us that the item marked with * will not be restocked, so buy, buy, buy.
Kevin Knox says
Mondo Vino is by far the best wine-related movie I've seen. It really gets into the differences between wines that offer a true taste of place and industrially produced plonk.
Joe O. says
Just watched "You Will Be My Son" on Netflix, and it was very good despite the distraction of subtitles.
Another really enjoyable wine related recommendation is "A Good Year" starring Russell Crowe.