The Top 5 Wine Films

Kyle
16th November 2017

We all love a wine or two and time on the couch watching a good film. So what if you combined the two and watched some wine films while tucking into a glass of your favourite vino. That sounds like a good time to us so we’ve shared our top 5 wine films, paired with a wine variety and food that matches the living room vibe.

Lots of us love action movies, a good romcom, a little Luke Skywalker, you name it. Yet, when you ask your friends “what is your favourite wine film?” the answers are not so free pouring. Wine is present in many films since it’s one of our favourite alcoholic snacks. However, films that have wine as their main inspiration, (aka wine films), are not so common. So if you’re in the mood for a night on the couch and a good bottle of vino then how about one of our Top 5 Wine Films below.

Top 5 Wine Films - Sideways

Sideways – 2004 – 123 mins

iTunes

Like a cabernet sauvignon which has been blended with a touch of merlot, Sideways is a slap stick comedy combined with some self-questioning drama. This is one of the most well known wine films around. It is about two friends in their forties – Jack and Miles – who embark on a week-long road trip through the vineyards of Southern California. The two couldn’t be an odder couple. Jack is an over-sexed charmer; Miles is a sad-sack worrier. Jack is looking for his “last taste of freedom” before he ties the knot; Miles just wants to taste perfection in a bottle. Jack is fine with cheap Merlot; Miles pines for the elusive, perfect Pinot. Indeed, the only thing they seem to share in common is the same heady mix of failed ambitions and fading youth. And yet, as they make their way up the coast, Miles and Jack soon find themselves drowning in wine and women. Both men careen dangerously and comically toward mid-life crises.

Wine – It would be rude not to have a Californian Pinot Noir!

Food – Camembert cheese, delicious pate and some decent crackers


Top 5 Wine Films - Somm into the bottle

Somm: Into the Bottle – 2013 – 94 mins

Netflix or Amazon 

This a wine documentary that follows four fellas that are trying to climb ‘Wine Everest’, or in plain english, to pass the extremely difficult Master Sommelier’s exam. The test has been known to bring a tear many an  eye as a direct result of its very low pass rate. The four candidates talk about their lives and motives in becoming a Master Sommelier. There is a lot of drama and tension while you follow their journey through wine theory, service and blind tasting. Several winemakers contribute to the film with their views about wine and the famous exam from beautiful locations across Italy, France, Germany and USA. Engross yourself in the world of wine!

Wine – Viognier, preferably French

Food – Mango & Avocado salad


Top 5 Wine Films - Mondovino

Mondovino – 2004 – 135 mins

Justwatch.com

A great wine documentary that has a focus on how globalisation is affecting the wine regions around the world. You hear from some very well known winemakers who share their opinions on the environment and their view on wine critics like Robert Parker and famous wine consultants like Michel Rolland. The film explores the different ends of the wine production spectrum, from large multinational wine producers with a huge influence worldwide like Robert Mondavi from USA, versus the small independents that create wines from single vineyards who respect tradition and are proud of their own unique terroir.

Wine – Barolo from Piemonte in Italy

Food – Slow cooked lamb stew with vegetables and fresh bread


Top 5 Wine Films - You will be ready my son

You will be my son – 2012 – 102 mins

YouTube

This a powerful wine drama. The film is about a top winemaker that owns a famous Chateau in the region of Bordeaux, who is not really happy with the idea of his son taking over the business. The father always reminds his son about his lack of passion, creativity and love for the job. When a family wine friend shows up at the vineyard, the father prefers him to handle the business, creating a lot of tension between him and his son. This is an intense film that won’t make you feel indifferent. Love, heritage, passion, tradition, revenge and wine are the perfect ingredients in this movie.

Wine – Bordeaux (white or red) of course!

Food – Grilled meat with roasted potatoes and a mushroom bearnaise sauce


Top 5 Wine Films - A Year in Port

A year in Port – 2016 – 86 mins

Amazon

This is a really cool wine documentary that takes place at the beautiful region of the Douro Valley, Portugal. This particular wine films pick features the famous wine importer Martine Saunier who invites you to join him on a journey to discover the mystery and sophistication of the oldest wine appellation on the entire planet. You will watch the whole wine cycle from spring to winter going through harvest and winemaking. There are lots of references to Britain and its cheerful alliance with Portugal in a nod to Brits love of the country’s delicious drink – Port. The photography used is beautiful and there are lots laughs. Try and resist a glass of Port while watching this documentary.

Wine – Port and nothing else

Food – Dark chocolate, figs and prunes with a selection of soft and hard cheeses will do the job


If you are into your wine, your wine films and are looking to discover new regions and producers then Savage Vines might be for you. We send you 2 or 3 sommelier selected wines a month to your home or office, made by young independent producers from all over the world. The idea is we introduce you to new wines so that you can start to get an appreciation for the different regions and styles. Prices starting from £34.95 a month including delivery. Along with that we have Spotify playlists, great prices on winery accommodation for our members and exclusive Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) deals with restaurants. Join the subscription or our mailing list to keep up to date on all things Wine, Food, Music and Fun:

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