Bottleshock (2008)

A movie about the history of a Californian wine entering a now famous blind wine tasting competition in 1976, which has become known as the ‘Judgment of Paris’. The iconic and much missed, Alan Rickman plays (real life) British wine expert Steven Spurrier. He travels to the then somewhat unknown Napa Valley and discovers a wine maker called Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) of Chateau Montelena. Spurrier encourages Jim to submit his Chardonnay to the competition he created to boost his own wine sales. Fear of failure against ‘old world’ wines and an unfortunate incident known as ‘bottleshock’ ensues. A young Chris Pine adds a little sparkle to the movie as Jim’s son, Bo. Watch if you would love to know more about how our Californian new world wines faired against ‘Judgment of Paris.’

Somm (2012)

This movie is an absolute must watch to truly understand what wine experts need to go through to gain the coveted title of Master Sommelier. This is a notoriously difficult and oftentimes impossible 3-part exam, which many fail again and again. This documentary follows four students of the course as they face challenges of blind tastings, viticulture, viniculture and history. Here is a quick question to show you how hard it is… How many different grape varietals are there in Germany? If you guessed around 135 you would be right. Now can you name them?  Crazy right!

Uncorked (2020)

I wrote a review on this move the second it came out. Uncorked is a movie about love… love of family, love of food and love of wine.  From writer Prentice Penny, Uncorked takes you on Elijah’s (Mamoudou Athie) journey of passion with wanting to be a Master Sommelier and the challenges he faces with being torn between his own desire and those of his father, Louis (Courtney B. Vance) for him to take over the family’s Memphis barbeque restaurant. A beautiful family movie which may have you a little teary but ultimately end the movie with a smile.

Sideways (2004)

Even if you have never seen this movie, many know it as the movie that almost single-handedly devastated Merlot for the wine world with one simple line… “I am not drinking any F*** Merlot”. Two best guy friends Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) take a trip to Santa Barbara’s wine country before Jack is supposed to get married. Jack wants to sow his wild oats while the moody Miles wants to only enjoy the wine. We meet Sandra Oh as Stephanie and Virginia Madsen as Maya, which brings a flirty element to the movie. Worth it if you want to visit Santa Barbara’s wine country. I visited a few years ago and stopped by many of the wineries featured in the movie. A lot of fun. Oh I miss traveling so much 🙁 

French Kiss (1995)

Starring the then queen of the romantic comedies, Meg Ryan as Kate and one of my favorite actors, Kevin Kline as Luc a French criminal with a deep rooted sensitive side. This delightful romcom has you giggling and rooting for the underdog, who can be a little bit of dog all the way through to the end. A stolen diamond necklace, a loved and caressed wine vine, a cheating fiancé and the gorgeous French countryside play into this story of doing anything it takes to achieve your dream. I think I may watch this movie tonight now that I am talking about it.

Would love to hear what yours is?