8 Best Movies about Wine According to a Certified Sommelier

by Mark F.

Do you love wine? Do you love movies? Well, then you're in for a treat! In this blog post, we are going to discuss the 10 best movies about wine according to me, a certified sommelier. 

My name is Mark. I am a certified sommelier, with 10+ years of experience, and I want to share my top 8 favorite films that showcases wine. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about some great movies that will make you want to open a bottle of wine or two.

What Are the Best Movies About Wine? 

1) Sideways

To no one's surprise, Sideways is the most well-known and influential movie about wine. After the movie was released, this film had a significant impact on Pinot Noir sales while lowering Merlot sales throughout the US.

Sideways is a 2004 American comedy-drama film directed and written by Alexander Payne along with Jim Taylor. Two men in their forties, Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti) and Jack Cole (Thomas Haden Church), a past-his-prime actor and a depressed teacher/writer, go on a weeklong bachelor trip to California's Central Coast wine country. They visit wineries, drink wine, and discuss their failed relationships. 

The film was a critical success, grossing over $100 million worldwide, and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. 

If you're looking for a film that accurately portrays wine country, then Sideways is a must-watch. The movie does an excellent job of depicting the nuances and complexities of wine, as well as the people who work in the industry. Additionally, it's just a really great film overall with amazing performances by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church.

Fun Fact: In the film, Miley Raymond (Paul Giamatti) repeatedly snubs Merlot wine throughout most of the film. But few people are aware that one of the final scenes (diner) depicts him having a burger and an expensive French wine, which is actually Merlot!

2) Somm

Somm is a documentary that follows four sommeliers as they prepare for the Master Sommelier Examination, one of the most difficult exams in the world. 

The film gives an inside look at the intense pressure and dedication required to become a Master Sommelier. While it may not be as entertaining as some of the other films on this list, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in wine or the world of sommeliers. 

If you're looking to learn more about wine, then Somm is the perfect film for you. The documentary does an excellent job of covering a wide range of topics, from the history of wine to the different types of wines. Additionally, it's fascinating to see the dedication and hard work that goes into becoming a Master Sommelier. 

3) Bottle Shock

Bottle Shock is a 2008 American film based on the 1976 wine competition known as the "Judgment of Paris", in which California wines competed against French wines and won. 

The film stars Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, and Chris Pine, and tells the story of how Californian wine growers took on the French wine industry at the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting. 

If you're looking for a film that's both historical and entertaining, then Bottle Shock is the perfect choice. The movie does an excellent job of explaining the background of the 1976 wine competition, as well as depicting the rivalry between French and Californian wines. Additionally, the performances by Alan Rickman and Bill Pullman are fantastic. 

Fun Fact: In 1976, the Judgment of Paris was one of the most significant events to demonstrate how great of a wine region Napa Valley is. Following the conclusion, some people stated that French red wines would mature better than California reds. As a result, there was a re-tasting in 2006 to see if this was true. The findings revealed that, yet another panel of experts preferred the California wines to their French counterparts.

4) Uncorked

Uncorked is a 2020 American drama film directed by Prentice Penny and written by Penny and Ingrid Escajeda. The film stars Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Melonie Diaz, Sasha Compère, Meek Mill, and Matt McGorry. 

The film follows the story of a young man named Elijah (Mamoudou Athie) who wants to become a master sommelier, against the wishes of his father Louis (Courtney B. Vance), who wants him to take over the family's barbecue business. 

If you're looking for a film that's both heartwarming and educational, then Uncorked is the perfect choice. The film is an entertaining and informative narrative about the world of wine and the difficulty in becoming a Master Sommelier (Hollywood version). As well as the relationship between a father and his son.

5) Sour Grapes

Sour Grapes is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Jerry Rothwell and Reuben Atlas. The film tells the story of Rudy Kurniawan, a wine fraudster who was convicted of selling fake wines. 

The film is fascinating because it gives an inside look at the world of wine fraud, and how someone like Rudy Kurniawan was able to fool so many people in the industry. In addition, it's an excellent film for anybody interested in learning more about the world of high-end wine buyers.

If you like Dateline/20/20 (TV shows), or if you're looking for a film that is both educational and entertaining, then Sour Grapes is the perfect choice. The movie does an excellent job of depicting the world of expensive cult wines, as well as the world of wine fraud. 

6) A Good Year

A Good Year is a 2006 British-American romantic comedy-drama film directed and produced by Ridley Scott and super star cast featuring Russell Crowe, Marion Cottillard, Didier Bourdon, Abbie Cornish, Alan Rickman, and Albert Finney. 

The film tells the story of a British investment banker (Russell Crowe) who inherits a vineyard in Provence and begins to learn the wine business. 

If you're looking for a film that's both romantic and heartwarming, then A Good Year is the perfect choice. The film does a wonderful job of showcasing the stunning environment of wineries and their vineyards. 

7) From The Vine

From The Vine is a 2019 Canadian drama film directed by Sean Horgan and starring Joe Pantoliano, Paulo Costanzo, and Alessandro Juliani. 

The film follows the story of an Italian-Canadian man named Giovanni (Joe Pantoliano) who returns to Italy to take over his family's vineyard after the death of his father. 

From The Vine is the ideal film if you're searching for a wonderfully shot travelogue with a heartwarming tale of rediscovering your origins. The film does an excellent job of showcasing rural Italy and its charming small communities. 

8) A Walk in the Clouds

A Walk in the Clouds is not known to be a movie about wine. It's a 1995 American romantic drama directed by Alfonso Arau and starring Keanu Reeves, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Giancarlo Giannini, and Anthony Quinn. 

The film tells the story of an American soldier (Keanu Reeves) who returns home from World War II and falls in love with a woman (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón) who is pregnant with another man's child. And it turns out her family owns a winery in the Napa Valley. 

If you're searching for a romantic film with terrific wine scenes, A Walk in the Clouds is the ideal option. The film effectively shows the work involved in running a winery. From waking up in the middle of the night to battle frozen vines, to a lovely harvest scene.