It’s Friday night and you’ve cleared your social calendar to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Before you curl up with just any bottle and watch just any movie, take a moment to choose from these movie-and-wine-pairings we’ve curated just for you. It’s no secret that a good wine pairing can take a meal to the next level, and we believe the same goes for movies.
1. Sideways (2014)
On the eve of one man’s wedding, he and a friend embark on a road trip through California’s wine country. The viewer learns a lot about wine while watching their trip devolve. A good laugh and a great educational experience as well.
This movie pairs well with Duckhorn Pinot Noir Goldeneye (2017). Throughout the movie, one of the characters goes on and on about the superiority of Pinot Noir above all other grapes. This wine pairing was chosen so you can enjoy an authentic California Pinot Noir from the Duckhorn dynasty’s Goldeneye winery in the Anderson Valley. They have just the right growing conditions for Pinot Noir and this wine showcases them perfectly. If you like cherries, cranberries, and blackberries, this wine is for you. These aromas are followed by undertones of spice, sage, and leather thanks to the 16 months this wine spent aging in oak barrels.
2. Bottle Shock (2008)
Set in 1976, this is a great movie about the early days of the wine industry in California. After years of French wine winning competitions for Chardonnay, a bottle made in California beat out its old-world competitors in the famous blind wine tasting now known as the “Judgment of Paris”.
This movie pairs well with Bread & Butter Chardonnay (2019). Because the movie is all about the emerging significance of wine production, specifically Chardonnay, in California, this is the obvious choice to pair with this movie. This particular Chardonnay is lovely. The sipper will notice tropical fruit, roasted almonds, and even hints of sandalwood. This Chardonnay is oaked, adding a wonderfully creamy texture.
Also, read: What Do Fine Wine And A Mid-Life Crisis Have In Common?
3. Wine Country (2019)
A group of childhood friends gathers together for a reunion to tour the wine region of Napa Valley. This movie will have you laughing from start to finish as they navigate the faux pas of wine tastings and revisit some childhood behaviors and insecurities. Lots of laughs to be had and plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery and take notes for wineries you may wish to visit someday.
This movie pairs well with DAOU The Pessimist Red (2020). DAOU was founded by two brothers and is located in Paso Nobles. It will be fun to watch this movie set in the famous California Napa wine region while sipping on a bottle of Pinot Noir that is also from there. Pessimist Red is a blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Tannat. If you like cassis, blackberry, dark cherry, and plum jam notes, this wine is for you. To round off the fruit, you will notice hints of tobacco and dark chocolate.
4. A Good Year (2006)
A romantic movie about a harsh, British investment broker who inherits a chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent time as a child. He goes to sort out the affairs of the estate but discovers a certain charm in the relaxed lifestyle. Will he decide to stay or sell?
This movie pairs well with Chateau Miraval Rose (2021). The winery and vineyard are located in Provence and are owned by the famous celebrities, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. This wine parallels the story in the movie by telling the tale of rich city people falling in love with the laid-back atmosphere in Provence and deciding to be a part of the wine industry themselves. While sipping this wine, you will notice the smell of peach, wild strawberries, and flowers and enjoy the taste of red cherries and apricots.
Also, read: 14 Wine And Food Pairings To Enhance Your Next Delicious Dinner Out
5. Somm (2012)
This engaging documentary follows four sommeliers working incredibly hard to pass the infamously difficult and prestigious Master Sommelier exam. This final exam has one of the lowest pass rates in existence!
This documentary pairs well with Chateau Pontet-Canet (2014). Because the documentary is all about good wine. No, great wine. Actually, the best wine, in the world, this is a documentary that you will want to splurge a bit for. This wine is pricey but comes from the Pontet-Canet vineyard which was founded in 1725. After almost three hundred years, they now really know what they’re doing! This wine is truly something special. You will taste cassis, blackberry, and black cherry alongside light undertones of green pepper, the forest floor, and spice.