4 films on the theme of wine to be enjoyed without moderation

4 Must-Watch Movies About Wine for Your Next Movie Night

Many filmmakers have delved into the world of wine, exploring its allure through various genres. From romantic comedies to thrillers and documentaries, here are four films about wine (from the most recent to the oldest). Get ready to impress your friends with your next movie party!

1) The Sommelier's Crime (2016): Italian Wine Drama

Travel to Italy with The Sommelier's Crime, featuring talented actors Lambert Wilson and Monica Bellucci. The film is set in the heart of Northern Italy’s vineyards and tells the story of Giovanni Mezzogiorno, the country's most renowned wine expert, who is accused of murdering his wife, Adèle. The story unfolds through a police investigation, interspersed with flashbacks of Giovanni’s past and his rapid social ascent.

Filled with suspense, this film explores human nature and the devastating effects that a passion for wine can produce. A blend of drama and thriller, it represents Italian elegance with a capital E.

2) Premiers Crus (2015): Immersed in the Vines

We can’t talk about wine in cinema without mentioning a French film! Premiers Crus, directed by Jérôme Lemaire and released in 2015, follows the story of Charlie Maréchal (Jalil Lespert), a renowned oenologist living the high life in Paris. For him, everything is luxury and pleasure, a stark contrast to his father’s life (Gérard Lanvin), a winemaker in Burgundy. Tired of producing wine, his father is placed under judicial guardianship for financial mismanagement. Under family pressure, Charlie returns to Burgundy to save the family business and plays the apprentice winemaker, assisted by his charming and mysterious winemaker neighbor (Alice Taglioni).

Director Jérôme Le Maire felt there weren’t enough French films about wine. To address this, he made Premiers Crus. This heartwarming dramedy offers a complete immersion in the vineyards, with a humorous narrative that provides a glimpse into the winemaking profession and family wine traditions.

3) Red Obsession (2013): The Chinese Rush for Bordeaux Wines

The global fascination with wine is evident in Red Obsession, a documentary by Australian directors David Roach and Warwick Ross. Released in 2013, the film explores the journey of Bordeaux wines to Hong Kong and their immense popularity among Chinese consumers.

Though it primarily targets professionals, the documentary’s dynamic portrayal of the wine craze at tasting tables and the economic impact in China, where Bordeaux red wine seems to be valued more than gold, is captivating.

4) Sideways (2004): The Californian Wine Trail

Finally, head to the United States with Sideways, directed by Alexander Payne. The film follows Miles and Jack, two college friends traveling the Santa Ynez Valley wine route in California. Miles, a failed writer and single, is searching for true love, while his friend Jack, a mediocre sitcom actor, is about to get married. Throughout their journey and tastings, each starts a romantic relationship with a woman.

In this film, the characters have a special relationship with wine: Miles drinks to forget, while Jack drinks to have fun. But wine is just one theme; the script also explores existential questions and human relationships. Ultimately, the film is a hilarious comedy rather than a philosophical treatise, full of delightful irony. Get ready to laugh…and enjoy.

FAQ - Wine films

What are the best movies about wine?

Four films where wine takes the lead: The Sommelier's Crime (2016), Premiers Crus (2015), the documentary Red Obsession (2013) and Sideways (2004). From thriller to comedy, each one looks at the passion for wine from a different angle.

Which wine movie is best for a night in with friends?

For a light-hearted evening, Sideways and Premiers Crus deliver warm, funny stories set among the vines. If you prefer suspense, The Sommelier's Crime blends drama and a murder investigation in the vineyards of Northern Italy.

What is the movie Sideways about?

Released in 2004 and directed by Alexander Payne, Sideways follows Miles and Jack, two friends touring the Santa Ynez Valley wine trail in California. Between tastings and encounters, the film reflects on the meaning of life with plenty of irony.

Which wine should you serve for a film and tasting night?

Match the wine to the film's setting: a Bordeaux red for Red Obsession, a Burgundy for Premiers Crus or a Californian wine for Sideways. The idea is to carry the on-screen journey right into your glass.

Is Red Obsession a documentary about Bordeaux wines?

Yes. Directed by Australians David Roach and Warwick Ross in 2013, Red Obsession traces the journey of Bordeaux wines to Hong Kong and their huge success with Chinese buyers, for whom Bordeaux red can seem worth more than gold.