TOP 5 Wine-Themed Films

Wine, the new star of French cinema

Our picks: 5 must-see movies about wine

Why watch a movie about wine?

With Cédric Klapisch recently taking his cameras out into the vineyards of Meursault, and Gérard Lanvin and Alice Taglioni headlining *Premiers Crus*, which is set to be released in late September, could wine be becoming the new bankable star of French cinema? We’ll have to wait and see.

Sideways: A Journey Through California's Wine Country

A comedy—and a drama, too—that follows a failed writer and his friend, who is about to get married, on a road trip through California’s wine country. It’s about wine, but above all, it’s about self-doubt. Whether you love it or hate it, *Sideways* remains a classic for anyone who loves American wines or is planning a trip to Napa Valley.

It pairs well with: a Merlot, of course!

You'll Be My Son: A Family Story Set Against the Backdrop of Vineyards

A French film shot in the heart of the Saint-Emilion vineyards, exploring the struggle a father faces in passing on his estate to a son who doesn’t live up to his expectations. Starring the excellent Niels Arestrup and Lorànt Deutsch!

It pairs well with: a Saint-Emilion (what else…)!

A Good Year, a British romantic comedy set in the vineyards of Provence

Russell Crowe, a British high-flyer from the City of London, finds himself in a stunning Provençal vineyard, which he inherits after his uncle’s death. It’s a bit romanticized and cliché, to be honest. But the visuals are beautiful, the music is nice, and the film is enjoyable. A good watch if you love Provence and British accents!

It pairs well with: a Côtes de Provence Rosé!

The Fiery Harvest: California in the 1940s

A sweeping romance starring Keanu Reeves as a young GI returning from World War II. His encounter with a young woman leads him into a love story set against a backdrop of family history and California vineyards. A feast of colors and magnificent landscapes!

It pairs well with: a Cabernet Sauvignon!

Bottle Shock: French Wines vs. California Wines

A film inspired by a true story. A slightly snobbish British oenologist (played by Alan Rickman), who runs a Parisian wine shop, decides to embark on a journey to California to see for himself if the rumors about California’s vineyards are true: that the wine there is better than French wine! A trip back to the 1970s with views of the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley!

It pairs well with: a Chardonnay!

Here’s something to spice up your next movie nights!

Tiphaine, contributor to Les Grappes