The 10 Best Wine Movies of All Time

Are you both an oenophile and a cinephile? Then read on about the best wine movies picked by Bottle Barn’s seasoned experts. The films from this genre will inspire you with new ideas before you order wine from the best wine store!

Indeed, wine has long served as a muse for filmmakers, inspiring both rich documentaries and compelling narratives. These movies about wine take their audiences into the heart of vineyards, the intricacies of winemaking, and the passions of those who dedicate their lives to the grape. Here are ten of the best wine movies that everyone should savor after they order wine online and curl up to watch cinema with a touch of vinous majesty.

The Best Movies About Wine

1. Sideways (2004)

Few films have impacted the wine world as profoundly as Sideways. It’s hard to believe the movie is now 20 years old! This bittersweet dramedy follows two friends, Miles and Jack, as they embark on a weeklong road trip through California’s Santa Ynez Valley. Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of a melancholic wine enthusiast not only won accolades but also famously caused Merlot sales to plummet while boosting the popularity of Pinot Noir.

As Bordeaux wine expert Jane Anson recently pointed out, however, although Giametti’s character Miles blurted, “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f#%$ing merlot,” his favorite wine in the film is the 1961 Cheval Blanc, made from around 50% merlot! The film is a humorous yet poignant exploration of life, friendship, and the complexities of wine appreciation from the days when one couldn’t simply buy wine online.

2. Somm (2013)

Somm—short for sommelier— examines the grueling journey of four candidates trying to pass the notoriously difficult Master Sommelier (MS) exam. This engaging wine documentary provides an inside look at the dedication and obsession required to achieve vinous mastery.

The passion and intensity of the sommeliers are both inspiring and humbling, making this film essential viewing for anyone serious about learning wine. It may inspire you to try blinding wine tasting . . . or maybe not.

3. Bottle Shock (2008)

A dramatization of the 1976 competition now known as the “Judgment of Paris,” Bottle Shock recounts the historic blind tasting where California wines came head-to-head with their French counterparts . . . and triumphed.

The film features a charming cast, including Alan Rickman as Steven Spurrier, the British wine merchant who organized the tasting. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, the film captures the seismic shift this event brought to the wine business worldwide. You will find wines mentioned made by the likes of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars that still wine competitions today!

4. Mondovino (2004)

This provocative documentary by Jonathan Nossiter explores the effects of globalization on the wine industry. Featuring interviews with winemakers, critics, and consultants, Mondovino delves into the battle between small-scale, traditional producers and large corporations shaping the future of wine. The film’s raw, handheld cinematography mirrors the unfiltered truths it aims to uncover, making it a must-watch for those invested in wine culture and ethics.

5. A Year in Burgundy (2013)

Step into the legendary vineyards of Burgundy, where this documentary follows seven winemaking families through the course of a year. From pruning to harvest, it offers an intimate glimpse into the artistry, dedication, and challenges of winemaking in a region revered as the pinnacle of terroir expression. Stunning cinematography and heartfelt stories make this film a love letter to Burgundy.

6. Sour Grapes (2016)

Wine fraud takes center stage in this riveting documentary about Rudy Kurniawan, a con artist who duped collectors out of millions by selling counterfeit bottles of rare wine. With interviews from experts and victims, Sour Grapes sheds light on the darker side of wine collecting while offering a fascinating true-crime story.

7. Uncorked (2020)

The most recent among the best wine movies, this heartfelt Netflix drama follows Elijah, a young Afro-American man torn between his passion for wine and his family’s barbecue restaurant. As Elijah dreams of winning the MS title, the film explores themes of ambition, tradition, and cultural identity. Its fresh perspective and relatable story make it a standout for modern wine lovers.

8. Blood Into Wine (2010)

Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman of the band Tool, stars in this documentary about his unexpected second career as a winemaker in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Blending humor and insight, Blood Into Wine showcases the challenges of cultivating vines in unconventional regions, while also celebrating the artistry of winemaking.

9. A Good Year (2006)

Ridley Scott directed this engaging romantic comedy-drama about a London banker (Russell Crowe) who inherits a vineyard in Provence. Through gorgeous scenery and charming storytelling, A Good Year explores the idea of finding purpose and joy in the simple pleasures of life. This film will make you want to go order wine. It’s a warm, light-hearted film that pairs perfectly with a glass brimming with French rosé.

10. The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969)

A classic among Bottle Barn’s top 10 best movies about wine, the setting is in a small Italian village during World War II. This renowned film tells the story of locals hiding their treasured wine from Nazi soldiers. This wine movie blends humor and drama to celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of a community united by a patriotic love for wine.

In all, these ten wine movies highlight the diverse ways wine intersects with art, culture, and human experience. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, these wine films will educate and entertain but also inspire you to try new wines. So go ahead! Order wine delivery, pour a glass of your favorite vintage, sit back, and let the magic of wine cinema unfold.