Lush vineyards and picturesque skies, people talking about wine and good- this is certainly a recipe for a good film. Here are some charming movies for wine lovers from across the world.
A Good Year
This Russell Crowe starrer Ridley Scott movie about a Brit investment banker's life-changing trip to Provence is a nice and warm watch. Provence has some of the most scenic places and the movie is visually very pleasing to watch.
A Year in Provence
This BBC mini-series was based on Peter Mayle's hugely popular memoir of the same name. It's a delicious series about all things French people do best, food, wine, and getting all the sun in the world. The book of course is better but the series fills up the visual void of the book. With its sometimes laugh-out-loud situations and other heartwarming moments, this one is sure to fill your heart, and your stomach.
Sour Grapes
A brilliant documentary about Rudy Kurniawan, who was an exceptionally charming con artist who sold fake rare wine and duped multiple people. There is a bit of mystery to it and makes for a fun fall watch, while you are curled up with a glass of red.
Sideways
Not an obvious choice but, Sideways does what it promises and that is to take you through a journey of California's wine country. This is what I like the most about this movie, the geographical shots punctuated by the lilting exploration of the male psyche through the two main leads. It's a lovely and a very well-written movie with its subtle depths, just how a good wine should be.
Bottle Shock
This one's a bit weird. The movie is based on the true story of the Judgement of Paris wine-tasting competition held in 1976 that pitted Californian wine against some of the most esteemed French labels. Alan Rickman is one of the highlights of this rather odd movie. You'll have to see it to know it.
Back to Burgundy
This French drama focuses on three siblings and their struggle to reconnect with each other as their father falls ill. The vineyards of Burgundy form the backdrop of the movie as past and present connect.
Saint-Amour
This French-Belgian comedy-drama is in equal parts hilariously bizarre and heart-wrenchingly sweet. The story about a father and son who go on a wine trail in a bid to mend their strained relationship will have you smiling and crying and craving a good road trip through a lush Parisian vineyard.
A Tale of Autumn
Written and directed by French filmmaker Eric Rohmer, this beautiful film centres around a 45-year-old widow and winemaker living in the countryside whose friends decide to help remedy her loneliness by finding a partner for her.