Wine in cinema and television
The best movies and series for winelovers
Throughout history, wine has been prominently featured in all kinds of artistic representations, accompanying characters in paintings, sculptures, writings, novels, songs… or even being the protagonist in many of them.
In this post, we will focus on the relationship between wine and the “seventh art”, presenting the movies and TV series whose plot could not be understood without those scenes revolving around the well-known “nectar of the gods,” and which we recommend enjoying in good company, at the very least with a glass of fine wine.
Wine on the Spanish Small and Big Screen
• Gran reserva (2010-2013): This series revolves around two families from Rioja dedicated to the world of wine. The Cortázars, who view the wine business as merely a lucrative venture, and the Revertes, for whom the land and the vineyard are their way of life. The vineyards and wineries of La Rioja serve as the backdrop for these characters to experience impossible loves, betrayals, jealousy… As the slogan goes, “the secret is in the grape.”
• El verano que vivimos (2020): This Spanish blockbuster, inspired by true events, was nominated for two Goya Awards. Set in the Marco de Jerez, it tells a story of love, friendship, and betrayal that unfolded in the vineyards of Jerez during the summer of 1958, and which, more than 40 years later, the protagonists are still unwilling to forget. The vineyards, marshes of the Marco, and wineries of Jerez provide a backdrop worthy of the film.
• Cuéntame cómo pasó (2001-Present): The Alcántara family, who have accompanied Spaniards on the small screen for decades, also have a close connection to the world of wine. In their hometown, Sagrillas, is the winery ‘Alcántara Fernández e Hijos,’ a family business through which Antonio Alcántara fulfills one of his dreams. But the winery is not just a business; it also symbolizes a deep connection to the land and the previous generations who worked it.
International Films to Enjoy with a Glass in Hand
• Sideways (2004): A dramedy that won an Oscar and two Golden Globes, it tells the story of Miles, a depressed divorcé, aspiring writer, and wine enthusiast, who invites his friend and former college roommate Jack, a struggling actor about to get married, on a trip to visit vineyards and taste wines before the wedding. While Jack aims to savor his last days of freedom, Miles is simply searching for the perfect wine to enjoy.
• A Good Year (2006): This British film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, introduces us to Max, a successful stockbroker living in London who inherits a French vineyard from his uncle Henry. He travels there intending to sell it as quickly as possible. However, his original plan begins to change as he gradually recalls the good times spent at the château and comes to appreciate the importance of enjoying life at a slower pace, far from the daily pressures of business.
• Bottle Shock (2008): The protagonist of this comedy is a British owner of a small wine shop in Paris who, in light of the growing fame of wines produced in California, devises a plan to prove to Parisians the quality of wines from other parts of the world. In this story based on true events, two dreamers manage to have a Napa Valley wine triumph in a 1976 French competition, forever putting the town of Calistoga on the map for wine enthusiasts.
• Tu seras mon fils (2011): Set in the French winemaking region of Saint-Émilion, this film explores the complex generational succession process among vintners. The story revolves around Paul de Marseul, a demanding vineyard owner who cannot bear the thought of his son, who works with him on the estate but doesn’t meet his expectations, taking over one day. The arrival of Philippe, the son of his advisor, fascinates Paul and profoundly alters life on the family estate. This film offers an intimate look at the work and relationships within families deeply connected to viticulture.
Series de renombre que brindan con éxito
• The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019): The writers of this hit series give wine a significant role, elevating it above other beverages like beer or spirits, showcasing it as one of the best options to enjoy with friends. Specifically, the character Penny, a simple and down-to-earth woman who perfectly balances the intellectual ensemble cast, experiences many of her memorable moments with a glass of wine in hand. White wine is her favorite, and on several occasions, the show highlights her passion for it.
• Game of Thrones (2011-2019): If there’s one series that has broken records and become a global cultural phenomenon in recent years, it’s *Game of Thrones*. The Lannisters, one of the main families, are great wine enthusiasts, often pairing their special occasions in King’s Landing with this drink. In fact, for Cersei, wine has become one of her defining traits, with her frequently seen holding a glass. Additionally, wine plays a pivotal role in one of the series’ most iconic deaths, when a character consumes a poisoned glass of wine.
• Scandal (2012-2018): This American series centers on the personal and professional life of a crisis management expert and her dysfunctional team. Olivia Pope is dedicated to protecting and defending Washington’s elite. Whether it’s bad press, an affair, or a drug problem, Olivia ensures it’s hidden before anyone finds out. The protagonist’s sophistication is reflected in her love for wine, which not only symbolizes her close bond with her father but also appears frequently in the series as a way for Olivia to unwind after a tough day at work.
We hope that this list of the best series and movies for wine lovers has piqued your interest and encouraged you to enjoy some entertaining moments watching these selections. Moreover, as true wine enthusiasts, we’re convinced that the best way to enjoy them is with a good wine in hand. For that reason, we invite you to visit our online store to find your perfect Enrique Mendoza wine to pair with your movie night and make it truly unforgettable.
