Is there anything better than kicking back with a glass of wine and a good movie? How about a glass of wine and a movie about wine that transports you to somewhere beautiful?
I think we can all agree that food is a big part of travel, but so are the drinks. I love wine and even worked on a vineyard in Italy for a few weeks. To me, wine and travel are closely linked. After all, location is of the utmost importance in winemaking, and you can taste the soil and climate in every glass.
But even when you can’t physically go to France or Italy, you can bring a little of their flavors and culture into your living room. That’s why I’ve selected the best travel movies about wine for you. These wine movies might ever provide some travel inspiration for your next trip!
So pour yourself a glass, sit back, and travel the world from the comfort of home with these wine and travel movies.
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Uncorked
Uncorked is the story of Elijah, a young man working in his families BBQ restaurant who secretly dreams of becoming a sommelier. When he applies to sommelier school, he’s admitted to a program in Paris. But in order to afford it, he needs financial support from his family, which means confessing his aspirations to him.
Although Elijah gets to go to Paris to learn about wine, life gets in the way, and he almost gives up on his dreams. Throughout the film, he struggles to balance his families expectations with his own desires. This movie is perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and moving to Paris to become a sommelier.
Learn more about wine from an Italian sommelier during this virtual class
Uncorked is a full-bodied family story with a hint of romance and subtle notes of coming-of-age. It is also refreshing to see a wine movie that centers Black characters and culture.
Best paired with: a bold, young wine and a heaping plate of BBQ.
Year: 2020
Director: Prentice Penny
Starring: Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Matt McGorry, Sasha Compère
Duration: 104 minutes
Watch it on: Netflix
A Good Year
Max Skinner is a successful businessman in London who inherits a French Château from his uncle. When he returns to the vineyard in the Provence where he used to spend his summers as a kid, memories start flooding back. He’s initially determined to sell the property but reconsiders when he meets Fanny, a beautiful local girl.
As he spends time in the Provence, Max discovers some secrets about his family, the vineyard, and himself. He starts to realize his fast-paced London life might not be all that great after all. And who could blame him? If I could live in a beautiful old château in France and drink wine all day, I wouldn’t think twice!
Like any good romantic comedy, the plot is a little predictable but still enjoyable and heart-warming. The Provence provides a beautiful backdrop that will have you dreaming of wine and romance. For those reasons, A Good Year isn’t just one of my favorite wine movies, but also one of my favorite travel movies of all time.
Best paired with: a glass of Château Margaux and a fancy French cheese plate
Year: 2006
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Freddie Highmore, Tom Hollander
Duration: 118 minutes
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
Wine Country
Who knew wine and laughter paired so well? In Wine Country, a group of friends takes a trip to Napa Valley California to celebrate a 50th birthday. Their clashing personalities and expectations for the weekend end lead to inevitable shenanigans.
The stellar cast of comedy powerhouses and SNL alums deliver top-notch comedy throughout the film. If you enjoyed Bridesmaids, you will love Wine Country as well. We follow the group of middle-aged women as they navigate their interpersonal relationships, an ambitious itinerary, and lots and lots of wine.
Hilarious hijinks ensue while Napa Valley provides a gorgeous backdrop, from the rolling hills to the classic vineyards. Despite the trouble they get into, you’ll immediately want to book your own Sonoma or Napa Valley wine tour.
Best paired with: your best friends and copious amounts of Chardonnay
Year: 2019
Director: Amy Poehler
Starring: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Paula Pell, Emily Spivey
Duration: 103 minutes
Watch it on: Netflix
Sour Grapes
The documentary Sour Grapes looks at the dark underbelly of the expensive wine trade. It tells the story of Rudy Kurniawan, an Indonesian wine collector, who made millions by selling fake bottles of wine.
The film dives into the elitist, high-brow culture of wine collection. From small clubs of wine lovers to millionaires an obsession with quality and exclusivity that borders on ridiculous. For regular people, the amounts of money spent on wines during auctions are somewhat obscene. If you’ve ever wanted to see into some of the most impressive wine cellars in the world, here’s your chance.
Feel like a real wine snob with this personalized wine case
Most interesting is the way in which Kurniawan was able to establish himself as a wine trader and fool so many people into buying fake wines. He mostly forged labels and filled empty bottles with cheap wines. It somehow took years for him to be found out.
If anything, Sour Grapes confirms the suspected absurdity of wine snobs. In the immortal words of April Ludgate in Parks & Recreation: “all wine tastes the same, and if you spend more than $5 on any wine, you’re very stupid”.
Best paired with: a completely unpretentious and affordable bottle of wine from your local supermarket
Year: 2016
Director: Reuben Atlas, Jerry Rothwell
Starring: Laurent Ponsot, Jay McInerney, Jefery Levy
Duration: 85 minutes
Watch it on: Netflix
Back to Burgundy
Back to Burgundy is a French movie (original title: Ce qui nous lie), about a family of winemakers in Burgundy. When their father falls ill, the eldest son Jean returns to the vineyard and his siblings. They have to decide whether to continue the family business or sell while mending their relationship.
Their controlling father trained them and taught them everything about wine, but to succeed they have to face their past and look to the future. Each sibling has their personal issues and relationship problems to overcome, all the while fighting to restore the vineyard to its former glory.
Feeling inspired? Book this Burgundy bike tour with wine tasting for your next vacation.
The movie takes place in Burgundy, France, with the rolling hills as a beautiful backdrop. As the seasons change and the vines grow, so do the characters. It is a touching story of life, loss, romance, and family. Many lessons are learned throughout the film with the most important message of all: you can always come back home.
Back to Burgundy is a feelgood film that will make you want to pack up and go work on a French vineyard.
Best paired with: your siblings and a bottle of Burgundy of course
Year: 2017
Director: Cédric Klapisch
Starring: Pio Marmaï, Ana Girardot, Francios Civil
Duration: 113 minutes
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
A Perfect Pairing
Rom-coms and wine were already a perfect pairing. But what when you combine them in a film? A Perfect Pairing takes you to the new world of wine: Australia.
Wine executive Lola has an eye for unique wines. To secure an up-and-coming Australian wine brand for her business, she travels Down Under to schmooze the owner. But to impress them, she has to work the farm. Romance ensues with the hunky manager of the vineyard.
This is a fun and flirty romantic comedy that will make you want to buy a plane ticket and find your own Australian winemaker to date.
Best paired with: a fun Australian rosé
Year: 2022
Director: Stuart McDonald
Starring: Victoria Justice and Adam Demos
Duration: 101 minutes
Watch it on: Netflix
Sideways
Have you ever wanted to plan a fun bachelor trip to the Sonoma Valley, this movie will probably change your mind.
Sideways follows two friends: one a down-on-his-luck writer and amateur wine connoisseur, and one mildly successful actor who cares more about women than wine. As the latter is about to get married, they decide to take a trip from L.A. to the Sonoma Valley for some wine and fun
While there, they do a lot more than just tasting wine. They meet two attractive women who derail their original plans for the trip. In between tasting wines and driving around, they learn a lot about themselves and their friendship. And while it all goes sideways, they end up in a better place than they started.
Best paired with: a California Pinot Noir
Year: 2004
Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh
Duration: 127 minutes
Watch it on: Hulu
These wine movies will provide hours of entertainment and travel inspiration. You’ll probably find yourself planning a wine trip as soon as the film is over!
Here are some great Italian wineries recommended by travel bloggers like me
What are your favorite wine and travel movies? Where in the world are your favorite wine regions? Let’s talk vino in the comments!
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