The editorial department of Boxmo Wine, a New Zealand wine specialty store , has watched 15 films related to wine.
There was quite a variety, from casual viewings to full-blown documentaries.
All of the works were interesting; some were moving, some were funny, and some were educational.
In this article, we will introduce you to a selection of wine movies.
If you want to know more, please check out each article.
[Characters in this article]
- Mika is 35 years old and works at an apparel company. She is getting into wine and is really interested in wine glasses.
- Iwasu is a sommelier who oversees this website. He runs a bar in Nagoya that stocks a wide range of New Zealand wines.
Usuke Boys/Kuni
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
A human drama based on a true story
【story】
A group of young people who started making wine inspired by the real-life winemaker Asai Usuke compete with each other to improve their skills.
[Recommended for these people]
Interested in winemaking and like Japanese wine
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun and you can learn more.
| Production year/country | 2018/Japan |
| director | Yuji Kakizaki |
| Cast | Watanabe, D., Deai, M., Kenta Uchino, Isao Hashizume, and others |
The film is based on Kaori Kawai 's non-fiction novel "Usuke Boys: The Revolutionary Children of Japanese Wine" (Shogakukan) .
A group of passionate young people who wanted to create a world-class Japanese wine. How did they create a new Japanese wine?
Filming took place on location at real vineyards and wineries, giving the viewers a very real feel for the wine-making process.
This is a film that will allow you to experience the charm of Japanese wine, something that only Japanese people will want to know about.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "Usuke Boys" click here
By the way, on November 4, 2022, "Signature: Making Japan a World-Famous Brewing Destination", with an original script by director Kakizaki Yuji, was released.
Signature/Kuni
Image source: Signature official website
| Production year/country | 2021/Japan |
| Director/Screenplay | Yuji Kakizaki |
| Cast | Hiroyuki Hirayama, Yuka Takeshima, Takaaki Enoki, Satoshi Tokushige, et al. |
This drama depicts the life story of Anzo Mitsuhiro, a winemaker who inherited the will of Asai Usuke. After being assigned to Chateau Mercian of Mercian Corporation, Anzo meets Asai and strives to make Japan a world-class wine-producing region.
Yasuzo, the protagonist of this film, is currently the Production Manager and Chief Winemaker at Chateau Mercian, and also serves as Chairman of the Yamanashi Prefecture Wine and Sake Makers Association, making him a central figure in the Japanese wine industry.
If you watch this film, which focuses on Yasuzo, a legendary figure in the Japanese wine world, you will surely be able to feel the passion of people who are committed to creating things!
▶︎ Click here for an article summarizing the outline of "Signature" and trivia related to the movie
Tears of Grapes / Kuni
Source: Tears of Grapes | Asmik Ace
[Genre]
Human drama
【story】
A heartwarming story about a protagonist who tries his hand at making wine in Hokkaido and regains the hope in life he had almost lost.
[Recommended for these people]
I love Hokkaido and slow-paced movies.
[Wine knowledge]
You can enjoy it without it
| Production year/country | 2014/Japan |
| Director/Screenplay | Yukiko Mishima |
| Cast | Yo Oizumi, Shota Sometani, Yuko Ando, et al. |
This work was produced by a Hokkaido production company, filmed entirely in Hokkaido, and starring Hokkaido native Yo Oizumi, and is part of the "Hokkaido Film Series" along with "Happy Bread" and "Sora no Restaurant."
It is a warm-hearted film that is filled with the charm of Hokkaido and the desire of the filmmakers to convey it.
I think it's a comfortable work with a unique fantasy feel rather than reality. I recommend watching it with some good wine and snacks.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "Tears of Grapes" click here
Bottle Dream: The Miracle of California Wine/Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
Human drama
【story】
A dramatic story based on the incident that led California wine to gain worldwide recognition.
[Recommended for these people]
[Wine knowledge]
You can enjoy it without it
| Production year/country | 2008/USA |
| Director/Screenplay | Randall Miller |
| Cast | Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Bill Pullman, etc. |
Although this work is fiction, it is based on a real event that has become legendary in the wine industry : the Judgment of Paris .
The story is filled with a variety of elements, including parent-child conflict, friendship, and romance, making it enjoyable for people of all ages and genders.
Also noteworthy is the skilled acting of the great actor Alan Rickman.
If you are a wine lover, you should know about the Paris Tasting Incident. If you watch this movie, you will understand how shocking an event it was.
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "Bottle Dream: The Miracle of California Wine"
Welcome back to Burgundy / Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
Human drama
【story】
Three brothers were born into a winery in Burgundy. When their father falls ill, they once again have to face their family and their own lives.
[Recommended for these people]
Interested in winemaking and likes coming-of-age movies
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun if you have it
| Production year/country | 2018/France |
| Director/Screenplay | Cedric Klapisch |
| Cast | Pio Marmai, Ana Girardot, Francois Civil, etc. |
A story about a family protecting a winery, depicted with rich expression by a French director who is also popular in Japan.
This moving film is full of highly emotional and moving scenes, intertwining various elements such as the young winemakers' love for wine, the love between brothers and sisters, and the love between parents and children.
I think it's amazing that, while it is a solid human drama, it also thoroughly depicts the process of making wine, from grape cultivation to harvesting and brewing.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "Welcome Back to Burgundy" click here
See you in Burgundy / Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
Human drama
【story】
The only son of a historic winery in Burgundy tries to revive the winery that is on the verge of bankruptcy, but he faces many obstacles, including friction with his father and the ravages of nature.
[Recommended for these people]
I'm interested in winemaking, I want to go to France, I like movies with a mature atmosphere
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun if you have it
| Production year/country | 2016/France |
| Director/Screenplay | Jerome Le Maire |
| Cast | Jalil Lespert, Gerard Lanvin, Alice Taglioni, et al. |
This film has been much talked about as the first French film to be shot entirely in Burgundy . You won't be able to take your eyes off the beautiful scenery, including the vast vineyards and medieval buildings.
The process of winemaking is depicted in detail, but the main focus is on the love between father and son.
The film carefully depicts how the deep rift that had developed between the son, who had once turned his back on the winery, and his father, who had stubbornly protected the winery, was repaired.
Burgundy wine is said to be the best in the world, but no matter how high-quality a wine it is, it is made by people, and there are as many dramas involved as there are people involved. This is something you can feel from this film.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "See you in Burgundy" click here
Sideway/Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
Human drama, love story
【story】
A middle-aged wine geek and his best friend, an unsuccessful actor, go on a tour of wineries in Santa Barbara, California, and the slapstick comedy that ensues.
[Recommended for these people]
I like watching movies while drinking wine, and I like adult romance movies.
[Wine knowledge]
You can enjoy it without it
| Production year/country | 2004/USA |
| director | Alexander Payne |
| Cast |
This road movie depicts the "side roads of life," and is touching with scenes that overlap the maturation of wine with life itself, but is also peppered with humorous scenes.
This is a work that contains many relatable parts, such as the real-life worries, desires, and regrets that anyone can experience.
Real Santa Barbara wineries are featured one after another, piquing your curiosity to actually visit them.
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "Sideway"
Sideways/Kuni
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
Human drama, love story
【story】
A road movie about two middle-aged men who go on a trip to Napa Valley, California to visit wineries and are thrown into the mix by unexpected reunions and new encounters.
[Recommended for these people]
I like watching movies while drinking wine, and I like adult romance movies.
[Wine knowledge]
You can enjoy it without it at all
| Production year/country | 2009/USA |
| director | Cellin Gluck |
| Cast |
A Japanese remake of the 2004 hit American film "Sideways."
It has a very familiar atmosphere for Japanese people, and even if you have already seen "Sideways," you will be able to enjoy it as if it were a different work.
I think this is a work that conveys the message that what's important is not "what kind of high-quality wine you drink" but "who you drink it with."
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "Sideways"
Wine: the difference between expectation and reality / Western
Source: Wine is the taste of expectation and reality | Netflix official website
[Genre]
Human drama
【story】
A human drama depicting the friendly rivalry of a young man aiming to become a master sommelier and the love of his family who watches over him.
[Recommended for these people]
I like stories where the protagonist takes on new challenges, and I'm interested in the Master Sommelier Exam.
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun if you have it
| Production year/country | 2020/USA |
| Director/Screenplay | Prentiss Penny |
| Cast |
The protagonist overcomes various hardships as he takes on the Master Sommelier exam, the world's most difficult qualification, with a pass rate of only 1-8%.
The film features hip-hop music in the background, witty dialogue and well-paced cuts, making it a very stylish piece.
Even if you don't know anything about wine, if you like teen movies, I think this is a movie you'll enjoy. It's also an interesting movie that gives you some insight into the qualification of a Master Sommelier.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "Wine is the Taste of Expectations and Reality" click here
Tokyo Wine Party People/Kuni
Source: Official Twitter of the movie "Tokyo Wine Party People"
[Genre]
Human drama
【story】
Shino, an office lady working in the city, meets a wonderful businessman, Oda, at a wine party she was invited to by her boss. The two hit it off while enjoying wine, but Oda is arrested on suspicion of window dressing. Shino believes that Oda is not a bad person, so she starts attending wine parties introduced to her by him and becomes immersed in the world of wine.
[Recommended for these people]
I like romantic movies and admire high-end wines.
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun if you have it
| Production year/country | 2019/Japan |
| director | Hideki Wada |
| Cast |
At first glance, it seems like a romantic film, but the simple personality of the main character and the various human relationships that take place among the people who gather at the wine party, all of which bring out different emotions, are depicted in this film.
Famous sommeliers such as Shinya Tasaki make guest appearances, and while there are scenes that those with wine knowledge will enjoy more, even those with no knowledge at all can still enjoy the show from a different perspective.
Even if you know nothing about wine, watching this movie will surely pique your interest. I would especially recommend this to young people who are not familiar with wine.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "Tokyo Wine Party People" click here
Gifts from Provence/Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
love story
【story】
The protagonist, a financial trader in London, receives news of the death of his uncle who lives in Provence. He visits Provence for the first time in a while to inherit his estate, and encounters new people there that lead him to reexamine his own life.
[Recommended for these people]
I like romantic movies and I want to go to Provence.
[Wine knowledge]
You can enjoy it without it at all
| Production year/country | 2006/USA |
| Director/Screenplay | Ridley Scott |
| Cast |
The dynamic nature and beautiful townscapes of Provence in the south of France are set as a backdrop, and the beauty of the images is captivating.
The story moves at a good pace, with a good balance of humorous and romantic scenes, making it very easy to watch.
Although it's a story about wine producers, it's easy to watch and doesn't require any specialized knowledge, so please feel free to check it out.
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "Gifts from Provence"
Wine Country/Western
Source: Filmarks
[Genre]
Comedy
【story】
Six friends who used to work at a pizza place when they were younger decide to get together for the first time in years and go to Napa Valley, California. It was supposed to be a fun trip, but dark clouds gradually started to gather...
[Recommended for these people]
I like comedies and stories about female friendships.
[Wine knowledge]
You can enjoy it without it at all
| Production year/country | 2019/USA |
| director | Amy Poehler |
| Cast |
A large gathering of comediennes from the popular American variety show "Saturday Night Live."
Set in the famous wine-producing region of Napa Valley, the main characters drink wine every day and have a blast. There are plenty of funny scenes from start to finish.
And in addition to laughing, the ending will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, thinking, "It's wonderful to have a friendship like this."
Since it contains a lot of slightly vulgar content, it is recommended that you watch it with friends you get along with rather than with your family or partner.
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "Wine Country"
SOMM/Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
documentary
【story】
A documentary that conveys a passion for wine, following candidates taking the Master Sommelier exam, the most difficult qualification in wine.
[Recommended for these people]
Are you interested in taking the Master Sommelier exam and want to gain some wine expertise?
[Wine knowledge]
For those who want to learn
| Production year/country | 2012/USA |
| director | Jason Wise |
The exam tests three areas: wine knowledge, blind tasting, and service.
The study and practice is incredibly hard .
Candidates feel distressed, anxious and sometimes emotional.
This work captures these scenes as they are, allowing you to experience the realism that only a documentary can provide.
I think this work will be an opportunity to learn about the depth and niche aspects of the world of wine.
▶︎ For more information and reviews of "SOMM" click here
This work is actually a trilogy , and you can watch up to the second part , "Som: Into the Bottle," on Japanese distribution sites (as of 2020).
This program features a master sommelier talking extensively about the appeal of wine.
It is packed with valuable footage, including interviews with famous producers and footage from inside wineries.
This is also a specialized topic, but it may be worth taking a look at it with the intention of attending a trial class at a wine school .
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "SOM: Into the Bottle"
Georgia, the birthplace of wine / Western
Source: Official website of the movie "Georgia, the birthplace of wine"
[Genre]
documentary
【story】
This work focuses on the "qvevri method," a unique wine brewing method in Georgia (formerly known as Georgia), which is said to be the birthplace of wine.
[Recommended for these people]
Are you interested in special wine-making methods or natural wines?
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun and you can learn more.
| Production year/country | 2018/USA |
| Director, Filming, Editing | Emily Railsback |
The traditional winemaking method, in which wine is fermented in clay jars called qvevri buried underground, stands in stark contrast to mass-produced wine in factories.
It depicts the lives of the Georgian people as they have continued to carry on these traditions despite the hardships they have endured.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in natural wine. I guarantee you'll fall in love with it even more.
▶︎ For more information and reviews of "Georgia, the birthplace of wine" click here
The secret of the most beautiful Bordeaux in the world / Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
documentary
【story】
This work focuses on the business side of wine and makes you think about what the true value of wine is. It mainly focuses on the relationship between Bordeaux wine and the Chinese economy.
[Recommended for these people]
I want to learn about the relationship between wine and the economy, and I want to know about Bordeaux wine.
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun and you can learn more.
| Production year/country | 2013/China, France, etc. |
| director | David Roach, Warwick Ross |
| Narration | Russell Crowe |
Interviews include famous Bordeaux producers, film director Francis Ford Coppola, and wine critic Robert Parker, famous for "Parker Points."
The program is structured mainly around interviews with famous people from various fields, and covers topics such as the world's opinion of Bordeaux wine, wine as an investment, and its relationship with the Chinese economy.
This is a documentary that gives you a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes side of wine that you wouldn't know just by drinking it.
▶︎ For details and reviews of "The Secret of the Most Beautiful Bordeaux in the World" click here
Sour Grapes / Western
Source: Amazon
[Genre]
documentary
【story】
This film depicts the story of the counterfeit wine case known as the "Rudy Case" that occurred in 2012, focusing on footage of Rudy (the culprit) and interviews with the people actually involved.
[Recommended for these people]
I want to know about counterfeit wine cases and am interested in wine auctions.
[Wine knowledge]
It's more fun and you can learn more.
| Production year/country | 2016/UK |
| director | Reuben Atlas, Jerry Rothwell |
The film is full of fascinating and captivating footage, including interviews with people who actually enjoyed a wine party with the perpetrator (unaware that he was a conman), as well as collectors and investigators who suspected Rudy and began investigating.
The film is structured very realistically, making it easy for even those who are not used to documentaries to become engrossed in the action.
The Rudy incident is a surprising event that proves that "truth is stranger than fiction." You can enjoy it even if you don't know anything about wine, so please feel free to take a look.
▶︎ Click here for details and reviews of "Sour Grapes"
summary
After watching 15 films about wine, the thing I felt most strongly was that "people and wine live together."
They influence the lives of those they come into contact with, to greater or lesser degrees, by providing comfort to people, connecting them with each other, and sometimes giving them challenges.
I think this is true not only in the world of fiction, but also in the real world.
This feeling is even more apparent because there are many heartfelt works.
What's more, you can kill two birds with one stone by learning about wine just by relaxing and watching a movie at home.
Come enjoy a wine-related film while sipping some delicious New Zealand wine!
