Napa Valley, California. Anyone interested in wine must have heard of Napa Valley wine at least once. The great sun and hot weather in California grow the most delicious grapes for the world’s most fantastic wines. This is the miracle story of American wines pitted against French wines; Chateau Montelena’s success versus the already outstanding French wines.

Set in Napa Valley, then the countryside, a village makes a miracle in 1976. Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman), a British wine connoisseur who used to serve and handle only French wines, opens his eyes to American wines. He goes on a wine journey through the Napa Valley and “pays” for what should be free wine tasting. Back then, one was charged for wine tasting in France, while it was free in Napa Valley. Spurrier’s action depicts the different wine culture between Europe and America.

He takes 26 bottles of American wines, which are intended to be nominated for the best wines in a contest in Paris, France. Unfortunately, Chateau Montelena, a representative wine of Napa Valley, changes its color just a few days before it is used in the contest. Bo Barret (Chris Pine), the son of the vintner of Chateau Montelena, runs around to find out what is wrong with the wine, which only changed its colour but not its taste.

Gustavo Brambilla (Freddy Rodríguez), an employee of Barret’s winery, says, “The cultivation of the wine is an art form.” He means that wine cannot be made so easily by just anyone. It takes time, care, and love to make the perfect wine. The effort and love the people in Napa Valley put into a bottle of wine must have been delivered to the tongues of wine tasters, the judges of the 1976 “Judgment of Paris.”

Still, the film has a defect. The people’s clothing and the setting in the film are plain, which perfectly depicts the feeling of countryside. However, it can make the audience feel a glass of Chateau Montelena is just mild tasting. Moreover, since it was a low-budget film, the scene for 1976 “Judgment of Paris” was shot in California instead of Paris. The scene shows an unrealistic sunny weather in Paris.

Look out for a familiar face. You can easily recognize him by his deep voice and British accent. Alan Rickman is famous for the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series. His previous role was a conniving evil man, whereas Spurrier is a wine-loving Brit. His ability to play the two contrasting characters proves his talent as an actor.

Nevertheless, this film is a must-see for fans of American wines. It is possibly a stereotype-breaking film for the people who think French wines are the only and best wines in the world. Already, many have become fans interested in learning wine and finding opportunities to visit the Napa Valley wineries. Decide for yourself whether to become one.

▲ Official Poster from Naver Movie