A favorite amongst wine lovers, Bottle Shock follows the story of Chateau Montelena’s triumphant victory at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. Also known as the Judgment of Paris, this monumental moment was a first for U.S. wine producers and changed the landscape of the winemaking industry in California forever. It also introduced Northern California as one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world.

The film follows wine expert Steven Spurrier (played by Alan Rickman) stumbling upon Chateau Montelena and its owner Jim Barrett (played by Bill Pullman), and Barrett’s son, Bo (played by Chris Pine). Spurrier is shocked to discover the now award-winning Chardonnay and is determined to get the wine back to Paris for the blind taste testing. As with any movie based on a true story, you might be wondering what was fact and what was fiction, so we’re here to share.

FACT: Playfully portrayed by Chris Pine, Bo Barrett, the son of Chateau Montelena’s winemaker Jim Barrett, is an unruly California surfer dude who frustrated his father due to his low ambition. Bo was indeed a surfer and a rebel in the early 1970s, but he has since lived up to the elder Barrett’s hopes: Bo is currently the CEO of Chateau Montelena and has been involved in every vintage at the winery since 1972.

FICTION: The father-and-son duo were a bit less physically violent than the film leads viewers to believe. There is no boxing ring on the Barrett property or in the vineyards, nor did Jim and Bo ever box each other.

FICTION: Though he ended up owning the historic Chateau Montelena Winery, Jim Barrett did not craft the wine that went on to win big in France. Mike Grgich, a Croatian-American winemaker in Napa Valley, was actually the winemaker of the 1973 Chardonnay that won the Paris Tasting of 1976, known as the Judgment of Paris. While originally written into the script, Mike was cut from the movie because he did not want to be a part of the film.

FICTION: In the film, the Chardonnay turns brown for 24 hours after bottling, a twist that devastates Jim, who believes his new release is doomed. Though the wine did turn off-color for a short time after it was bottled, this is actually a somewhat common occurrence, and real-life winemaker Mike Grgich totally knew how to handle the situation.

FICTION: Jim and Bo are shown living at the Napa Valley winery during the summer of 1976, but they actually lived much further south, near Los Angeles, and took long trips up the coast in order to operate Chateau Montelena. Jim was actually a certified pilot, and he often flew into the nearby Santa Rosa airport when he had to spend time at the winery.

FACT: Bo and Gustavo Brambila, played by Freddy Rodriguez, are portrayed as close friends, with Bo as the prankster and Gustavo as the serious one. The two struck up a friendship in the 1970s, although Gustavo was not actually involved at all with Chateau Montelena’s win at the Paris Wine Tasting. Gustavo, one of the first Latinos to earn a degree in fermentation science from the University of California, Davis, was hired by winemaker Mike Grgich to do quality control in 1976, although it was after the famed tasting. Bo and Gustavo remain close friends to this day.

FICTION: In the film, Gustavo is fired by Jim for producing wine under his own label. However, Gustavo was never fired, but instead left the winery on good terms. He actually left in 1977 to work for Mike when the former Chateau Montelena winemaker created his own brand, Grgich Hills. In 1996, Gustavo did go on to create his own label, Gustavo Wine, which continues to operate to this day.

Conclusion

All in all, Bottle Shock is fairly faithful to the true story, although some people, like Mike Grgich, made major contributions that weren’t included. Nevertheless, you can still experience some of Napa Valley’s history by tasting the wines of Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Cellar, and Gustavo Wines. Grab a bottle and head back to your room to watch how an unlikely, family-run vineyard changed California Wine Country forever

The post Bottle Shock: Fact vs. Fiction first appeared on NapaValley.com.

The Films

The 2019 NVFF lineup features such stars as Billy Crystal, Anna Camp, Nina Dobrev, Damian Lewis, Mena Massoud, Ben Platt, Ben Schwartz, and Tika Sumpter.

The independent films are organized into the categories of Narrative Features and Documentary Features, with 16 films vying for the title of Best Feature in each core competition category. The directors of the films in NVFF’s core competition categories will also participate in the festival’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented by Meadowood Napa Valley. The residency includes masterclasses and breakout sessions with industry leaders, as well as networking opportunities at special events throughout the festival. It’s not only an opportunity to enjoy many of these films’ world premieres, but a chance to preview films that could be in the running for a Golden Globe or Academy Awards nomination! In the past, the NVFF has screened award winners like Silver Linings Playbook, Wild, and Lion.

Screenings are held at venues throughout Napa Valley, like the Archer Hotel in Napa, Lincoln Theatre in Yountville, and Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena.

You’ll also get the chance to chat with the filmmakers after each showing during Q&A sessions.

You can learn more about the NVFF’s films here.

Wine, Food and Entertainment

Forgive us for stating the obvious, but you can’t have a festival in Wine Country without copious amounts of wine, and it’s promised to be flowing throughout the NVFF. Wine will be available for purchase at some screenings, but one of the best opportunities to get a total taste of Napa is to take a wine tasting break during the Wine Intermissions, where 10+ boutique wineries will pour their best wines in between film screenings at the Festival Hubs, located in Napa and St. Helena.

Most passes also include full access to culinary demonstrations where daily cooking demos and exclusive wines are offered, leaving you with plenty of kitchen inspo for when you return home.

The Parties

Want to get a selfie with a celebrity? These parties and special events are your best shot at mingling with Hollywood’s A-listers and often feature surprise performances from top musicians.

The Vintner’s Circle Dinners, hosted at premier Napa Valley wineries, will be where winemakers, filmmakers, and celebrities sit down to an intimate and unforgettable dining experience. Only those with a VIP Patron Pass can snag a seat, though.

Other don’t-miss events include the Opening Night Party, Celebrity Tributes, and the Festival Gala, which are all sure to impress.

The Perfect Pass Cheat Sheet

From the Flex Pass offering five film screenings to a full-blown Patron Circle VIP festival pass, there are ticketing options for every budget, schedule, and level of interest. Use this cheat sheet to find the perfect fit for you. Note: all of these passes give you access to film screenings and wine intermissions.

If you want to see all the films, plus party with all of the filmmakers and celebs: The Pass Plus ($575 – 695), gives you priority access in line to screenings throughout the festival and gets you into some of the week’s big events and parties, like the Opening Night Party and Festival Gala.

If you don’t plan on working all week and want to see as many films as possible: The traditional Festival Pass ($225 – 295) gives you unlimited film screenings, afternoon wine tastings, and access to culinary demonstrations.

If you’re not much of a planner and/or can’t predict your crazy schedule: The Flex Pass ($125) is good for five screenings throughout the festival (any days, any times). It also includes afternoon wine tastings.

If you want the VIP treatment: The VIP Patron Circle ($2,500 – $25,000), much of which is tax deductible, gets you a year-round membership with exclusive access to filmmakers, actors, vintners, and more. Enjoy perks like VIP reserved seating during screenings, invites to special events, and a personalized NVFF experience.

– BUY YOUR PASSES –

If You Go

Where to Stay

Book a room at the Napa River Inn, where you’ll have views of the Napa River and be within walking distance to many of the NVFF downtown Napa venues. Have a little too much fun the night before? Order breakfast to your room from downstairs bakery Sweetie Pies.

St. Helena’s romantic Wine Country Inn is a good resting spot in between screenings and events Upvalley. With breakfast served al fresco overlooking five acres of sprawling vineyards and gardens, this luxurious bed and breakfast is the definition of country chic. Be sure to use promo code WCM when booking to enjoy an artisan cheese plate, a discounted room, and late check-out.

What to Do

If you happen to have any free time around all of the screenings, wine tastings, and parties – don’t forget to get some shut eye too – use it to discover some of Napa Valley’s newer establishments. In downtown Napa, check The Village at Vista Collina, a full-bodied resort that offers eight boutique wineries and a brewery all in one location, or visit the newly renovated Louis M. Martini Winery for a tasting.

Want to work off all that fun you’re going to have? Rent a bike from Napa Valley Bike Tours and take an early morning ride down the Napa Valley Vine Trail, which stretches 19 miles, all the way to Yountville.

The post Our Official Guide to the 2019 Napa Valley Film Festival first appeared on NapaValley.com.

Between Wednesday, November 8th and Sunday, November 12th, the spotlight turns to wine country as Hollywood takes a five-day retreat northward to the Napa Valley Film Festival. For seven years running, the acclaimed festival has honored emerging and established talent and the best new independent films right here among the vineyards.

Now, it wouldn’t be Napa Valley without the usual cast of decadent culinary and wine experiences, but when you pepper in a festival filled with star-studded movies and their characters, there’s so much to view that you may need some guidance. We are now in the know about what featured stars and movies will be packed into five stellar days of programming, so we thought we’d share a sneak peek at the must-see films hitting our local screens and the key celebrities making appearances to be honored for their amazing work.

FILM

LA 92

Film still from LA 92

Wednesday, November 8th, 10:00am at Cameo Cinema, St. Helena, California
Directed by Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin

The Current War

Film still from The Current War

Wednesday, November 8th, 10:00am at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, Tom Holland, Katherine Waterston, Tuppence Middleton

Crown Heights

Film still from Crown Heights

Wednesday, November 8th, 1:30pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Matt Ruskin
Starring Luke Forbes, Lakeith Stanfield, Adriane Lenox, Nnamdi Asomugha, Natalie Paul

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

Film still from Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

Wednesday, November 8th, 5:15pm at Cameo Cinema, St. Helena, California
Directed by Paul McGuigan
Starring Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Vanessa Redgrave, Julie Walters

The Upside

Film still from The Upside

Wednesday, November 8th, 5:30pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Neil Burger
Starring Nicole Kidman, Bryan Cranston, Golshifteh Farahani, Julianna Margulies, Kevin Hart

Call Me By Your Name

Film still from Call Me By Your Name

Thursday, November 9th, 9:45am at Cameo Cinema, St. Helena, California
Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Starring Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar

The Shape of Water

Film still from The Shape of Water

Thursday, November 9th, 1:30pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Doug Jones, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg

78/52

Thursday, November 9th, 8:30pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe

I, Tonya

Film still from I, Tonya

Friday, November 10th, 5:00pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Caitlin Carve

The Leisure Seeker

Film still from The Leisure Seeker

Saturday, November 11th, 9:45am at Cameo Cinema, St. Helena, California
Directed by Paolo Virzì
Starring Helen Mirren, Donald Sutherland, Christian McKay, Janel Moloney, Dick Gregory, Dana Ivey

Chappaquiddick

Film still from Chappaquiddick

Sunday, November 12th, 1:30pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by John Curran
Starring Kate Mara, Ed Helms, Jason Clarke, Bruce Dern, Jim Gaffiganies, Kevin Hart

Molly’s Game

Film still from Molly’s Game

Sunday, November 12th, 5:30pm at the Uptown Theatre, Napa, California
Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Chris O’Dowd, Joe Keery

CELEBRITY TRIBUTES AND HONOREES

Photo by Aurora Heitman

Charles Krug Legendary Filmmaker – Nancy Meyers
Raymond Vineyards Trailblazer – Michael Shannon
Spotlight Tribute honoree – Michael Stuhlbarg
The Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch Humanitarian Tribute – Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder
Caldwell Vineyards Maverick Tribute – Will Ferrell
Rising Star Showcase – Ana de Armas, Odeya Rush, Austin Stowell, Gregg Sulkin, Alex Wolff, and Analeigh Tipton

Additional actors expected to attend include David Arquette, Zoey Deutch, Lou Diamond Phillips, Thomas Middleditch, Haley Joel Osment, Dennis Quaid, Jim Rash, Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson, and Elijah Wood. More honorees and celebrity guests will be announced as the festival approaches on the Napa Valley Film Festival website.

From October 16 through the festival, NVFF will donate 10% of all revenue from pass sales directly to the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund and Lexus, NVFF’s Presenting Sponsor, will be generously donating 1,000 free tickets to those impacted by the Valley fires.

The post Who To See and Where To Be at the 2017 Napa Valley Film Festival first appeared on NapaValley.com.

Film is like wine in that it’s completely subjective. Everyone has different tastes, so to help you pick from the 100+ films that will be screened at this year’s Napa Valley Film Festival, we’ve created this oh-so-handy guide.

If You Like Feel Good Stories of Hope and Redemption

Check out documentaries Mighty Ground , the story of a homeless man that turns to music in an effort to to kick his drug addiction and break away from the chains of poverty, or Skid Row Marathon , which centers on an unlikely running group of former criminals and addicts that train to run marathons together. Addressing one of society’s most pressing young adult issues, I Can I Will I Did is about a bullied teen that ends up paralyzed in a tragic accident, and his quest to walk again.

If You Subscribe to the Notion “If You’re Not First, You’re Last”

Many of these films are having their California or West Coast premiere at the NVFF, so you’ll be able to brag to all of your friends about the amazing film you previewed that they’ve never even heard of yet. Look out for screenings like ACORN and the Firestorm , A Fine Line , and Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies , a documentary about the life of Alan Ladd, Jr., the producer behind Star Wars, Blade Runner and Braveheart.

ACORN and the Firestorm Film Still

If You Never Miss an Award Show

You’ll want to grab seats to this year’s Core Competition Films, the ones that could bring home some hardware during awards season. Former Red Carpet presentations include Lion, The Descendants, Silver Linings Playbook and Wild. Future winners could be The Gateway Bug (it’s about eating bugs), The Year of Spectacular Men , or Tater Tot & Patton , which already has our vote for best title.

If You Could Use a Laugh

Both on trend with the modern day buzzwords, Amanda and Jack Go Glamping and Life Hack look primed to shake off a long week at the office.

Life Hack Film Still

If You’re Overdue for a Good Cry

Man in Red Bandana and American Folk both address the pain and loss surrounding 9/11, so there’s no way your eyes stay dry.

If You Want to Change the World

Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution , looks at the positive impact that clean energy initiatives are having on the globe.

Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution Film Still

If You Like a Good Political Debate

ACORN and the Firestorm centers on ACORN, the grassroots organization that was accused of voter fraud by Republicans during the 2008 presidential election, while Food Evolution will leave you wrestling with everything you thought you knew about GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

If You’re Always on Your Phone

California Typewriter and People You May Know shed light on the impacts of our technologically-obsessed society. Phones must be silenced during the screening, but you can totally tweet about it after.

If You’re a Feminist

Female empowerment is a common theme this year, with films like Catching Sight of Thelma and Louise and Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table . Served Like a Girl gives us a rare look at the suffering and strength of female veterans, and A Fine Line seeks to discover why only six percent of head restaurant chefs are women.

Served Like a Girl Film Still

You can check out the full list of films and descriptions at nvff.com. Make sure you maximize your festival experience with our complete NVFF Guide. It contains everything you need to know about ticketing, events, lodging and more.

The post Handy Movie Guide for NVFF 2017 first appeared on NapaValley.com.