“Sideways” 10th Anniversary: Wine Country Celebrates

The Santa Ynez Valley looks back at the vino-loving film.

CINEMATIC SIP: There are some films and shows that are so associated with a particular libation that it's nearly impossible to mention the title without immediately naming its quintessential sip. Think "The Big Lebowski" and the White Russian or "Sex and the City" and Cosmopolitans or James Bond and his shaken, never stirred Martini. But what of the movie that takes a stand against a particular beverage? Will it, too, be forever linked to the beverage in question? "Yes," is the short answer, if you look to Alexander Payne's quirky and layered "Sideways." Paul Giamatti's wine-loving Miles rails against merlot in the film, memorably, and his viewpoint quickly caught on as one of the touchstones of the independent darling. So how does one celebrate the approaching 10th anniversary of the independent festival favorite, then? With chardonnay? Cabernet? Something else? Oh heck no: Merlot is the drink of choice at the upcoming "Sideways" celebration day, which flows on Saturday, Sept. 13. And there's only one spot such a glass-raising moment could happen...

SOLVANG: Of course. The windmilliest town in the West is featured prominently in the film, as is the Santa Ynez Valley. So you can bet that a party marking the anniversary of the release of "Sideways" -- which provided a tour bump for the region, complete with "Sideways" maps -- will land there. It will, in fact, take place at the Solvang Festival Theater, and serve as a fundraiser for the venue (which is celebrating its 40th). And joining the Merlot Taste-Off? It's $65, if you buy your ticket before Sept. 1.

AND, SURE... you can speak your mind about merlot, if you like, but, really: Miles grew as a character in the movie, meaning that, just perhaps, his feelings about merlot were a little ill-judged. One can love "Sideways" and still love merlot, too.

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