I couldn’t find a comprehensive list of Wine docs on the web.
So I created one.
I’m up to 15 so far.
Enjoy!
1) Somm
Release Date: June 21, 2012
The best wine doc I’ve found is “Somm”.
I love when doc nerds out on a niche like this:
Four wine nerds take a stab at the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
It’s the Mount Everest of wine tests.
In 40 years, only 197 souls have conquered it.
Directed by Jason Wise and released in 2012, the film spans 93 minutes and captures the intense journey of four aspiring sommeliers: Ian Cauble, Brian McClintic, Dustin Wilson, and DLynn Proctor.
It includes a daunting blind tasting of six wines in 25 minutes.
The candidates must discern not just the grape varieties but also the country of origin, district, appellation, and vintage.
They also undergo an oral theory exam that can cover any aspect of wine—from regions and producers to the science of grape growing and winemaking.
The sommeliers’ preparation is intense, involving thousands of flashcards—Ian Cauble made over 20,000 in three years—and unique practices like licking rocks to identify “earthy” flavors.
The doc culminates in Dallas, where 70 candidates from globally compete, but only seven pass.
Ian successfully identifies a 2004 Bandol Rouge but is tripped up by a Moscato d’Asti.
To watch “Somm”, go to https://dailydoc.com/somm/ (that’s a web page I created that includes 5 different links to watch it (including free ones!).
Thanks, Tony Pribyl for the tip on Somm way back when!
2) Sour Grapes
Release date: September 16, 2016
“Sour Grapes” is a gripping, galloping tale about wine, deception, and audacious fraud. It’s a documentary that swirls around Rudy Kurniawan, a charming con artist with a palate for pricey vintages and a flair for forgery. This isn’t just another wine documentary—it’s a juicy crime caper set in the rarefied air of the wine world.
With a palate for pricey vintages and flair for forgery, Rudy dazzled collectors with his encyclopedic wine knowledge and seemingly bottomless cellar. He befriended wealthy collectors and sold millions worth of rare wines.
But here’s the twist – much of it was a clever ruse. Rudy was blending cheap wine with counterfeit labels and selling them as rare bottles. The result? Millions duped from buyers and an industry left shocked.
In 2008, billionaire Bill Koch suspected Rudy sold him fake bottles. He investigated and lawsuits piled up. Wine expert Maureen Downey found flaws on Rudy’s labels, corks, and capsules.
The suspenseful narrative flows smoothly. Interviews with collectors, critics, and winemakers reveal a high-stakes world where trust is as valuable as vintage Bordeaux.
In a shocking scene, Rudy sells $35 million in wines in 2 days, including a fake 1945 Domaine Ponsot. The FBI raided his home in Arcadia, California in 2012, uncovering his counterfeiting operation.
Sour Grapes fascinatingly explores the psychology of the wine world. Ego and willingness to believe in treasures fuel the market for fakes.
The cinematography is top-notch with lush vineyards contrasting Rudy’s gritty fraud. By the end, you question how well you know what’s in your glass.
While starting slowly, Sour Grapes ultimately tells a juicy, must-watch crime caper. It will intoxicate wine lovers and scandal enthusiasts alike.
Watch “Sour Grapes” for free on Kanopy, on Fubo with subscription or (with ads) on Roku, Rubi, Pluto and Freevee. You can also rent it (for as low as $1.99 last I checked) on Apple TV and Amazon. YouTube and Fandango rent it for a bit more.
You can watch the full “Sour Grapes” movie by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LGibBYuj5U
Check here for all the latest streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/sour-grapes-2016
3) Mondovino
Release date: September 2, 2004
Mondovino, a sprawling 2004 documentary directed by Jonathan Nossiter, runs for a whopping 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s an epic wine odyssey that globe-trots from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the wine bars of New York.
But this is no mere oenophile’s travelogue. Nossiter’s lens zooms in on the battle for wine’s soul in a globalized world. Will the almighty dollar crush tradition? Can small artisanal vintners survive the onslaught of wine consultants and critics?
The film introduces a colorful cast of characters. There’s the Mondavi brothers, Californian wine royalty with an eye on world domination. Michel Rolland, the flying French wine consultant, jets around tweaking wines to critic’s tastes.
Nossiter juxtaposes these power players with small Italian and French winemakers. They cling to terroir and tradition, refusing to bend to the whims of the market. It’s a David and Goliath tale fermented in oak barrels.
Mondovino doesn’t just pour wine; it spills secrets. Nossiter captures backroom deals, power plays, and the politics behind wine ratings. He questions the role of influential critics like Robert Parker, who can make or break a vintage with a score.
But the doc is no dry academic treatise. Nossiter’s handheld camera work adds intimacy and spontaneity. He captures unguarded moments, like the Mondavi brothers bickering or a winemaker’s passionate soliloquy. It’s a human story as much as a wine one.
The film meanders at times, perhaps a bit too in love with its own terroir. Some judicious pruning could have tightened the narrative. But like a complex wine, it rewards patience, offering subtle notes of humor and heart.
In the end, Mondovino is a thought-provoking vintage. It challenges us to consider what we value in wine – and in life. Is it the story, the place, the people?
Or is it just the price tag and the points? As you sip your next glass, Mondovino will have you savoring these questions.
Watch Mondovino for free (with ads) on Tubi, PlutoTV, ShoutTV and Plex. You can also watch it if you have an OVID subscription or rent it ($2.99 last I checked) on Amazon Prime Video.
Check here on the latest of where to stream Mondovino: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/mondovino
Thanks to wine guru Craig Richmond for the tip on Mondovino.
4) James May’s Road Trip (aka Oz & James’s Big Wine Adventure)
Release Date: November 26, 2006
In James May’s Road Trip, a delightful 13-episode series from 2006 to 2007.
The former Top Gear presenter takes us on a whimsical journey through the heart of Italy. With his trademark wit and curiosity, May explores the country’s rich history, culture, and of course, its automobiles.
Each episode runs around 45 minutes, giving May ample time to dive into the stories behind Italy’s iconic cars.
From the tiny Fiat 500 to the sleek Ferrari, he explores how these vehicles shaped Italy’s identity and captured the world’s imagination.
But this isn’t just a series about cars. It’s a love letter to Italy itself. May wanders through the narrow streets of Rome, savors the cuisine of Bologna, and marvels at the art of Florence. His genuine enthusiasm is infectious, making you want to pack your bags and join him.
The series shines in its unscripted moments. Whether it’s May struggling with Italian or bantering with locals, his authenticity is refreshing. You feel like you’re on the journey with a friend, not just watching a polished presenter.
Visually, the series is stunning. The camera lingers on the curves of a classic Alfa Romeo and the rolling hills of Tuscany with equal reverence.
However, the series isn’t without its speed bumps.
Some segments, like May’s visit to a Parmesan cheese factory, feel a bit tangential. The pacing occasionally slows down, but May’s charm usually gets it back on track.
In the end, James May’s Road Trip is a joyful escape. It’s a reminder of the beauty and joy that awaits when we embrace the open road and the unexpected detours.
As May shows us, sometimes the best adventures are the ones we didn’t plan.
So buckle up and join Captain Slow on this delightful Italian odyssey. You might just discover a new appreciation for the journey, not just the destination.
And if you’re inspired to take your own Italian road trip, well, that’s just a bonus.
Watch it for free (with ads) on Tubi. Check here for other streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/oz-and-jamess-big-wine-adventure
5) In Pursuit of Flavor
“In Pursuit of Flavor” is a 2022 documentary that runs for 1 hour. The doc follows Ashwin Muthiah, an apologetic sommelier, as he returns to Georgia (Sakartvelo). Ashwin aims to uncover the humble and hidden truth about wine’s origins.
Directed by Gerod Bond, who also co-wrote with Ashwin Muthiah, the film stars Muthiah himself. Dato, Ashwin’s knowledgeable guide and close friend, aids him in his journey. Together, they rediscover the original magic that once saved Ashwin’s life.
The documentary is based on Ashwin’s book of the same name. In it, he embarks on a journey to Georgia, Italy, and Scotland. Along the way, he learns that while flavor grabs, it’s the pursuit that sustains.
Ashwin vulnerably shares his stumbling blocks and lessons learned. He uses flavor as a common medium to explore the human experience. The book is divided into four parts, each corresponding to a flavor destination.
Bond’s documentary brings Ashwin’s journey to life on screen. Stunning visuals transport you to the vineyards of Georgia and beyond. Intimate interviews reveal Ashwin’s quest for meaning and joy.
“In Pursuit of Flavor” is a thought-provoking exploration of success and happiness. It will leave you pondering questions you never knew you had. Seek out this soulful and enlightening doc.
Watch (for $rental ($3.99 last I checked) on Apple TV, Amazon and YouTube. Here are the latest options on where to stream: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-pursuit-of-flavor
6) Boom Varietal
Release date: April 1, 2011
“Boom Varietal” is a 2011 doc about an explosive wine trend.
Malbec.
That’s the boom.
This 76-minute documentary, directed by Sky Pinnick, dives deep into Argentina’s Malbec craze. We’re talking real deep.
Malbec used to be a bit player in France. But in Argentina? It’s the headliner. The main event.
Pinnick takes us on a journey from the vineyards of Mendoza to the streets of Buenos Aires. It’s a wild ride.
We meet the winemakers, the grape growers, the sommeliers. They’ve all got Malbec fever. And it’s contagious.
The doc explores how Malbec put Argentina on the wine map. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of red wine.
The cinematography is stunning. Sweeping shots of the Andes, close-ups of gnarled vines. It’s wine porn at its finest.
“Boom Varietal” isn’t just a pretty face. It’s got substance. It delves into the economic and social impact of the Malbec boom.
And itt’s fun to see Gary Vaynerchuk talking Malbec at the 43:55 mark. For those who don’t know, Gary V. was a wine guru before he became famous as a thinker about the Internet.
You don’t have to be a wine geek to enjoy this doc. But if you are, you’re in for a treat.
“Boom Varietal.” It’s a love letter to Malbec, to Argentina, to the power of a good grape. Drink it in.
Watch “Boom Varietal” for free on YouTube by clicking the video embed above or this link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVTAl655djw If that doesn’t work, try here for other options to stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVTAl655djw
7) Blood Into Wine
Release date: February 19, 2010
“Blood Into Wine” is a 2010 doc about Maynard James Keenan’s wild dive into Arizona winemaking. You know Maynard. The Tool guy. That Maynard.
Bob Odenkirk narrates this thing. Yeah, that Bob Odenkirk. Saul Goodman himself. He does a pretty wild trailer (above).
Keenan and his buddy Eric Glomski want to make Arizona wine a thing. A big thing. They’re not messing around.
Making wine in the desert? Not easy. But Keenan’s not about easy. He’s about rocking faces.
The wine snobs were like, “What’s this guy doing?” But Keenan showed ’em. Passion, man. Passion.
Milla Jovovich and Patton Oswalt swing by. They’ve got Keenan stories. Odenkirk’s narration? Chef’s kiss.
The camera work? Ridiculously good. Mars, but make it wine country. The tunes? Keenan’s jams, naturally.
This isn’t just “rockstar makes booze.” It’s about chasing crazy dreams. The kind that make you go, “Huh?”
You don’t need a sommelier certification to get into this doc. You don’t even have to be a Keenan fan. But it doesn’t hurt.
“Blood Into Wine.” It’s a wild ride. Buckle up. Odenkirk’s driving. And he’s got a lead foot.
Watch” it on:”Blood into Wine” on Amazon Prime Video or (with ads) on Tubi, Freevee, Vudu Fandango). Check here for the latest options to stream it: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/blood-into-wine
8) Inside the Wine
Release Date: 2014
Marco Rosson’s got a thing for wine. And experimental shorts. And Franco Nero.
In “Inside the Wine,” Rosson takes us on a 45-minute joyride through Oltrepò Pavese, Italy’s wine wonderland.
Oltrepò Pavese? It’s like the Pinot Noir promised land.
Third best in the world, first in Italy. They make bubbly that’ll blow your mind and red that’ll knock your socks off.
Rosson, the guy behind the award-hoarding short “Metastasi” and the Nero-starring “New Order,” knows his stuff.
He’s not afraid to get down and dirty with the soil.
Because that’s what it’s all about, right? The land, the territory. It’s what makes Italian vino different from the French stuff. It’s not just the climate, folks.
Rosson chats up the local wine wizards. They spill the secrets of Oltrepò Pavese’s magic. It’s all about letting the grape growers do their thing, pick the right varieties for their little slice of heaven.
The “Consorzio of Tutela Vini of Oltrepò Pavese” backed this bad boy. They know what’s up.
Rosson’s no one-trick pony, though. He’s got “Shanda’s River” under his belt too, a horror flick that cleaned up at the Los Angeles Film Award.
But “Inside the Wine”? It’s a love letter to Oltrepò Pavese, to the mad science of winemaking.
Pour a glass, kick back, and let Rosson take you on a trip. Salute!
I don’t see anywhere to watch “Inside the Wine” right now. You might check here in case new options to stream it come up: https://reelgood.com/movie/inside-the-wine-2014
9) Wine & War
Release date: November 11, 2020
Lebanon. Where the wine grape first caught the human eye, a million years back. When our ancestors wandered out of Africa, they stumbled upon the wild vines of the Bekaa Valley. Talk about a happy accident.
“Wine & War” takes us deep into the heartland of Lebanese wine. It’s a place where winemaking isn’t just about the juice – it’s a defiant act of living in the face of chaos. Border beef with Israel, a war-torn Syria, and plenty of domestic drama. But the vines keep growing, the grapes keep ripening.
The winemakers? They’re not refugees, they’re mavericks. Philosophers of the vine. They’ve turned their backs on the daily grind and embraced the sensory life. Taste, smell, feel – that’s what matters. Even if the world’s falling apart around them.
This doc is a love letter to the unbreakable spirit of Lebanese wine. It’s a testament to the power of the grape, the resilience of the human soul. Pour a glass, take a sip, and let it transport you. To a place where wine is life, and life is wine
Watch”Wine & War” on Amazon Prime Video or rent it on Apple TV or YouTube ($3.999 last I checked). Check here for the latest option to stream: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/wine-and-war
10) V is for Vino
Release Date: June 24, 2022
“V is for Vino” takes you on a globe-trotting adventure, one grape at a time.
Each 45-50 minute episode dives deep into a different wine region.
You get the the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched vineyards of California.
I found it hard not to like host Vince Anter.
He’s a certified sommelier with knowledge of a pro, but the attitude of a funl older brother.
He breaks down the complexities of each region’s wines in a way that’s as easy to swallow as a well-balanced Pinot.
Vince takes you on a tour of the local hotspots, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to swanky wineries. He’s like your personal guide to the good life.
Watch “V is for Vino” for free on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@visforvino/videos or here: https://visforvino.com/episodes.
It’s also on Reveel (with free subscription) at https://reveel.net/programs/1300477/1300477/2430133 or buy it on Amazon ($.99 per episode or $1.99 per season last I checked) at https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0TTRNYTC37M833PITNRKUIM3Q0.
Check here for latest options to stream: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/v-is-for-vino
11) Living Wine
“Living Wine” is a love letter to the rebels, the misfits, the dreamers of the wine world. This 2022 doc, directed by Lori Miller, is a deep dive into the heart and soul of natural winemaking.
The film follows a motley crew of California winemakers who are bucking the trend of big, bold, high-octane wines. These aren’t your typical “jammy” Napa Cabs or “oaky” Chardonnays.
These are wines with a pulse, wines that are alive.
From the biodynamic vineyards of Sonoma to the urban wineries of LA, “Living Wine” takes us on a journey through the “natty wine” revolution. These aren’t just winemakers – they’re artists, activists, visionaries.
They’re fighting against the homogenization of taste, the industrialization of agriculture.
It’s a rallying cry for a new generation of winemakers and wine drinkers who want something more than just a buzz.
Watch “Living Wine” for free on Tubi (with ads) or rent it on Amazon ($2.99 last I checked). The latest options to stream should be here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/living-wine
12) A Seat at the Table
“A Seat at the Table” is a 2019 documentary that dares to ask the unthinkable.
Could New Zealand, a tiny island nation at the bottom of the world, really challenge France’s reign over the kingdom of wine?
Directed by David Nash and Simon Mark-Brown, this doc explores New Zealand’s meteoric rise to wine superstardom.
For nearly a century, France has been the undisputed ruler of the vine, the gold standard by which all other wines are judged.
But New Zealand, famous for punching above its weight, is breaking the rules and beating the French at their own game.
The film takes us on a whirlwind tour from the vineyards of France to the rolling hills of New Zealand, with a pit stop in the UK along the way.
Nash and Mark-Brown gather an all-star cast of characters.
They tell this tale of two countries: the world’s most influential wine critics, the most respected merchants, and of course, the winemakers themselves.
We hear the stories that have become legend in the wine world: the grapevines smuggled in gumboots, the great screwcap vs. cork debate, the looming specter of climate change.
“A Seat at the Table” is a showdown, a battle royale for the future of wine.
The film builds to a climax that will leave wine lovers speechless. In a blind tasting, some of France’s most revered winemakers come face to face with New Zealand’s best bottles.
Watch “A Seat at the Table” for free on Kanopy (with library card) or on Roku (with ads). It’s also on Peacock if you subscribe to that. If not, you can rent it on the big boys (Apple TV, Amazon, YouTube et al) for (last I checked) $3.99 to $4.99). All streaming options should be here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/a-seat-at-the-table
13) A Year in Burgundy
Release date: November 16, 2012
Burgundy. It’s the promised land of Pinot Noir, the holy grail of Chardonnay. And in 2012, director David Kennard took us on a year-long joyride through its rolling hills and hallowed cellars.
“A Year in Burgundy” is a love letter to French wine country, told through the eyes of seven families who live and breathe the good stuff. These aren’t your average farmers – they’re wine royalty, the keepers of a 2000-year-old flame.
We kick things off in spring, when Jack Frost is nipping at the vines. From there, it’s a rollercoaster ride through the seasons, from the nail-biting flowering season to the make-or-break harvest in fall.
Kennard’s camera doesn’t miss a beat. We’re right there in the thick of it, watching the grapes ripen on the vine, the pickers sweat in the sun, the winemakers work their magic in the cellar. This is wine-making, up close and personal.
But it’s not all about the juice. The real stars of the show are the people, the crazy, passionate, sometimes dysfunctional families who’ve been doing this dance for generations.
Like Lalou Bize-Leroy, the grand dame of Burgundy, who’s been making wine for longer than most of us have been alive.
Or Michel Morey, the sixth-generation winemaker who’s fighting tooth and nail to preserve his family’s legacy.
Watch “A Year in Burgundy” for free on Kanopy (with library card). You can stream it for free (with ads) and for $$ ($1.99 to $4.99 last I checked) on the major streamers here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/a-year-in-burgundy
14) Rotten
Release Date: Oct 4, 2019
If you’re a wine lover, you’ve gotta check out “Reign of Terroir,” the second episode of the second season of Netflix’s hit series “Rotten.” This bad boy aired on October 4, 2019, and it’s a deep dive into the wild, wacky, and sometimes downright shady world of high-end wine.
The episode kicks off in the rolling hills of Burgundy.
That’s where the concept of “terroir” – the idea that a wine’s flavor is shaped by the soil, climate, and terrain of its birthplace – reigns supreme.
But as we soon find out, not everyone’s playing by the rules.
We meet a cast of characters that would make a Hollywood screenwriter jealous.
There’s the wine forger who’s been scamming collectors for years.
Then there’s the amateur sleuth who’s on a mission to expose him.
And you have the big-money buyers who are more interested in status than sipping.
But “Reign of Terroir” isn’t just a true-crime caper.
It’s a serious look at the big-business world of fine wine.
This is where bottles routinely go for five or even six figures, and where counterfeiters are getting ever more sophisticated.
It’s a world where science is starting to call into question the very idea of terroir.
And where climate change is throwing a wrench into centuries of tradition.
Watch “Rotten” on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/80146284
15) Red Obsession
Release date: August 15, 2013
“Red Obsession” is a wild ride. This 2013 doc is all about the crazy world of Bordeaux. And the new big player? China.
Directed by David Roach and Warwick Ross, the film starts in France.
It’s 2008, and the financial crisis has hit hard. Bordeaux winemakers are feeling the pinch.
But then, a savior appears. It’s China, baby. The economy is booming, and millionaires are popping up like mushrooms. And what do they want? Lafite, Lafite, Lafite.
The film takes us on a global adventure. We meet the winemakers, the collectors, the counterfeiters.
It’s a game of supply and demand, and the stakes are high.
But it’s not just about the Benjamins. “Red Obsession”is about culture, identity, and what luxury means in a changing world.
Is the wine biz sustainable?
What about climate change?
And is it right to turn an ancient craft into a commodity?
Visually, the doc has gorgeous shots of Bordeaux vineyards, glittering Shanghai skylines.
But the real stars are the people.
The old-school French, the flashy Chinese.
It’s a clash of cultures, and it’s fascinating.
Watch “Red Obsession” for free on YouTube by clicking the video embed above or going here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAHuM57E41o
Wine Documentaries on Netflix?
A bunch of folks ask me about wine docs on Netflix. Besides “Rotten: Reign of Terroir” episode, I don’t see anything else on Netflix right now.
There are two wine movies: “Wine Country” (2019 comedy with Amy Poehler) and “Uncorked” (2020 drama starring Mamoudou Athie).
I’ll keep on the lookout for ya!
Oh, as I was about to hit “publish” on this article, I found this 2024 docuseries:
Bonus: A History of the World in Six Glasses (2024)
Wine is just one of the 6 episodes (called “Wine: Passion in a Bottle”).
I haven’t watched this yet but here’s the description:
“From its roots in the ancient world to its place in Christian churches and among the wine snobs, Dan, Jim, and Kevin sip, swirl, and drink their way through the history of wine.”
You can watch it on DirecTV at https://www.directv.com/guide/EPISODE/A-History-of-the-World-in-Six-Glasses-Wine-Passion-in-a-Bottle-3af88ac2-8d8e-73b1-46b8-ec13cda55b61 or on Fox Nation at https://nation.foxnews.com/a-history-of-the-world-in-six-glasses-nation/
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly
Chief Maniac, Daily Doc