A Decanting Monterey Book Review!
THE STORY
When we were in Carmel Valley wine tasting with an old friend, he asked what the meaning was of the word “sideways,” in the 2004 Alexander Payne directed movie of the same title. He thought it was because wine bottles need to be stored sideways. I hadn’t thought much about it, but suggested maybe because both of the lead characters, Miles (played by Paul Giamatti) and Jack (played by Thomas Haden Church) were sideways in their mid-life crises. I told our friend I would know the answer soon, as I was about to receive a pre-release copy of a new book, “Sideways Uncorked: The Perfect Pairing of Film and Wine.”
I was contacted in September by Barbara Cortlett, Media Outreach for Mira and Kirk Honeycutt, the authors of “Sideways Uncorked,” set to be released on 4 November (can be pre-ordered on Amazon). They included the press release and asked for my address to send me an advanced copy.
We saw the movie “Sideways” for our anniversary when it was first released. The story was engaging – a wild bachelors’ weekend in and around Buellton and Los Olivos with loads of laughs and uncomfortable moments. Each of these men brought their own baggage to the weekend, from Miles’ insecurities egging him to present himself as an expert on Burgundy (Pinot Noir) and as a successful writer about to be published – to Jack’s drive for some final sexual exploits before he ties the knot.
I’ve been to the Santa Barbara wine growing areas a couple of times and have written about my 2022 visit in these 4 posts: Bien Nacido Estate: First Stop on Our “Sideways” Tour! , Tensley: The Ultimate Los Olivos Syrah Tasting: “Sideways” Part 2!, Stolpman Delivers a World Class Experience: “Sideways” Part 3!, Wrapping Up our “Sideways” Tour with Beckmen Vineyards!
Thinking about the wines I focused on during that visit, if the movie were set today, would Miles have focused on Syrah instead of Pinot or would Syrah have been his Merlot? My husband says, “Absolutely not. There was a lot of bad Merlot being made at that time in California.” And the Syrah from the region is among my favorite. Plus, I think Pinot Noir retains a bit of that snob appeal, going back to its Burgundian roots.
THE BOOK
Just like when I review a wine, I prefer not to read everyone else’s opinions and tasting notes in advance, so I didn’t read the other reviews both in the press release and on the back of the book itself. (See the press release below!) So, I thought it was going to be about the movie. On the contrary, when I first started reading it, I was worried it was only going to be about Pinot Noir, which happens to be one of my least favorite grapes! In actuality, this book weaves together the interesting tales of both: the making of the movie and Pinot Noir’s upsurge in California and Oregon. It has increased my interest in learning more about the grape. And, most importantly, it clarifies the meaning of “sideways.” Inebriated. Let’s not over think it. There you go, Scotty.
MY REVIEW: “Sideways Uncorked” is a fun yet educational read for anyone who enjoyed the 2004 movie, as well as wine afficionados like me interested in learning more about the growth of Pinot Noir winemaking in California and Oregon – and beyond. Authors Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani advanced my appreciation of the Pinot Noir grape while giving engaging insights on the making of the movie – from Rex Picket’s initial discovery of The Windmill Inn and The Hitching Post leading to the initial screenplay, to director and co-writer Alexander Payne’s journey in the making of the movie – from obtaining the financing to make the film, and selecting the quirky cast, combining unlikely lead actors (Paul Giammati and Thomas Haden Church) with new faces (Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh) to create one of the most hilarious yet uncomfortable movies of the time. The book goes on to tell the story of working with Frank Ostini, winemaker and restaurateur of The Hitching Post, and getting the local community on board for this film. The impact on Santa Barbara wine tourism is evident, as is the boost the movie gave to Pinot Noir and the devastating impact on Merlot in the California wine industry. Reading the book brought back many fond memories from watching the movie the first time and re-awakened a desire to watch it again.
© Decanting Monterey 2024
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