Celebrating 20 years of ‘Sideways’: A journey through wine and cinema
It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since the iconic film Sideways graced our screens, taking us on a memorable journey through the Santa Inez Valley. The film, starring Paul Giamatti as Miles and Thomas Haden Church as Jack, left an indelible mark on both the wine and film industries. Who could forget Miles’ emphatic declaration, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”? Instead, the duo indulged in copious amounts of Pinot Noir, a wine that has since become synonymous with the film.
A toast to ‘Sideways’ at the Hitching Post 2
In honor of the film’s 20th anniversary, the Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton, a key location in the movie, is pulling out all the stops. The restaurant will host three exclusive Hitching Post + Sideways winemaker dinners and release a special edition Pinot Noir. Chef and winemaker Frank Ostini, along with winemaker Gray Hartley, are at the helm of these celebrations.
Special edition Pinot Noir
The Highliner Pinot Noir, prominently featured in the film, will sport a special label for its 2021 vintage. These commemorative bottles will be available at the restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room, and select retailers. For the true Sideways aficionados, a three-bottle set titled “As Seen in Sideways” will be available for $650. This set includes the 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner, and the 2021 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner.
Winemaker dinners and events
Sunday, Sept. 15: Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinner
Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley will host a 20th Anniversary Sideways dinner at the Hitching Post 2. The evening will feature a signature menu paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages celebrating the film. Tickets are priced at $150 per person. Reserve with OpenTable Experience.
Tuesday, Sept. 24: Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinner at La Paloma Cafe
Executive Chef Jeremy Tummel will join Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley for a special dinner at La Paloma Cafe in Santa Barbara. The menu, inspired by the Hitching Post 2, will be paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages. Tickets are available for $110. Reserve with RESY.
Sunday, Sept. 29: Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley – ‘Sideways’ 20th Anniversary Festival
One of the highlights of the four-day festival in the Santa Ynez Valley is the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Sideways. The event will feature bites from the Hitching Post 2 and other Buellton restaurants, along with Sta. Rita Hills and Buellton wine, beer, and live music. Attendees can also look forward to an appearance by Virginia Madsen. Tickets, which include a screening of Sideways at the Solvang Festival Theater, are priced at $150.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Copia at Culinary Institute of America, Napa
The Culinary Institute of America in Napa will host a screening of Sideways, followed by a Q&A panel with director Alexander Payne and actor Virginia Madsen. Frank Ostini will be a special guest at this event.
Tuesday, Oct. 29: Hitching Post + ‘Sideways’ Winemaker Dinner at Jar
Chef/Owner Suzanne Tracht will host Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley for a 20th Anniversary Sideways dinner at Jar in Los Angeles. The menu, inspired by the Hitching Post 2, will be paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages. Tickets are priced at $200, inclusive of menu and wines, plus tax and gratuity. Reserve with OpenTable Experience.
Reflecting on ‘Sideways’ and its impact
Sideways is more than just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has influenced both the wine industry and popular culture. The movie’s portrayal of wine tasting, its scenic vineyard landscapes, and its complex characters have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. For many, the film sparked a newfound appreciation for Pinot Noir, elevating it from a niche varietal to a mainstream favorite.
Personal reflections
As a cinema and wine enthusiast, Sideways holds a special place in my heart. The film’s witty dialogue, nuanced performances, and picturesque settings make it a timeless classic. The way it captures the essence of wine tasting—its rituals, its joys, and its disappointments—resonates deeply with anyone who has ever savored a glass of fine wine.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Sideways, I highly recommend watching the trailer and diving into the film. And for those who have, this 20th-anniversary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to revisit the movie and perhaps even plan a trip to the Santa Inez Valley to walk in the footsteps of Miles and Jack.
Sideways is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. So, raise a glass of Pinot Noir and toast to 20 years of Sideways—a film that continues to inspire and delight.