Wine Club Member Only Case

An epic Western filmed in widescreen Cinerama, this beloved movie tells the story of the Prescott family as it puts down roots in the American West. Filled to capacity with A-list actors, it features John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck, James Stewart, Debbie Reynolds and many, many more stars of the genre. The movie’s grand scope is perfect for the rich, deep flavors of this Mendocino Merlot.

This Sauvignon Blanc is hardly as “loco” as its name suggests. It may be fun and flavorful, but it is also elegant and polished—much like The Shop Around the Corner. This evergreen romantic comedy is quintessential Ernst Lubitsch. Sophisticated, witty and charming, it reflects all the best elements of “The Lubitsch Touch.” Filled with great performances, it stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan.

The Purple Owl would have been a fitting name for a classic film noir and as a great noir, the wine will keep you intrigued from the first taste. Directed by Fritz Lang and starring Glenn Ford and Gloria Grahame, The Big Heat is equally engrossing from start to finish. Fast-paced and a classic of the genre, it nicely pairs with this captivating Pinot.

Few actresses of the 1930s (or any era) can rival Bette Davis’ fiery charisma and appeal. In the first of three movies she made with director William Wyler, Davis plays the audacious Julie Marsden, a woman determined to maintain her independence and the upper hand in relationships with men, set against the backdrop of antebellum New Orleans. The film was in some ways Warner Bros.’ answer to Gone with the Wind, which was then in production. But it’s also a great pairing for this fresh, elegant Spanish white.

By the late 1930s, Preston Sturges had established himself as a writer of remarkable wit and sophistication. In this first directorial effort, he charts the unlikely rise and fall of a corrupt New York Governor (Brian Donlevy), an example of the comedic American social commentary for which Sturges became so well known. It’s a broadly entertaining film, as pleasing as the succulent flavors and fruit-forward aromas of this smooth Chardonnay.

After filming Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo together, Kim Novak again casts a spell on Jimmy Stewart—literally—in this romantic fantasy-comedy from Columbia Pictures. This film of love and witchcraft works across genres, just as this Italian white blends several different varietals to form the perfect, delicious bottle. This pairing will have you believing in magic.

From grapes grown in seaside vineyards under cool ocean breezes, this white blend shines. It pairs well with this classic story of a boy and his horse whose relationship was also born along the sea. A refreshing tale, The Black Stallion was directed by Carroll Ballard, produced by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Kelly Reno and Mickey Rooney.

Sidney Lumet’s directorial debut starring Henry Fonda is revered for its stark, original take on the courtroom drama and its memorable cast of supporting actors including Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley and E.G. Marshall. Capital Z makes its own bold statement as a strong Zinfandel and also touts an excellent supporting cast of mixed berries and subtle spices that linger after each sip.

This refreshing Sauvignon Blanc will pair beautifully with Ernst Lubitsch’s romantic comedy classic. Starring Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as feuding coworkers and unwitting pen pals, it tells a timeless story that has been remade several times by Hollywood. Fittingly, the lovers’ secret is revealed through the use of a red carnation—a nice parallel to the floral art of Ernest Clayton, this delicious wine’s namesake.

Named after the fog rolling onto mountains that overlook the Pacific, this moody Cabernet pairs perfectly with the hauntingly striking visuals of this classic horror film. Atmospheric and full of fog-laden scenery, it features Bela Lugosi returning for the first time since Dracula to a vampiric role to seek revenge on the good people who tried to vanquish him 23 years earlier. Unrelated through story to his first vampire feature (by threat of lawsuit), the film features striking black and white cinematography and some unique twists on classic monster mythology.

Rich and fulfilling, previous vintages of this hearty red have been multi-award winners. The deft skill behind this finely crafted wine matches well with Martin Scorsese’s break-out film featuring career-making performances by Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel.

The world’s most popular white grape, Chardonnay, begs for an equally appealing screen presence. Pair this mouthwatering wine with expressive lead performances by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Featuring a soundtrack full of classic Irving Berlin songs, including the iconic title tune, MGM’s festival musical is a showcase of indelible movie moments.

Neither the most thought-provoking nor historically accurate film, this prehistoric classic is chock full of adventure and pure fun. Often remembered for its leading lady, Raquel Welch, the real stars may be special effects artist Ray Harryhausen and his stop-motion dinosaurs. Whether rooting for or against them, they are a blast to watch. Paired with Stones & Bones, a lively and brisk white blend which has its own dinosaur connection, the entertainment factor is raised up to a whole new level.

This prestigious Bordeaux would certainly be met with enthusiasm by this movie’s title character and gentlemanly rogue, Barry Lyndon (Ryan O’Neal). Set in the 18th century, the film tells the story of a man born to the lower ranks but determined to climb the social ladder by any means possible. Not well received by audiences upon release, Stanley Kubrick’s unorthodox film was embraced by critics, and the Academy rewarded it with seven nominations, including Best Picture. (It won four, but not the big one.)

Few movie experiences can compete with the richness of the classic musical West Side Story. Pour a glass of this sumptuous and intense red blend and join Maria and Tony for a spirited and passionate romp through New York. Like this powerful Portuguese wine, which uses old-vine grapes in a modernized way, Leonard Bernstein’s infectious score and Jerome Robbins’ choreography update a classic love story with unforgettable panache.

For a true cinematic feast, watch this Oscar-winning homage to the New York theater scene, full of delicious backstage drama (and backstabbing). Featuring what is arguably one of the greatest of all performances—Bette Davis as stage diva Margo Channing—the film charts the disruptions to her career when a doting fan (Anne Baxter) begins to infiltrate her life. Under the sensitive eye of writer-director Joe Mankiewicz, it’s a boisterous movie befitting a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Fasten your seatbelts!

The most iconic of 1950s science-fiction films, Robert Wise’s tale of a visiting alien who asks Earth’s leaders to choose between war and peace has been wowing audiences for generations. Like this crowd-pleasing Australian red, its story contains surprising depths, and it serves as an apt metaphor for world affairs during the Cold War era. Pour yourself a glass and ponder the meaning of “Klaatu barada nikto.”

Just as South Africa’s amazing wines deserve more attention, so does this invigorating musical set in the 19th century Caribbean islands. Gene Kelly plays the swashbuckling title character that woos the beautiful Judy Garland—while singing and dancing, of course. With several stunning musical sequences (scored by Cole Porter), this movie will win you over just like the whimsical, citrusy, ripefruit character in this delicious white wine

“Intense zip and zing” could describe not only this French Sauvignon Blanc but also the performance of Robert Preston in this lavish 1960s Warner Brothers musical. Reprising his award-winning Broadway role, Preston’s lovable con-man Harold Hill is a fast-talking charmer who seduces, among many others in a small Iowa town, leading lady Shirley Jones in a memorable role.

Head out west with the infinitely appealing Gregory Peck in The Big Country while sipping on this subtly spicy, smooth-finishing Malbec. While filming locations like California’s arid Red Rock Canyon State Park may be a world away from the Andean foothills of Mendoza, they provide an equally stunning backdrop for this epic Western tale of rival ranching families. Old World wine tradition meets Classic Hollywood tradition.

Fresh, bright and brimming with personality, this Tuscan blend calls for an equal charming film pairing. What better to match it with than this classic Billy Wilder romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn as a chauffeur’s daughter caught between two wealthy brothers (Humphrey Bogart and William Holden) who vie for her attention.

This sumptuous red blend comes from the south of Italy, but its exuberant fruity qualities pair perfectly with charming romantic drama Three Coins in the Fountain, shot on location in Rome in spectacular Cinemascope. At once dark and charming, like Italian playboy Dino (Louis Jourdan), with notes of oak and vanilla, like the poor but noble Giorgio (Rossano Brazzi), this is a lush and lovely wine for a magical film.

Since Tempranillo grapes ripen early and make a vibrant and fruit-forward wine at a young age, enjoy it with young Carroll Baker’s first leading performance. She’s a revelation in this controversial Tennessee Williams adaptation, depicting a young woman married off while still a teenager to a failed businessman (Karl Malden) and who openly flirts with rival factory supervisor Eli Wallach (in his screen debut). Just as the wine gets mellower over time, Baby Doll has only increased in estimation since the days of the Hollywood Production Code.

Join Katharine Hepburn in Venice, that most enchanting of Italian cities and the home of this Pinot Grigio classic. David Lean’s Summertime is the ultimate getaway film, the story of a single woman who takes the trip of her dreams and finds the love of a handsome Italian suitor. Enjoy all the drama, laughs and romance with a glass of this refreshing and expressive white wine.