Wine Club Member Only Case

Highway 253 derives its name from the picturesque road winding through Northern California vineyards. Ridley Scott’s iconic road movie about two friends who find themselves on the wrong side of the law isn’t exactly a calm Sunday drive, but it is a truly memorable film that is enhanced by the remarkable performances of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in their respective, namesake roles. This Gewürztraminer makes for another unforgettable pairing as its vibrant flavors play nicely with the film’s taut action and rich drama.

Considering the spotlight one last time, retired vaudevillians Willy Clark (Walter Matthau) and Al Lewis (George Burns) are persuaded to reunite for a television special after twenty years apart – despite now hating one another. This comedy classic earned Burns the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at age 80, making him the oldest winner to receive the honor at the time. Written by Neil Simon and directed by Herbert Ross, its vibrant comedy pairs perfectly with this fresh and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

This wine’s southern Italian Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo grapes had plenty of time in the sun, lending ripe fruit flavors to the bottle. The onscreen romance (and offscreen friendship) between stars Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor is similarly ripe, with director George Stevens guiding their passions all the way to a well-deserved Oscar win. Based on Theodore Dreiser’s novel An American Tragedy, and costarring a young Shelley Winters as a doomed factory worker, the movie has been highly acclaimed by audiences and critics since its release.

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.

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.

A big red calls for a rich, engrossing story. This hearty slice of film noir fits the bill, with John Garfield in one of his most memorable roles: Joe Morse, an attorney caught between family loyalty and his racketeer boss. Directed by Abraham Polonsky, this revered crime film also stars Beatrice Pearson and Thomas Gomez and has become a favorite of the genre.

Like Bosman, this epic film celebrates the vitality of man and nature. Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) finds a new sense of purpose through his interactions with a Sioux tribe while stationed at a remote military outpost. In addition to winning numerous accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Picture and Director (also Costner), the film’s box office success and cultural impact breathed new life into the Western genre.

Fun to drink, this unique blend of four grape varieties calls for a lively movie. What better match than a classic Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedy? The second of three such pairings portrays the wacky exploits of two rival ad execs who are destined for one another. Directed by Delbert Mann, it also stars Tony Randall and Edie Adams and earned an Academy Award nomination for its screenplay.

For a balanced, clean, “friendly” wine like this Pinot Noir, you can’t go wrong with the expertly crafted Alan Ladd Western, Shane. It’s a story painted in broad strokes, with the reformed gunslinger (Ladd) acting as a mentor and role model to the young Brandon deWilde, whose family home is threatened by a land-grubbing cattle baron. It’s not a spoiler to say that the good guy prevails in the end – but it’s nonetheless a heartbreaker.

A beefy wine calls for an equally robust movie. The Wild Bunch was director Sam Peckinpah’s ode to the Wild West in its final days. Starring William Holden and Ernest Borgnine, the movie, like the wine, pulls no punches. It is noted for helping to shift the genre from that of chivalrous heroes to a more layered approach.

This “super” blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the birthplace of the Renaissance. In Carol Reed’s lavish biopic, Charlton Heston stars as the Tuscan-born Michelangelo who comes into conflict with Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison) as he struggles to paint the iconic ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It’s a perfect artistic match for such a finely crafted red wine.

A crisp Pinot Grigio perfectly counterbalances this popular melodrama, drenched in longing, grief, and passion. The film is directed by Douglas Sirk, known for mixing passionate love affairs with dramatic twists of fate. It stars Rock Hudson as a playboy who dedicates his life to medicine in order to find redemption with a blind widow (Jane Wyman). Pour a glass and prepare to be stirred.

The original film in a franchise that continues to fascinate audiences, this Charlton Heston-led science fiction classic about a crew of astronauts who crash land on an ape-dominated planet still packs a punch today. The movie was loosely adapted from the 1963 novel by French writer Pierre Boulle, who also authored The Bridge over the River Kwai (published in 1952) and used his wartime experience as a Japanese POW to inform both works. Regardless of its background, the film is as pleasing as this zesty white wine is flavorful.

The zippy, crisp flavors in Potter’s Bowl serve as great companion to this screwball comedy from Preston Sturges. The film stars Claudette Colbert as the wife of Joel McCrea, who uses her looks and charms to try to finance her husband’s career ambitions. Rounding out this hilarious film are Mary Astor, Rudy Vallée, and an entertaining assortment of screen antics.

A celebrated wine calls for a film of equal caliber. This classic ’60s drama stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as a liberal couple whose ideals are tested when their daughter (Katharine Houghton) introduces them to her new fiancé, played by Sidney Poitier. Director Stanley Kramer was known for “message” movies that ask their audience to engage with the problems of society – while also being captivating entertainments.

This complex red, full of old world charm, pairs perfectly with a film steeped in European tradition. The story tells of a British butler who sacrifices his own happiness to fully commit to the service of his master and estate. This MerchantIvory drama starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson became an instant classic upon release. Rich with melancholic notes and historical tensions, it’s a compelling match for this robust wine.

This beloved film shares the experiences of two British athletes from different backgrounds as they train to compete in the 1924 Olympics. Though initially thought by some to be old-fashioned or niche, the film went on to win over both critics and moviegoers, ultimately nabbing the Academy Award for Best Picture. The vibrant, creamy flavors of this Chardonnay pair nicely with the movie’s inspirational story.

A hearty western calls for a hearty Cabernet. Starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford (one of 14 film collaborations!), this classic shares the story of a union cavalry officer on a mission behind enemy lines. Fruit & Spice, a bold red wine with its own strong profile, has a personality that stands confidently with this dominating filmmaking duo.

From 1956 to 1969, Elvis Presley incredibly starred in over 30 movies. Viva Las Vegas is one of his best as it perfectly captures the delight and charm of the Elvis mystique. Starring as race car driver who must work at a Vegas hotel to cover his expenses, Elvis falls for the captivating Ann-Margret. The result is a perfect onscreen duo. For another great pairing, pour a glass of this Cabernet; its vibrancy will help to keep you in step with The King’s.

Fox’s 1917 version of Cleopatra, starring the iconic Theda Bara, has unfortunately been lost to the ages. But the eminently enjoyable 1963 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is a fantastic and equally lavish substitute, containing one of the best interpretations of the Egyptian ruler’s story put to screen. At over four hours in length, it gives you plenty of time to savor this luscious white blend.

What better to pair with a Blues Brothers wine than the iconic movie after which it was named? Starring the unforgettable duo of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues, the film rightly sits in the pantheon of comedy classics. This full red blend will help put you into the mood for a fun and laugh-filled night.