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This bright and zippy white pairs perfectly with a smart and engaging comedy. We could think of none better than this classic directed by Alexander Hall and starring Robert Montgomery, Evelyn Keyes and Claude Rains. It tells the story of boxer Joe Pendeleton who, with the help of his guardian angel, is on the lookout for a new identity after accidentally being claimed by heaven before his time. The film, with its witty dialogue and stand-out performances, garnered seven Oscar nominations, including two wins for Best Original Story and Best Screenplay.

Producer Val Lewton made a series of idiosyncratic horror films in the 1940s, but this may be his most successful effort. In it, Simone Simon stars as a lonely fashion designer in New York City who harbors a dark secret: she is descended from a long line of cat people who turn murderous when aroused. The Monastrell grape lends intense black-fruit aromas and rich, concentrated flavors to the glass, making it an ideal pairing for film with such a ferocious bite.

A perfect steak wine calls for an iconic western. This Technicolor classic stars Errol Flynn and tells the tale of a cattleman turned sheriff, who tames a lawless town. Known for its action, it features one of the best barroom brawls put to film. Directed by Michael Curtiz, it also stars Olivia de Havilland and Ann Sheridan.

An Australian wine that can be described as “sunshine in a glass” calls for a sunny, smile-inducing movie. With a contagiously effervescent Sandra Dee as the teen surfer, this hit film helped to bring Southern Californian culture to the masses. Its popularity led to two sequels and a television series that launched the career of Sally Field.

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.

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.

One of the most literate, sensitively acted and beautifully directed movies of the 1930s, this William Wyler film drama is, like this French red, a classic blend of elements. Stars Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton and Mary Astor impressively tell the story of an automotive magnate and his turbulent personal life. It’s a richly textured film and worthy of a wine of such smooth, rich character.

The first film in a series of beach movies from indie studio American International Pictures, Beach Party was a surprise hit at the box office and still has charm aplenty. Enjoy this light, young wine—full of sunny lime and green apple flavor, with a mineral freshness—while experiencing the nostalgia of carefree days on the coast with stars Bob Cummings, Dorothy Malone, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.

The rugged landscape of southern France lends itself to this wine’s concentrated notes of wild herbs and citrus just as it did to painter Vincent Van Gogh’s richly concentrated colors. Watch Kirk Douglas’s layered performance as Van Gogh in Lust for Life and enjoy the shared brilliance of director Vincente Minnelli’s lush palette and this white blend’s satisfying finish.

The first film in a series of beach movies from indie studio American International Pictures, Beach Party was a surprise hit at the box office and still has charm aplenty. Enjoy this light, young wine—full of sunny lime and green apple flavor, with a mineral freshness—while experiencing the nostalgia of carefree days on the coast with stars Bob Cummings, Dorothy Malone, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.

Leo McCarey’s original version of Love Affair (it would later be remade as An Affair to Remember) is one of the great Hollywood love stories. Like this highly honored red wine, McCarey and stars Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer were all previous Oscar nominees, and the film picked up six nominations of its own. This bottle’s home country of Portugal also makes an appearance, providing the setting for one of the film’s pivotal and most touching moments.

Every generation has its own film version of Alexandre Dumas’ timeless adventure novel, from the 1921 Douglas Fairbanks classic to the 1993 hit with brat pack stars. This adaptation stands out for its fun comedic moments, irreverent direction by Richard Lester and excellent cast, including Richard Chamberlain, Oliver Reed, Michael York and Raquel Welch. Lift a drink in solidarity with some ageless heroes and enjoy this vibrant Chenin Blanc.

The Jumper, a vibrant and fiercely independent wine, pairs nicely with this freewheeling Bob Fosse musical written by Neil Simon. Shirley MacLaine stars as Charity Hope Valentine, who finds herself repeatedly tested in her search for love. This energetic tale was based on Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria (1957).

Match an award-winning wine with an award-winning film, as dark and richly crafted as the finest of Bordeaux reds. Director Elia Kazan directed three actors to Oscars in this Tennessee Williams adaptation—only the youthful Marlon Brando was passed over for his breakthrough work as the troubled and menacing Stanley Kowalski. Savor the complex flavors in your glass as the steamy streets of 1950s New Orleans come alive onscreen.

The rugged landscape of southern France lends itself to this wine’s concentrated notes of wild herbs and citrus just as it did to painter Vincent Van Gogh’s richly concentrated colors. Watch Kirk Douglas’s layered performance as Van Gogh in Lust for Life and enjoy the shared brilliance of director Vincente Minnelli’s lush palette and this white blend’s satisfying finish.

Starring the ever-popular John Wayne and filmed in Utah’s Monument Valley, The Searchers epitomizes the Western and remains one of the most respected films of all time in any genre. Though uncommonly soulful, it tells a compelling rescue story with some of Hollywood’s most thrilling screen moments. Shot in gorgeous VistaVision, it’s also the perfect sidekick to this complex red from the rugged terrain of the Mendoza region.

Be seduced by this spicy Tempranillo while swashbuckling Errol Flynn falls for Viveca Lindfors’ Spanish Queen in Adventures of Don Juan. The film’s legendary hero originated in the south of Spain and makes the perfect suitor for this charming and toasty Valencia red. Don Juan’s climactic sword fight with the Duke de Lorca (Robert Douglas) pairs superbly with such a dynamic vintage.

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.

Taking the name of this wine as delicious inspiration, join the crew of Cruiser C-57D to a distant planet in MGM’s landmark science fiction film. A scientist, Dr. Morbius (played by Walter Pidgeon), and his daughter are all that’s left of a previous mission from eart —along with their witty robot servant Robby—and Leslie Nielsen’s Commander Adams arrives to discover the planet’s dark secrets.

Few movies capture the spirit of their times as well as this late disco-era classic. The iconic fashion, music and youthful swagger are all there in this Brooklyn-set story of a directionless working class kid (John Travolta) who lets loose on the dance floor. Director John Badham’s hugely entertaining movie became a worldwide phenomenon, launching both Travolta’s career and a landmark soundtrack album. Enjoy it with a glass of this exciting Cabernet Sauvignon, a combo that’s sure to get you moving.

One will not be disappointed in pairing this vibrant Pinot Gris with an equally spirited comedy form the Marx Brothers. In an adaptation of their Broadway play, the plot revolves around a house party and an art heist, but like all the brothers’ films, the story plays second fiddle to the comedy. Directed by Mack Sennett veteran Victor Heerman, the three icons—Groucho, Harpo and Chico—are joined onscreen by brother Zeppo.

One of the most celebrated films of the French New Wave is this poetic look at WWI-era France. Francois Truffaut directs the story of a love triangle between Bohemians Jules (Oskar Werner), Jim (Henri Serre) and Catherine (Jeanne Moreau) before, during and after the Great War. Beloved by critics and film buffs, its influence is still felt in films today and it’s a lovely match for this aptly named Pinot Noir.

This Chenin Blanc’s tentacled label begs to be paired with author Jules Verne’s classic adventure-at-sea. Brought to the screen several times, the most beloved version comes from Walt Disney and stars Kirk Douglas, Paul Lukas and Peter Lorre, with James Mason as the iconic Captain Nemo. An eminently enjoyable family film, it was also a technological tour-de-force, winning Academy Awards for its special effects and art direction.

Harold Lloyd was a master comedian whose films are rightly regarded as classics not just of the silent era but across all generations of cinema. Speedy is the tale of a young man trying to save his girlfriend’s family business, and it’s packed from beginning to end with raucous gags and comedic hijinks. It also takes audiences on an incredible tour of New York City in the late 1920s, including a stop at Coney Island and cameos by Yankees Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.