Wine Club Member Only Case

Savor one of Hitchcock’s most iconic and entertaining mysteries, featuring the unforgettable pairing of James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Stewart plays a photographer who uncovers a neighborhood murder (or does he?) while trapped at home with a broken leg. Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Director, this remains one of Hitchcock’s most beloved films.

This red blend hails from the home of legendary adventurer Don Quixote, a literary figure who has a troubled cinematic history. Many have tried but few have succeeded in bringing the Miguel De Cervantes story to the big screen (including both Walt Disney and Orson Welles). This fun adaptation of the Broadway musical stars Peter O’Toole, Sophia Loren and James Coco and may be the most successful version to date.

The name of this gorgeous, silky red translates to “the vixen with black paws”— which calls for a movie of equal eloquence. Directed by Norman Jewison, this landmark heist film is a stylistic tour-de-force, making for a smooth cinematic treat. Not to be overlooked are its stars, vixen Faye Dunaway and sly fox Steve McQueen, who make quite a cool pair.

Robert Montgomery stars as Joe Pendleton, a boxer who is mistakenly claimed by heaven before his time is up. Claude Raines stars alongside him as Mr. Jordan, his celestial guardian, who tries to right the situation by finding another body that Joe can inhabit. An instant classic that won two Academy Awards (Best Screenplay and Best Original Story), it was later remade into another classic, Heaven Can Wait (1978). Both the movie and wine are light and fun. This fresh, elegant Albariño provides a little extra zing for this must-see comedy.

What better to pair with a fresh and bright white than this heartwarming seasonal favorite? Directed by Vincent Minnelli, it stars Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien and Mary Astor and tells the story of the Smith family in turn-of-the-century St. Louis. A classic since its release, it contributed several standards to the American songbook including “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

For a wine made in celebration of earthly harmony, pair the film adaptation of the landmark 1960s musical, which attempts to capture the free-spirited vibe of the hippie and anti-war movements. Czech director Miloš Forman had been a fan of the stage production, and the material’s youth-in-rebellion theme can be found throughout his career, from his early anti-Communist satires to Amadeus (1984). Indeed, one of this film’s pleasures is its young cast, including Treat Williams, Beverly D’Angelo and John Savage.

Rossano Brazzi plays into his persona of suave Italian playboy in this tale of an American teacher who journeys to Europe to find love. Suzanne Pleshette stars opposite not only Brazzi, but Troy Donahue as a fellow American and aspiring architect, and Angie Dickinson as his former lover. This delicious, aromatic Trebbiano provides a zingy backdrop to this fun and memorable romance.

This wine’s inviting floral aromas and intriguing minerality work nicely with the beautiful Gene Tierney as the central focus of Otto Preminger’s essential film noir. Adapted from Vera Caspary’s suspense novel of the same name, the film opens with the murder of the title character, who seems to have cast a spell over everyone she met—and even a few she hadn’t, like the no-nonsense detective played by Dana Andrews. Just as entrancing is composer David Raskin’s haunting main theme, one of the most beloved pieces of movie music in history.

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.

This landmark MGM film features a terrific cast of A-list stars, including Joan Crawford, John Barrymore and Greta Garbo. Each of these colorful personalities is given an intriguing storyline in the titular Berlin hotel, adding up to a well- balanced dramatic mix—perfect for a wine that shows off the best of Italy’s many grape varieties.

For a red named after the god of chaos, go with the original gangster classic from producer Howard Hughes. Unlike other famous crime films of the 1930s, which were fictional products of the studio system, Scarface was a renegade independent production that drew obvious parallels between its on-screen antihero (played by Paul Muni in a commanding performance) and his real-life inspiration, Al Capone. Director Howard Hawks created a richly designed and beautifully photographed film that echoes the wine’s savory black-fruit notes.

In this comedy-fantasy set during the Great Depression, Mia Farrow’s
wistful character Cecilia unites with her favorite film hero (played by Jeff
Daniels), who literally walks out of the movie and into her life. Woody
Allen’s film is an ode to our cinematic heroes and to the dream factory that lets us escape into exciting new worlds. Enjoy the humor and magic with a special treat: a glass of this unique Sauvignon Gris, a rare standalone grape from legendary Bordeaux.

This overlooked neo-noir thriller follows a bank teller (played by Elliot Gould) who outsmarts a psychotic bank robber (Christopher Plummer) by thwarting his heist and stealing the money first. Pair this Daryl Duke-directed cat-and-mouse story with this similarly rich and multi-layered Cabernet.

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.

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.

Rich and earthy, this Cabernet strikes the same notes as the classic melodrama. James Dean’s last film, it also stars Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. The movie tells the story of a Texas ranching family as it struggles to adapt to changing times. This robust Cabernet and its ripe flavors pairs perfectly with this full-force drama brimming with both romance and conflict.

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 red is much like the budding relationship between suave Philip Shayne (Cary Grant) and ingenue Cathy Timberlake (Doris Day)—fun but elegant. A hit romantic comedy, it was well received by audiences and critics alike when released and still is considered an essential for Doris Day fans, the perfect encapsulation of her sweet and innocent screen persona.

“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.

On the heels of Lawrence of Arabia, Peter O’Toole decided to revisit the role of a quiet but tormented hero in a land far from home. Initially passed over by audiences due to its measured pacing, it can today be appreciated for its boldness of vision. Directed by Richard Brooks, it was shot in Hong Kong, Singapore and at Angkor Wat in Cambodia under the talented eye of cinematographer Freddie Young. Pair it with a robust and sophisticated
red blend.

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.

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.

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.

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.