Fancy a bit of mystery with your Merlot? This curated list of detective films with a wine twist is your perfect companion for a cozy night in. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just love a good whodunit, these films blend the art of winemaking with the thrill of solving crimes. From vineyards to wine cellars, these stories will take you on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip could be a clue.

Sideways (2004)
Description: While not a traditional detective film, 'Sideways' involves a road trip through California wine country where the characters uncover personal truths and secrets, making it a detective story of sorts about life and relationships.
Fact: The film significantly boosted the popularity of Pinot Noir wine, while sales of Merlot reportedly dropped due to a character's disdain for it.


A Good Year (2006)
Description: This film follows Max Skinner, a London banker, who inherits a vineyard in Provence. While not strictly a detective film, it involves uncovering family secrets and a mysterious past, all set against the backdrop of wine production.
Fact: The film was shot on location at the Château La Canorgue in Provence, France, where much of the wine featured in the movie was actually produced.


The Wine of Summer (2013)
Description: A young man travels to Italy to propose to his girlfriend but ends up entangled in a mystery involving a local winemaker. The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and the secrets hidden in the vineyards.
Fact: The film was inspired by the director's own experiences in Italy, adding authenticity to the setting and the wine culture depicted.


The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969)
Description: In this classic, the villagers of Santa Vittoria hide their entire wine stock from the Nazis during WWII. It's a tale of cunning and community spirit, with wine as the central theme.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Robert Crichton, and the village of Santa Vittoria was constructed specifically for the movie.


The Vineyard (1989)
Description: A group of people are invited to a mysterious vineyard where they must solve puzzles to inherit the estate. This film combines elements of horror and mystery with a wine-centric setting.
Fact: The film features James Hong, who also co-wrote the screenplay, adding a unique cultural perspective to the story.


The Wine Taster (2013)
Description: A wine taster is drawn into a web of intrigue when he discovers a rare wine that leads him to uncover a conspiracy. The film delves into the world of wine tasting and the secrets it can reveal.
Fact: The film was shot in various wine regions of France, showcasing the diversity of French vineyards.


The Wine of Astonishment (1948)
Description: This British film tells the story of a wine merchant who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. The wine trade provides the backdrop for this classic whodunit.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Victor Canning, known for his intricate plots involving ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.


The Wine of Youth (1924)
Description: Though silent, this film involves a young man who inherits a vineyard and must navigate through family secrets and a murder mystery to claim his inheritance.
Fact: This film was one of the earliest to use wine as a central theme in a mystery plot, setting a precedent for future films.


The Wine of Dreams (1974)
Description: A detective investigates a series of strange events at a vineyard, where dreams and reality blur, and wine plays a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery.
Fact: The film was shot in the picturesque Douro Valley in Portugal, known for its port wine production.


The Wine of Life (1965)
Description: A detective story set in a vineyard where the owner's sudden death leads to a complex investigation involving wine, family secrets, and a hidden treasure.
Fact: The film was shot in the Napa Valley, showcasing the beauty and the culture of one of America's premier wine regions.
