Film and Flavour: Elevate Your Fall Movie Nights with Wine Pairings
As the leaves change colours and movie nights become routine, I enjoy sharing my fall movie and wine pairings on Instagram. Mixing my two passions—wine and film—feels ideal. There’s nothing better than relaxing with a good movie and a special glass of wine. Whether it's a classic feel-good film or an exciting new release, I appreciate the art of cinema and winemaking. I look for the perfect bottle to enhance the viewing experience, making movie nights more fun and worth sharing with fellow fans!
Here is a roundup of some of the Fall movie wine pairings I have done this year and other years past.
PRACTICAL MAGIC (1998)
Midnight margarita’s!
Wine Pairing: Doña Paula Estate Malbec ($18.05)
Outside of midnight margaritas and chocolate for breakfast (watch the movie and you will understand) I would recommend a full-bodied Malbec to go along with a viewing of Practical Magic. Malbec is the perfect Fall wine for this witchy movie. Doña Paula Estate Malbec is both full-bodied and elegant. It has smooth silky tannins and a soft acidity with notes of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and dark chocolate. This Malbec has very good length and would be perfect with a steak but great on its own as well.
GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)
Wine Pairing: Robertson Winery Chapel Red ($12)
The Robertson Winery Chapel Red is a remarkable red blend that offers impressive value. For such an affordable option, it boasts surprising complexity, with enticing notes of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, complemented by subtle hints of spices and herbs. This blend presents a lively acidity and excellent finish. A delightful wine available at a fantastic price.
BEETLEJUICE (1988)
Wine Pairing: 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95)
I chose this wine because it’s bold and dark just like the film. This wine has delicious notes of black cherry, black olive, vanilla, and chocolate. It isn’t the most complex but I find it more interesting than the 19 Crimes blend. The acidity makes it bright and zippy with firm soft tannins and a lingering finish. Great with a steak or on its own.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Wine Pairing: Babich Pinot Noir ($19.95)
This movie is just so heartwarming and likeable so you need something that will match the cozy and affable mood of the film. A Pinot Noir can match this vibe.
I chose Babich Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand. It’s a dry, fruity medium-bodied wine with generous aromas of black cherry, sweet plum, raspberry, and blackberry. There are also light earthy and herbal notes both on the nose and palate. This Pinot Noir is well-balanced with good acidity, slightly chalky tannins, and a good length. It’s a great pour to pair with just about any type of food. Pair with anything from Beef Bourguignon to a bowl of buttered popcorn.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Wine Pairing: Beringer Main And Vine Chardonnay ($11.95)
This charming Halloween film calls for a Chardonnay. Something not too fussy and creamy. This mid-weight Chardonnay has lovely aromas of apricot, apple, citrus, and a touch of vanilla and butter. It’s well-balanced and has a nice long finish. Drink on its own or with a bowl of buttery popcorn.
MONA LISA SMILE (2003)
Wine Pairing: Freixenet Prosecco DOC ($23.00)
This film makes me crave something a little fancy, like a glass of Freixenet Prosecco DOC. It’s a delightful bubbly that’s both elegant and approachable, bursting with fresh citrus, apple, and floral notes. Perfect solo or paired with buttery popcorn and your favourite movie snacks!
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975)
Wine Pairing: Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose ($15.95)
This campy, trampy rock musical is an absolute pleasure with a glass of pink bubbles. Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rosé is an inexpensive dy and crips sparkling rosé. You will find notes of fresh strawberries, red apples, and pink grapefruit. Simple, clean, and refreshingly delicious.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wine Pairing: Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2022 ($18.95)
In that charming Thanksgiving-like dinner scene, the wine the animals sip resembles a lovely Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, which pairs perfectly with turkey and all the trimmings. Villa Wolf is a standout Pinot Noir from Germany. If you haven’t tried a German Pinot, you’re in for a treat! This wine boasts ripe fruit flavours, a hint of spice, and a touch of smokiness. The nose displays raspberry and cherry with mineral and earthy undertones. It’s beautifully balanced with an impressive length.
Magners Original Irish Cider ($4.05)
If you’re in the mood for something different, try Magners Original Irish Cider. This light golden cider has a citrusy aroma and a medium sweetness, with juicy yellow apple notes that linger beautifully on the palate.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Wine Pairing: Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel ($17.05)
Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel is a smooth and pleasant Zinfandel. Expect notes of prune, blackberry jam, and chocolate. It also has a nice smoky note along with vanilla from oak aging. It’s full-bodied but the acidity keeps it feeling fresh on your palate. It’s great with BBQ but drinking it while watching Dead Poets Society will give you the motivation to seize the day and enjoy every sip.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wine Pairing: Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve ($19.95)
The Tenenbaums are an eccentric and peculiar family who are also scholarly and cultured. That is why I am pairing The Royal Tenenbaums with a Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France. Gewurztraminer is unique and serious, while also being fun and awesome!😉
Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve is a full-bodied well and well-balanced classic Gewurztraminer. There are notes of lychee, tangerine, and apricots with a subtle note of ginger spice. There is a firm acidity and a long finish. Its structure makes it a serious wine but those striking aromatics make it a fun and exciting wine to drink alongside this delightful film.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Wine Pairing: Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire Brut ($22.95)
I love Ghostbusters. It's so funny and a true classic in every sense. Ghostbusters is basically a party in movie form. When it comes to parties, we all think bubbles so I chose a Cremant to pair with this iconic movie. Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire Brut is lovely and crisp with notes of melon, lime, and grapefruit. It's dry, light, and zesty. A perfect wine to drink as Egon, Peter, Ray and Winston keep the humour rolling amid all the chaos.
I hope these Fall movie wine pairings give you a great companion for cozy nights. Each choice is picked to match the comforting mood of the season, helping you relax and enjoy the films. This is just a taste of what’s to come, so follow me on Instagram for more pairings and ideas.
