In 2008, the world was introduced to “Bottle Shock,” a movie that showcased the true story behind how California winemakers finally became recognized for quality that rivaled the French. The film starred the late Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, and Chris Pine, and featured a glimpse into 1970s California – with the best songs of the decade as the soundtrack to boot.
On the fifteenth anniversary of “Bottle Shock,” it’s important to look at its legacy. This critical and commercial success cataloged early winemaking in California like no other film. It’s essential watching for wine connoisseurs and consumers.
“It was an honor to be able to show this part of American and California history on film, as well as to do it with such a brilliant cast,” said writer and director Randall Miller. “It’s a story about the little guy giving it his all and coming out on top. It’s a true American dream tale.”
In “Bottle Shock,” Rickman played Steven Spurrier, a Paris-based, British sommelier who travels to Napa Valley to find wine capable of competing head-to-head with French wine in a blind taste test. The odds are against the California winemakers, Jim Barrett (Pullman) and his hippie son Bo (Pine) – everybody thinks they are hicks who don’t know what they are doing.
However, the heartwarming story has a twist: it turns out that California wine is delicious, and the Barretts show everyone that what they are doing in Napa is pure magic. They paved the way for generations of winemakers to come, solidifying California’s place in the world of wine.
There are many funny moments in the film, especially from Rickman. In one memorable scene, Jim Barrett asks Rickman’s character Spurrier, “Why do I hate you?”
“Because you think I’m an asshole,” Spurrier says. “Actually, I’m not an asshole. It’s just that I’m British, and, well … you’re not.”
Rickman, who died just eight years after “Bottle Shock” came out, was in fine form as a snooty Brit, a character he played so well despite his true personal warmth and generosity. “Alan,” says Jody Savin, the co-writer and producer, “was a great friend and we miss him dearly.” In the movie, he was both easy to hate and easy to love, as he proved when he stood up for the struggling California winemakers when it mattered the most. Even though he was pompous, he could recognize greatness when he saw it.
“Alan Rickman was an incredible actor who brought life to every single character he played,” said Miller. “It was an honor to work with him and a privilege to be his friend.”
Now, the legacy of “Bottle Shock” is going to live on: the Center Theatre at The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is putting on “Bottle Shock! The Musical” from July 7-23, 2023. The musical is going to stay true to the story, incorporating love, fermentation, dance, and the spirit of rock ‘n roll.
Whether you watch “Bottle Shock,” see the new musical, or both, you’ll have a great time learning about the history of California winemaking while seeing some of the best on-screen performances of the last 15 years.
