The person who first suggested I watch the movie Sideways described it as "a love story and a wine lesson all rolled into one." And, of course, I love this movie! Paul Giamatti, as pathetic want-to-be-published-author, Miles, completely won me over, and I have to admit, he also taught me a little about California wines.

Interestingly enough, I'm not the only wine lover to be affected by this movie. In fact, it seems that because of Miles' intense dislike of Merlot and preference to Pinot Noir, the popularity of both wines changed in 2005 and according to Wine and Spirits, this trend is supposed to continue into 2006:

The Sideways knock-on effect will continue to favour Pinot Noir over Merlot, with a positive impact on the 2004 Burgundy En primeur offers, which kick off in January. The vintage looks sufficiently interesting to spark off a lively campaign, especially in the case of Chablis, whose stars are likely to be Verget, Droin, Raveneau, Dauvissat, Fèvre and Billaud Simon. After Sideways, wine will again hit the big screen in the shape of Vineyards of Death, a low-budget mystery-cum-comedy shocker written and directed by George Boyce that takes place in the Finger Lakes, an area noted for fine Riesling and Cabernet Franc.

The waning popularity of Chardonnay and Merlot will offer more opportunities for varieties grown in regions where producers believe in the quality of (and have the energy to market) their wines. If she has any sense, Bridget Jones will abandon Chardonnay for Sauvignon Blanc and rosé, while her upmarket friends will be trying their luck with Austria's Grüner Veltliner and Galicia's Albariño, as well as Viognier and Riesling."

Photo from: http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/sideways/