Uncorking the Pinot Noir of ‘Sideways’

Pinot needs constant care and attention and, in fact, can only grow in specific little tucked-away corners of the world.

Co-worker Ricardo from Lawry's The Prime Rib Dallas pours a glass of wine

The Oscar-winning movie Sideways, which chronicles the misadventures of two buddies on a road trip through California’s Central Coast, is in part, a love letter to one of the most intriguing, frustrating and difficult-to-cultivate wine grapes in the world—Pinot Noir.

As the film’s lead character Miles explains, the thin-skinned red grape can only be grown in a few, choice spots (it does well in the cool climates of Napa and Sonoma’s Carneros and Russian River Valley Districts, along the California Central Coast, and in Oregon’s Willamette Valley) and is notoriously temperamental to weather, soil, and overcrowding.

But when it succeeds under the care of master growers and winemakers, Pinot Noir yields some of the most sublime wines known to man.

More delicate and subtle than Cabernet or Merlot, Pinot Noir is a dry wine that pairs wonderfully with prime rib, poultry, and fish. Depending on the winery and vintage, a Pinot Noir can be full-bodied and intensely flavored or more graceful and light, with an emphasis on fruit and a touch of new oak.

the most sublime wines known to man

When the wine is young, it smells almost sweet and is redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries, and red currants. When it matures, the finest Pinots develop a voluptuously satiny texture with a core of remarkably intense sweet ripeness enhanced by earthy, truffly aromas.

More delicate and subtle than Cabernet or Merlot, Pinot Noir is a dry wine that pairs wonderfully with prime rib

If Sideways has sparked your interest in Pinots, we’d like to help you explore them. All of our restaurants offer a well-rounded selection from vineyards that excel in producing Pinot Noir, including some of the wineries featured in Sideways.

We’ve carefully tasted and handpicked the very best for your enjoyment. Many of our Pinots are available by the glass, so you can sample and enjoy them at very friendly prices. Your server would be delighted to offer recommendations and help you select a Pinot Noir you’ll savor.