Two decades have passed since the release of “Sideways,” in which Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, famously declared, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!” alongside his friend Jack, portrayed by Thomas Haden Church.
Instead of merlot, Miles and Jack favored pinot noir in the 2004 comedy from Searchlight Pictures, which is set to stream on Hulu this fall. The wine-loving characters enjoyed the pinot noir at the Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton.
To celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary, the Hitching Post is organizing three special winemaker dinners featuring Hitching Post + Sideways, along with releasing a commemorative pinot noir.
Chef and winemaker Frank Ostini, along with winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines, will host anniversary events in collaboration with Santa Barbara’s La Paloma Cafe, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, CIA at Copia, and L.A.’s Jar restaurant.
In honor of the milestone, Hitching Post’s Highliner Pinot Noir, featured prominently in the film, will sport a special label for the 2021 vintage. These commemorative bottles will be available at the restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room, and select retailers.
For dedicated “Sideways” fans, a limited three-bottle set, titled “As Seen in Sideways,” includes the 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, the 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner, and the 2021 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner, priced at $650.