When Sideways was released in 2004, those involved with the comedy had no way of knowing it would be nominated for five Oscars, including a win for adapted screenplay; rake in $72 million domestically at the box office; supercharge wine and tourism in Santa Barbara; boost Pinot Noir sales and famously malign Merlot.
On the 10th anniversary of the film, director Alexander Payne, star Paul Giamatti and other cast and crew met at the ranch of Jim Clendenen, winemaker of Au Bon Climat whose Pinot Noir was featured in the film, to partake in a fundraiser and reunion. The $1,000 a plate five-course meal, which raised $100,000 for Direct Relief International, was held in a tent lined with stills of the film and with appropriately spectacular views of vineyards. One hundred guests attended, including Gary Newman, who is chairman of 20th Century Fox Television and the owner of Jorian Hill Winery in Santa Ynez, and his wife Jeanne Newman of law firm Hansen, Jacobson, which represents the creators of scripted television dramas such as CSI: Miami, Heroes and Mad Men.
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