A cast of wine bloggers, digerati, Tool fans and film distributors gathered at London’s Royal Society of Arts on Wednesday night for the UK premiere of the new wine documentary ‘Blood Into Wine’.
Just a couple of regular guys trying to make a living off the land...
The event represented this blog’s first foray into event hosting and things were looking a bit hairy when, with less than an hour before showtime, the film had yet to arrive at the venue. Oh my.
But fear not, dear readers, the bluest of blue-rays arrived all the way from Arizona in the safe hands of the film’s producer, Chris ‘Topper’ McDaniel along with a bag full of goodies. Everything just felt good from there on in.
The story of Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan’s determination to grow wine in the harsh terrain of Arizona is reviewed well elsewhere and I’m certainly no Mark Kermode but there were a couple of corks in this film that hit me in the slurper.
Firstly, the Arizona landscape. For me it shared top billing in this movie. Many moons ago, I drove coast to coast across America. It was in Arizona where I really swallowed the Kool-Aid of this most extraordinary of continents.
The film took me back to an overnight stay in Sedona laying on top of my hire car watching satellites streak across the sky like never ending comets. A truly extraordinary land and skyscape.
The man who shared top billing with this shaman filled outback was, surprisingly, not Mr Keenan. The true human star of the show was Eric Glomski, the winemaker that Maynard hired to be his mentor. And I get the feeling Maynard is more than happy that Eric’s star shines brightest here.
Eric’s description of wine-making had the same effect on me as Virginia Madsen’s ode to pinot noir did in Sideways. I am now in love with them both. Although in different ways, you must understand.
For those that couldn’t be there in person here are a couple of clips from the Q&A featuring Topper and my good self.
This film has taught me one valuable lesson. If I want to own a vineyard I need to form a rock band and sell 40m records. Right, now where did I put that Fender…
Very well reviewed Gavin, and thanks again for organising the screening. Totally agree with your thoughts on the landscape being the star of the show. Arizona now firmly on my (ever-growing) must visit list. That sky, both day and night- wow!
Let’s all go together!! We can camp out in the vineyard and nibble on the low hanging fruit like a pack of wild boars!!!
Hey Gavin
Thx for a brilliant evening! Loved the 2 geeky blokes and agree with you re the landscape – it reminds me of the Atakama desert in Chile – the stars and terrain are out of this world. Look forward to more events with wine of the week!
Bon Weekend! C
Yes, the stars out here in Kent are nice but they don’t quite match Arizona!
What’s the American name for those piggies??! The ones that chomp on the fruit?!
Havalina
Ok – I play the piano and guitar already, so u learn the drums, we will get Robrt M on elec guitar and off we go to the life of rock and roll, dollar notes and the purchase of a vineyard in Kazakhstan! xx
Thanks again Gavin. It turned out to be a very educational evening (for me). Inspired!
Gavin – what an unexpected surprise to see this film! To see a partnership of two very determined people, from very different backgrounds make good wine in a new region is fun and inspiring. It made me want to go out and taste it immediately. It was funny, touching and surprising. Arizona…here we come! Let’s volunteer for harvest time.