New book ‘Sideways Uncorked’ uncovers wine and film’s lasting influence
Photo from the couple’s book launch party in Napa Valley last week at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia Food Center.
New book by local couple set to release Nov. 5
– North County couple Kirk Honeycutt and Mira Advani Honeycutt explore the intersection of film and wine in their new book “Sideways Uncorked: The Perfect Pairing of Film & Wine,” set to release on Nov. 5 through Applause. The book delves into the making of Alexander Payne’s movie “Sideways,” based on a then-unpublished novel by Rex Pickett, and examines its impact on the wine industry, particularly pinot noir and merlot winemaking.
The Honeycutts trace the influence of the film, a pop culture phenomenon, on the wine world, especially in the Santa Barbara wine country where the movie was filmed. Through narrative and special features, including wine recommendations from various regions, the authors provide a comprehensive look at the film’s lasting effects on winemaking.
The book has received praise from several notable figures. Director Alexander Payne said, “The Honeycutts’ account of ‘Sideways’ and its reverberations is so thorough that even I learned things I hadn’t known. A delightful, accurate chronicle with great wine tips.”
Last week’s book signing was followed by a screening of the film Sideways, a Q&A with director Alexander Payne (center), and dinner prepared by the Hitching Post restaurant.
Film critic Leonard Maltin described the book as “an astute and entertaining book about the making of a great American film and its unexpected aftermath in the world of wine.” Rajat Parr, vintner and James Beard Award-winning author, called it “a beautiful love story of pinot noir.”
Frank Ostini, owner and winemaker at Hitching Post Wine, praised the book’s comprehensive coverage of how “Sideways” blended wine and film, while Meridith May, publisher and editor-in-chief of “The Tasting Panel” and “The SOMM Journal,” highlighted the Honeycutts’ examination of the connections between independent filmmaking and wine production.
Kirk Honeycutt, a longtime film critic and author of “John Hughes: A Life in Film,” was a senior reporter and chief film critic for “The Hollywood Reporter” for 20 years and has contributed to “The New York Times,” “The Los Angeles Times,” “Newsday,” and other publications. He has also taught film courses at Chapman University.
Mira Advani Honeycutt has over 25 years of experience as a wine journalist and is the current wine editor at 13 Stars Media. Her work has been published in “The SOMM Journal,” “The Tasting Panel,” and “Sommelier India Wine Magazine.”
The couple resides in Paso Robles Wine Country on California’s Central Coast.
The book will be available in paperback for $29.95, with 252 pages. It can be pre-ordered by contacting customer service at customercare@rowman.com.
