Celebrating 20 Years of ‘Sideways’: Searchlight and Hitching Post Host Anniversary Wine Dinners and Limited Release Bottles Chris Lehoux, August 15, 2024 It has been twenty years since the characters Miles and Jack from the film “Sideways” explored the Santa Inez Valley, where Miles, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, famously exclaimed, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!” Instead of merlot, which they considered too ordinary, Miles and Jack, the latter played by Thomas Haden Church, indulged in pinot noir throughout the movie. The 2004 comedy by Searchlight, which will be available on Hulu this fall, features the duo enjoying their wine at the Hitching Post 2 restaurant located in Buellton. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the restaurant is organizing three wine-tasting dinners called Hitching Post + Sideways and releasing a commemorative edition of pinot noir. More from Variety Hollywood’s Historic Yamashiro Restaurant and Surrounding Property Goes Up for Sale for $100 Million How Celebrities Drank and Dined in the Golden Age of Hollywood Unveiled in New Exhibit Paul Giamatti Joins ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ as Main Villain Hitching Post 2 chef and winemaker Frank Ostini and winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines are hosting anniversary events along with Santa Barbara’s La Paloma Cafe, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, CIA at Copia and L.A.’s Jar restaurant. Hitching Post’s Highliner Pinot Noir, which was featured in the movie, will get a special label for the 2021 vintage to commemorate the anniversary. The special bottles will be available at the restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room and at select retailers. For the true “Sideways” aficionados, a three-bottle “As Seen in Sideways” set includes the 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner and 2021 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner for $650. Details on the winemaker dinners and other events are as follows: Sunday, Sept. 15The Hitching Post 2 is hosting a Sideways 20th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner featuring Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley. Guests will enjoy a dedicated menu from the Hitching Post 2 along with special edition Pinot Noir wines commemorating the film.$150 per personReserve with OpenTable Experience Tuesday, Sept. 24Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinner at La Paloma CafeJoin Executive Chef Jeremy Tummel, Frank Ostini, and Gray Hartley at La Paloma Cafe for a 20th Anniversary celebration of Sideways with a themed menu inspired by Hitching Post 2. Enjoy special Pinot Noir selections.La Paloma Cafe702 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara$110Reserve with RESY Sunday, Sept. 29Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley – “Sideways” 20th Anniversary FestivalCelebrate the 20th anniversary of “Sideways” at this four-day festival in the Santa Ynez Valley. The event features local cuisine from Hitching Post 2 and other Buellton area restaurants, Sta. Rita Hills and Buellton wines, beer, live music, and a special appearance by Virginia Madsen.Tickets include a “Sideways” film screening at Solvang Festival Theater$150 Saturday, Oct. 12Copia at Culinary Institute of America, Napa Screening of “Sideways” followed by a Q&A panel with director Alexander Payne and actor Virginia Madsen. Frank Ostini is special guest. Tuesday, Oct. 29Hitching Post + “Sideways” Winemaker Dinner at JarChef/Owner Suzanne Tracht hosts Hitching Post Wines’ Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley for a 20th Anniversary Sideways dinner with a menu inspired by the Hitching Post 2 paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages celebrating the film.Jar, 8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles$200 inclusive of menu & wines plus tax & gratuityReserve with OpenTable Experience Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What’s Coming to Disney+ in August 2024 What’s Coming to Netflix in August 2024 Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine