California Wine Country Shines at the 20th Anniversary of SIDEWAYS Chris Lehoux, October 24, 2024 Paul Giamatti, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, and Thomas Haden Church celebrated their win of the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture for the wine country comedy “Sideways.” (Photo by Jeff Vespa Archive/WireImage) Anytime is an ideal moment to explore Buellton, located in the scenic wine country of Santa Ynez, CA. However, the 20th anniversary of SIDEWAYS, a beloved comedy highlighting male misadventures during a pre-wedding trip to this beautiful region, offers a great reason to visit this fall. The film tracks the journey of Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, an emotionally volatile wine enthusiast and struggling writer, as he teams up with his free-spirited and reckless actor friend Jack, portrayed by Haden Church, for one last bachelor adventure. The pair indulge in extensive wine tasting and engage in spirited discussions, while their escapade through vineyards and tasting rooms becomes increasingly chaotic. <pFeaturing a talented ensemble including Giamatti, Sandra Oh, Haden Church, and Virginia Madsen, the film is based on Rex Pickett's novel and was brought to life by director Alexander Payne. SIDEWAYS emerged as an unexpected success, grossing $110 million against a $16 million budget. At the 77th Academy Awards, this R-rated comedy (currently streaming on Hulu) received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Haden Church), Best Supporting Actress (Madsen), and secured the win for Best Adapted Screenplay, awarded to Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor based on Pickett’s novel. Thanks to Miles’ intense passion for Pinot Noir and his colorful disdain for Merlot, Pinot Noir sales on the West Coast reportedly increased by 16%, while Merlot saw a decline of 2%. Even Wine Spectator recognized the charm of the little “wine movie” that made waves. California is home to numerous wine regions, from the vineyards of Temecula near San Diego to the upscale wineries located north of San Francisco in Napa Valley. However, Buellton and the Santa Ynez Valley are only a short three-hour drive from Los Angeles County, which boasts a population of 10 million. Buellton is situated just north of Santa Barbara, approximately 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean along Hwy 101. Sideways Hotel in Buellton, CA, features its pool and iconic windmill. The hotel took on its new name … [+] after the film SIDEWAYS came out, significantly boosting interest in the wine scene of the Santa Ynez Valley. Taking the 101 exit at Route 246 will lead you to what is now referred to as the Sideways Inn, a charming two-story motel characterized by its windmill and vibrant wall murals. There is ample free parking available, and operator Highway West Vacations infuses a touch of Wild West spirit into each room. Rooms come equipped with king-sized beds, mini fridges, and microwaves, along with a complimentary continental breakfast for all guests. Amenities include a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and outdoor areas with fire pits for conversation. The Sideways Lounge features a striking interior with vintage motorcycles, antler chandeliers, and plush leather sofas. Guests can indulge in a variety of innovative cocktails, craft beers, and a diverse selection of Central Californian wines. The Buellton region serves as a peaceful escape from urban life, beautifully surrounded by the rolling Santa Rita Hills. This area, which encompasses the greater Santa Ynez Valley, is characterized by picturesque vineyards, farms, charming restaurants, olive orchards, riding stables, a zipline, and even an ostrich farm. While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars of the local wineries, Buellton is also home to renowned breweries like Firestone/Walker and Figueroa Mountain Brew Co. Nearby, the quaint Danish village of Solvang offers delightful sightseeing, and on occasion, the sky may be illuminated by rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, located just a few miles to the west. Visitors can explore numerous wineries and tasting rooms, ranging from Brick Barn Wine Estate, which often hosts live music alongside tastings, to Hitching Post Wines, where friends Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley have crafted their wines since 1979. Coffee lovers who are fans of the film may be interested to know that Hitching Post is offering a limited-edition 2021 Highliner Pinot Noir with a SIDEWAYS label, recognizing the wine’s significant role in the movie. Orsini manages two full-time responsibilities; he also owns and runs the Hitching Post 2 Restaurant, a favored spot for both locals and tourists since the release of SIDEWAYS. The Hitching Post features prominently in several key scenes from the film and is celebrated for its exceptional drinks and mouthwatering steaks and meats, all cooked over a red oak fire. A delicious burger paired with fries at the Hitching Post in Buellton, CA, complemented by a glass of their signature wine. The Hitching Post gained fame from its appearance in the film SIDEWAYS. In September, actress Virginia Madsen made a memorable visit for a SIDEWAYS anniversary festival and film screening. Madsen explored the kitchen and bar at Hitching Post 2 to experience what it would be like to work as a waitress there. She was accompanied by actress Sandra Oh, and together they visited the Hitching Post winery to learn about the winemaking process up close. Next, we visited Vega Vineyards and Farm, a place with a history dating back to 1853. Vega Vineyards presents a selection of Italian varietals, some of which originate from “briefcase clippings.” Winemaker Steve Clifford curates these wines, while the restaurant offers fresh, locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine from 11 AM to 5 PM, all set in a scenic outdoor environment. We enjoyed Mediterranean salads and shawarma prepared by owner Demetrios (“Jimmy”) Loizides, who humorously remarked, “All we do around here is eat and drink.” Vega Vineyards operates as a charming farm, both a tasting and dining destination, as well as an event venue for weddings and other festivities. The estate features several guest accommodations in the Historic Old Adobe, built in 1856, or in their new vineyard house. Visitors can stop by the shop, enjoy lawn games, and even interact with the farm animals at the petting zoo. There’s a wealth of experiences awaiting in Buellton and Santa Ynez, a quintessential slice of Americana nestled in wine country. One notable attraction is the privately owned Mendenhall Museum. This unique museum showcases a treasure trove of roadside Americana, featuring hundreds of vintage street signs, racing memorabilia, and vehicles. Open for tours and events, the museum has a particular focus on “petroliana,” displaying an array of service station artifacts, from gas pumps to signage and even a large, rotating 76 ball. An ostrich eagerly awaits visitors’ treats at Ostrich Land USA in Buellton, CA. No trip to Buellton would be complete without a stop at Ostrich Land USA. Although Jack in SIDEWAYS shares a rather unsettling tale of a nude dash through the ostrich pens, today the atmosphere is serene, with enormous ostriches and emus happily accepting handfuls of food. It was somewhat disconcerting to see “Buellton’s beloved pets” gazing down at us with their piercing blue eyes. One young visitor was treated to an extravagant ostrich mating dance as it displayed its impressive wings, thankfully from the safety of the other side of the fence. The thought of going on a horseback ride had been daunting for me, considering my rather hefty build. However, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience on the trail ride with “Justin,” the magnificent 1400-pound horse I was assigned at Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides. Whether it was due to his exceptional training or a newfound skill of mine as a potential horse whisperer, the ride turned out to be delightful. This horseback riding company prides itself on its impressive selection of horses, many of which are former champions in various disciplines including dressage, roping, racing, sport horse, and reining. Alongside Justin and our knowledgeable human guides, our small group ventured through the scenic local hills and brush. I even managed to cross a few streams without taking an unexpected dip! When it comes to dining, the ultra-thin Danish pancakes are a local favorite, especially at Ellen’s. Another much-loved spot among both residents and visitors is Industrial Eats, located on the 246. This establishment has a unique identity as both a restaurant and a butcher shop. Its menu, handwritten every day on a large piece of butcher paper, features artisan charcuterie, smoked pheasant, duck fat fries, hearty sandwiches, and outstanding pizza, making it a top choice for lunch among tourists and locals alike. During the screening of SIDEWAYS at the Solvang Festival Theater, actress Virginia Madsen referred to the film as “A fine complicated blend—which has aged well.” Regarding the Santa Ynez Valley, she expressed, “This place in the world means so much to me.” The vineyard at Vega Vineyard & Farm in Buellton, CA. One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space. In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil. Your post will be turned down if we detect that it appears to include: User accounts may be suspended if we suspect or believe that users are involved in: So, what steps can you take to become a power user? We appreciate your attention to our community standards. Please review the comprehensive list of posting guidelines available in our site’s Terms of Service. 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. 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