Indy film "Bottle Shock," set in 1976, shows how underdog California went up against the Goliath of the wine world - France. And won.

While the film focuses on Napa Valley's burgeoning wine industry, the movie was filmed mainly in Sonoma County. Now you can experience your own stunning cinematic vacation by following the camera through Sonoma's wine country.

The back story

In 1976, then-unknown wineries sent shock waves through the wine industry by besting the exalted French wines in a blind tasting, putting California wines on the map for good. This one event also opened the door for other countries to start introducing their own quality wines to the world.

The actual "Judgment in Paris" - as the blind judging came to be known - tested wines from Napa Valley that had roots in France: Cabernet Sauvignon, a red grape from the Bordeaux region; and Chardonnay, a white grape from the Burgundy region. The French wines were red Bordeaux and white Burgundies.

The movie "Bottle Shock" focuses on one winery's story - Chateau Montelena, which won the white wine category with its 1973 Chardonnay. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, which isn't featured in the film, took top honors in the red category with its 1970 Cabernet Sauvignon.

"About 80 percent of the movie was filmed in Sonoma Valley," said Lori Laube, of American Eagle Casting, in Santa Rosa. She and her company cast 450 extras for the movie. "A little was filmed in the Carneros region and some at Chateau Montelena in Calistoga."

While a story centered on a winery, "you don't have to be a wine fan to fall in love with this movie," said Brenda Lhormer, producer. "The movie is a dramatic, heroic, passionate tale of dreamers going against all odds."

"It's very life affirming," Lhormer added. "It has all the things about a movie that I love. We filmed in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, though I may be biased since I live in Sonoma. The cast and crew were amazed at the location."

Locations and Scenes

Carneros Region
Buena Vista Carneros Vineyards on Ramal Road - Chateau Montelena, Sam's quarters, driving through the vineyards, and sweeping vineyard shots. Even though it wasn't featured in the movie, the winery itself, one of the oldest in Sonoma, is worth a visit.
Find it on Google Maps: Ramal Road
Find it on Google Maps: Buena Vista
For more information, visit www.buenavistacarneros.com

Get to Ramal Road by going east on Hwy 121/12 through the Carneros region. Turn right onto Ramal Road. The road loops around, changes name to Duhig Road and takes you back to the highway.

Duhig Road, Carneros - Bo and Sam have a flat tire.
Find it on Google Maps: Duhig Road

Sonoma Valley
Kunde Estate Vineyards, Kenwood - sweeping vineyard views; party scene with Bo and friends; boxing scenes (Kunde still has the boxing ring built for the movie).
Find it on Google Maps: Kunde Estate Vineyards
For more information, visit www.kunde.com

Kunde Estate Vineyards, Kenwood - the wine judging scene, shot in the Dunfillan Ruins. Winemaking pioneer John Drummond built the Dunfillan Winery in the late 1800s. This is where California's first varietal-labeled Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted and bottled. The ruins are available for large events.
Find it on Google Maps: Kunde Estate Vineyards
For more information, visit www.kunde.com

Glen Ellen
The Saloon at Jack London Lodge, Glen Ellen - Jo's Bar.
Find it on Google Maps: The Saloon at Jack London Lodge
For more information, visit www.jacklondonlodge.com

Town of Sonoma
Corner of East Napa Street and First Street East - Paris street scenes.
Find it on Google Maps: Napa & First St. East

Della Santina Restaurant - Paris restaurant, Le Bistro Des Cieux, where Alan Rickman as "Steven Spurrier" attempts to engage a French wine connoisseur.
Find it on Google Maps: Della Santina's
For more information, visit www.dellasantinas.com

Enoteca Della Santina - Caves de Madeleine, Paris wine shop, exterior only.
Find it on Google Maps: Della Santina's
For more information, visit www.dellasantinas.com

Ledson Harmony Club - Le Bistro De La Guerre, where Alan Rickman tastes wine and is ignored by all.
Find it on Google Maps: Ledson Hotel
For more information, visit www.ledsonhotel.com

Spain Street - Calistoga street scenes.
Find it on Google Maps: Spain Street

Toscano Hotel - Vintners bring their wine to Spurrier. The Toscano Hotel is part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
Find it on Google Maps: Toscano Hotel
For more information, visit Sonoma State Historic Park

Sonoma Plaza - Leaving the Toscano Hotel, Sonoma's eight-acre plaza is seen in the background. Sonoma Plaza is the largest plaza in California and is a National Historic Landmark. The town is considered the birthplace of California's wine industry, with grapes planted as early as the 1820s. It's also the location of the Bear Flag Revolt, which transferred ownership of California from Mexico to the United States, making it the birthplace of American California.
Find it on Google Maps: Sonoma Plaza

Swiss Hotel and Restaurant - Aqua Vira Restaurant, restaurant patrons request the winning wine.
Find it on Google Maps: Swiss Hotel and Restaurant
For more information, visit www.swisshotelsonoma.com

Interiors at production offices on Eighth Street East in Sonoma - Winery office, bank, airport and Spurrier's inside shop scenes. Enjoy the drive along Eighth Street East; specific address isn't given to this location.
Find it on Google Maps: Eighth Street East

Santa Rosa
Office building at 703 2^nd Street - Legal office scene.
Find it on Google Maps: office building

A bird's-eye view
"The land is a powerful character in this movie," said Randall Miller, director of the film. "I knew I needed to shoot from a helicopter to capture the breadth and scope of its awesome glory."

Re-create this experience with the Vintage Aircraft Company, located at Sonoma Airport. The company offers the 40-minute Wine Country Tour that flies east across the Carneros, north through Napa Valley to St. Helena, west to Glen Ellen and down Sonoma Valley. This offers an aerial view of most of the filming locations.
Find it on Google Maps: Sonoma Valley Airport
For more information, visit www.vintageaircraft.com

'Listen to the Music'
Music plays an important role in the movie. Hearing the strains of "China Grove," by the Doobie Brothers, gets you in the mood for a rollicking good time. The Doobies also provided "Spirit," "Toulouse Street," and "Listen to the Music" to the sound track.

While you won't find the Doobie Brothers playing in Sonoma Valley on a regular basis, they usually perform at B.R. Cohn Winery's charity concert held every October. Bruce Cohn, the band's manager for nearly 40 years, produces quality wines and olive oils.
Find it on Google Maps: B.R. Cohn Winery
For more information, visit www.brcohn.com