Wine Sipping and Documentary Screening Hosted by the American Grand Cru Society

to complement the wonderful wines

By Punch Correspondent Attie Poirier 

The American Grand Cru Society hosted the East Coast premiere of the renowned documentary “The Story of the Grapes and Wines of the Russian River Valley” at Letelier Theater (a hidden gem for event rentals) in Georgetown last Wednesday night. The American Grand Cru Society hosted the event to acknowledge some of the best producers in the famed Sonoma County AVA, which include Hook and Ladder Winery, Lauterbach Cellars, and Williams Selyam –all vintages that were sipped throughout the evening and discussed within the film.

Guest Whitney Hopkins, originally from Sonoma County, brought a friend.Â

The documentary chronicles the renowned wine region’s century-long journey from relative obscurity to its emergence as one of the foremost producers in the world. Today the Russian River Valley, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in the midst of Sonoma County, boasts some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production in the country. The documentary chronicles the renowned wine region’s century-long journey from relative obscurity to its emergence as one of the foremost producers in the world.

AGCS Founder Greg Poirier introducing the filmmaker

Filmmaker Maurice “Joe” Nugent flew from California to introduce the film at the screening and discuss the project with guests. Though not studio production per se, the documentary uses an organic, first-person narrative to keep the audience grounded in the farmers that work the land and the families that have made the AVA their pride and joy over the years—and who are so integral in the regions success.

Filmmaker Joe Nugent traveled from California to introduce the film.

Guests enjoyed a night cap after the screening that included one of the most reputable vintages discussed at length in the film. All in all, quite an enjoyable evening for the palette and the patron!

Full disclosure: Attie’s father is the CEO and Founder of the American Grand Cru Society. She assisted with the event and tasting—someone has to do it—and attributes her love of Pinot Noir to being lucky enough to grow up with a certified sommelier in the home.