A Seat at the Table (2019) User Reviews

How much you like and appreciate this documentary might depend on what types of wine you like.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 25 September 2020]

"A Seat at the Table" is a documentary about the growing wine industry in New Zealand. Apparently, the country's wine production has impressed folks from all over the world as now many of these Kiwi wineries are owned by folks from the French wine country. The film's focus seems to be on how good the wine is and how much respect their wines deserve. And, it dares to say that in many ways, Kiwi wines are the equal to the highly esteemed French white Burgundy wines.

I've been to New Zealand wineries and did enjoy it...though I should also point out that the vast, vast majority of this wine is wine...and nearly all of it seems to be Sauvignon Blancs. This is great if you love whites and if you love Sauvignon Blancs....which, sadly, are not among my favorites. After all, we all have different palates. And, if your coincides with the types of wines these folks make, you're bound to like and appreciate the film more.

Overall, well made and a bit slow for the average person. If you love wine, you'll like the film. If you love New Zealand wines, then you really need to see the documentary.

The New World Meets The Old World

[t-d-t-m82 · 9/10 · 30 June 2023]

I love how much focus is on asking real gritty questions to producers from a vast number of vineyards from New Zealand and France and finding out what they think of the old guard and the new world resistance of the fine wine establishment.

It's got a lot of focus on wine industry-leading experts. There's interviews with writers and makers and the coopers behind the barrels and the French oak flavour which so dominates big bold red wines.

It's got great quotes from producers and how their passion for wine was conceived. It's very heavy on the dialogue with great probing questions. The interviews use a journalistic approach. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous.

Huge long tracking shots above the vineries of France and New Zealand. The nature of the terroir is in full focus. Terroir has come home in film and it's here for you to enjoy; sit back with and relax. Why don't you pour yourself a large Sauvignon blanc and relax and enjoy this rewarding and information documentary?

Excellent documentary movie. Thoroughly enjoyable.