In the world of wine, few documentaries have captured the imagination of enthusiasts and connoisseurs like the SOMM films. For the last ten years, SOMM, SOMM: Into The Bottle, and SOMM 3 have taken viewers from the classroom and vineyards to the barrels and into the glass. But the latest film, SOMM: Cup of Salvation, coming to SOMM TV on Friday, February 23rd, has received a cascade of accolades and commendations for taking wine enthusiasts on an entirely distinct and extraordinary journey, delving into the complex world of Armenian wines.
Since its theatrical release in October 2023, the film has captivated audiences and garnered significant attention from the media, establishing itself as a standout in the realm of wine-centric cinema.
The film has been praised for its immersive storytelling and stunning cinematography, providing viewers with a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of winemaking in the ancient and storied landscapes of Armenia and Iran. Critics and wine enthusiasts celebrated the film for its ability to seamlessly blend educational insights with a gripping narrative.
From industry journals to mainstream media, SOMM: Cup of Salvation has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, earning its place as a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art and science of winemaking.
Join us on this retrospective journey as we celebrate the numerous press mentions contributing to the film’s success. The following recognitions showcase the diverse perspectives that have lauded SOMM: Cup of Salvation, solidifying its status as a standout in wine documentaries.
Subscriber to SOMM TV to watch SOMM: Cup of Salvation on Friday, February 23. Not a subscriber? You can rent or buy the film here.
The Hollywood Reporter
Published: December 7, 2023 by Ashley Cullins
“When Jason Wise set out to make the fourth documentary in his SOMM series it was intended to be a history and religion-centric film — “the Planet Earth of wine” — but after meeting a winemaker named Vahe Keushguerian in Armenia those plans changed.” Read more.
Published: September 13, 2023 by Abbey White
“This story of a family reviving the ancient grapes of their homeland is not just a harrowing tail of navigating culture, power and land in the name of wine. It is also a look at wine’s origins and how it continues to shape the fabric of human existence.” Read more.
Los Angeles Times
Published: December 22, 2023 by Ani Duzdabanyan
“Despite the danger of being killed by snipers, father and daughter decided to go forward with that year’s harvest in their vineyard in the village Khachik, which is on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. They wore bullet-proof vests and made sure to finish their work quickly along with the other harvesters.” Read more.
The New York Times
Published: June 5, 2023 by Eric Asimov
“In a scene depicted with dramatic flair, Mr. Keushguerian takes a trip to the north of Iran, skeletal camera crew in tow, semiclandestinely looking for old vineyards with unusual varieties. In the remote hills in the province of Kermanshah, roughly 300 miles west of Tehran, he finds what he wants: glistening purple grapes he identified as the rasheh variety.” Read more.
JancisRobinson.com
Published: November 29, 2023 by Tamlyn Currin
“They filmed the project with a skeleton camera crew. They wanted this to be a historical milestone, and they wanted to capture every moment, Keushguerian tells me. And then he pauses. Laughs wryly. Says, ‘Once this story gets out, there will probably be a price on my head. I will certainly not be welcome in Iran again.’” Read more.
VineRoutes
Published: January, 8, 2024 by Carmelo Giardina
“In the first half of the film, the focus is on familial bonds, the struggle to rejuvenate neglected vineyards, and the emotional weight of winemaking against the backdrop of war. It’s a testament to the intertwined nature of family and tradition. In the second half, the narrative pivots into an espionage caper, injecting an unexpected thrill that propels the story into uncharted territory. This is a film that literally has you cheering for wine.” Read more.
Forbes
Published: October 13, 2023 by Liza B. Zimmerman
“The film is a journey into Vahe’s fascinating head and it is a parable for wine production in Armenia and much of the ancient world. These grapes represent the lifeblood of their producers and they — as well as those who cultivate them — need to be protected from war and tragedy on an ever more troubled planet.” Read more.
Published: October 13, 2023 by Hudson Lindenberger
“Rarely have the words harrowing, hopeless, and perilous ever been attached to a wine release. Those phrases are the opposite of what people think when picturing winemaking. Yet, those words perfectly describe the story told in the recently released documentary, SOMM: Cup of Salvation, and the accompanying limited-release vintage the story revolves around.” Read more.
Patch
Published: October 20, 2023 by Janet Costner
“The most provocative story in wine today, Cup of Salvation is a sweeping documentary film that dives into wine’s complex history, exploring the crossroads of wine, religion, politics, war and family.” Read more.
Ashland.news
Published: January 18, 2024 by Jim Flint
“In a twist of fate, what started out as a quest to make a sweeping documentary about the origins of winemaking and its influences on civilization turned into an unexpected adventure and, at times, a dangerous one.” Read more.
The NYC Movie Guru
Published: December 8, 2023
“The crisp editing together with the brisk pace and visually stunning cinematography makes it feel cinematic rather than dry and academic. You don’t have to be a wine lover to appreciate this documentary.” Read more.
