Mondovino: The Complete Series

At first glance, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Was it going to be hours of straight up interviews of various wine makers? Virtual tours of wineries around the world? Well, it turns out it went far beyond all expectations. If you are patient enough to watch all of the episodes you will be greatly rewarded. The filmmakers did an exceptional job of capturing the personalities, insight and wisdom of both "old world" and "new world" winemakers. From some spectacular characters in the heart of France to family feuds, and sibling rivalry. It's all about the business and the passion of wine making.It's a little bit like learning the secrets behind your favorite magic tricks. While I can't go off any make a 95pt bottle of wine, I still feel like a bit of the experience has been somewhat demystified. As someone who imagined quaint little french towns with old fashion wine makers lovingly tending their grapes... sipping wine and just relaxing and enjoying life... it's a bit of a shock to see the "raw" side of winemaking. For better or worse, it's a higher level of respect for the craft and particularly amazing is how much this really is truly a "business".Purchase and enjoy with a glass of your favorite wine - because frankly it's impossible to watch this without a glass in your hand...

I watched the short version first and really liked it but got the feeling that something was missing. Then I got the series and this one definitely covers the most essential, most intrinsic wine elements that any person, aficionado, enthusiast and probably connoisseur should know about wine. This is not a course on wine, this is about the modus operandi of wine, i.e., production, commercialization, terroir (its importance) and stories (interviews with producers and locals) in general about why each region has its own characteristics even if they are located in the same country and cultivating the same grapes. At the end of the day the pleasure of enjoying wine goes beyond the satisfaction of the five senses, it is about its history and the stories that surround this sacred liquid, as Romans used to say and do: "Wine is civilization".

I don't know how this gets high ratings. The cinematography is terrible. The camera shakes, pans quickly and jumps around making it difficult to watch. It is amateurish at best. It appears to be a hand held video camera of poor quality. The scenery quality is very disappointing as well. There are scenes taken from a moving car that almost makes you nauseous. Most of the video is in foreign languages with subtitles. The only reason I give it two stars is that there is some interesting information and interviews with some of the icons of wine making but overall, I was very disappointed.

Pretty good

Awesome! For those who enjoy vino and the wonderful winemakers behind it this video is fantastic. A different approach to Old World New World critics and those who have wine in their blood.

just like you want around with a video camera and filmed a story yourself. Very random and there is no central theme. The original documentary is great== pretty much a ploy by the director/writer to make some money

Outstanding social commentary! Good wine info too.

Mind-boggling entertainment for those who love wine and hate the commercialization of the industry; irreverent.