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It’s already been two decades since “Sideways” pals Miles and Jack toured the Santa Inez Valley north of Santa Barbara and Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, declared, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”

But what did Miles and Jack, played by Thomas Haden Church, drink instead of merlot, which was deemed too mundane for their elevated tastes? Pinot noir, and lots of it! In Searchlight’s 2004 comedy, which is set to stream on Hulu this fall, the wine-obsessed duo sip and dine at the Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton. Now, the Hitching Post is getting ready for the 20 year anniversary by hosting three Hitching Post + Sideways winemaker dinners and releasing a special edition pinot noir.

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Hitching Post 2 chef and winemaker Frank Ostini and winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines are hosting anniversary events along with Santa Barbara’s La Paloma Cafe, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, CIA at Copia and L.A.’s Jar restaurant.

Hitching Post’s Highliner Pinot Noir, which was featured in the movie, will get a special label for the 2021 vintage to commemorate the anniversary. The special bottles will be available at the restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room and at select retailers. For the true “Sideways” aficionados, a three-bottle “As Seen in Sideways” set includes the 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner and 2021 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner for $650.

Details on the winemaker dinners and other events are as follows:

Sunday, Sept. 15
Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinner at the Hitching Post 2
Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley host a 20th Anniversary Sideways dinner with a signature menu from the Hitching Post 2 paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages celebrating the film.
$150 per person
Reserve with OpenTable Experience

Tuesday, Sept. 24
Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinner at La Paloma Cafe
Executive Chef Jeremy Tummel hosts Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley for a 20th Anniversary Sideways dinner with a menu inspired by the Hitching Post 2 paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages celebrating the film.
La Paloma Cafe
702 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara
$110
Reserve with RESY

Sunday, Sept. 29
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley – “Sideways” 20th Anniversary Festival
One of the highlights of the four-day festival in the Santa Ynez Valley is the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the award-winning film “Sideways.” There will be bites from Hitching Post 2 and other Buellton restaurants, along with Sta. Rita Hills and Buellton wine, beer, and live music. Look for an appearance by Virginia Madsen.
Tickets include the “Sideways” screening at Solvang Festival Theater.
$150

Saturday, Oct. 12
Copia at Culinary Institute of America, Napa
Screening of “Sideways” followed by a Q&A panel with director Alexander Payne and actor Virginia Madsen. Frank Ostini is special guest.

Tuesday, Oct. 29
Hitching Post + “Sideways” Winemaker Dinner at Jar
Chef/Owner Suzanne Tracht hosts Hitching Post Wines’ Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley for a 20th Anniversary Sideways dinner with a menu inspired by the Hitching Post 2 paired with special edition Pinot Noir vintages celebrating the film.
Jar, 8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles
$200 inclusive of menu & wines plus tax & gratuity
Reserve with OpenTable Experience

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