Watch Blood into Wine

Blood into Wine is a 2010 documentary film directed by Ryan Page and Christopher Pomerenke that explores the journey of musician Maynard James Keenan and his business partner Eric Glomski as they attempt to create the perfect wine in the desolate deserts of Arizona. The film is a unique combination of a rockumentary and a wine documentary, with excellent camera work and captivating storytelling.

The movie begins by introducing us to Maynard James Keenan who is known for being the lead singer of internationally renowned bands such as Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. Maynard’s interest and passion for winemaking have led him down a completely new path. His journey started as a cathartic decision to escape the pressures of the music business and to pursue something that he found relaxing and fulfilling. In this movie, Maynard comes across as a thoughtful, passionate winemaker who takes his craft seriously and is willing to experiment with different techniques to create truly unique blends.

Along with Eric, Maynard co-founded a winery called Caduceus Cellars in Jerome, Arizona. The wine is created with the utmost dedication to natural and sustainable methods, providing a unique perspective on winemaking. Eric is Maynard's friend and partner in this venture, he is also an accomplished winemaker who has spent his entire life around vineyards. Together, the two aim to create the best wine possible, incorporating unconventional methods, including musical frequency and energy, into their winemaking process.

The film takes an in-depth look at the ups and downs of their journey, highlighting the challenges they faced in their unconventional approach to winemaking. The documentary covers everything from the grape-growing process, to the aging of the wine in oak barrels, to the bottling and marketing process. We see how Maynard's and Eric's passion for winemaking taints every decision they make, from the sourcing and inspecting of the grapes they use, to ensuring the proper hygiene during the fermentation process.

Throughout the movie, we see Maynard meeting with his fellow musicians, explaining his process, and giving tastings of his blends. It’s clear that Maynard treats his winemaking with the same level of professionalism and attention to detail as his music career. We also get to see Eric in action in the winery, sharing his knowledge on everything from the pH levels of the soil to the nuances of barrel aging.

One of the most inspiring themes that emerge from Blood into Wine is the creativity and artistry that is poured into making each bottle of wine. It is evident that Maynard and Eric consider winemaking an art form, and they apply the same level of dedication and passion that they would when creating a piece of music. They want their wine to connect with people on an emotional level and to be an experience for them, which is rare in the winemaking industry.

The cinematography in this movie is outstanding. The filmmakers have done an exceptional job at showcasing the beauty of the Jerome region of Arizona, creating a stunning visual experience. We get to witness the stunning views from the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the wonderful people who work alongside Maynard and Eric.

In addition, we see Fairuza Balk as she takes on the role of a narrator, guiding us through the process of winemaking from start to finish. Her narration gives context to the images we see on the screen, providing a clear understanding of the winemaking process and the challenges Maynard and Eric faced creating the perfect blend.

Overall, Blood into Wine is an excellent documentary film that is perfect for anyone who loves music or wine, or both. The film is informative and entertaining, giving viewers an insider's look into the world of winemaking and the passion that drives those who are determined to create something truly special. Maynard's and Eric's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact that passion can have. The film is inspiring, fascinating and reveals the artistic side of winemaking.

Blood into Wine is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.