More 2025 topics and speakers to be announced soon. Stay tuned for exciting updates!
FILM &
WINE
At WINECAST, we believe in the power of knowledge and exchange.
That’s why the festival is not only a celebration, but also a platform for the education and development of both the film and wine industries.
Throughout the festival dates, our program is filled with labs, workshops, masterclasses, seminars, and panel discussions, designed to inspire, connect, and support professionals and emerging talents alike.
The Secret of Flavors and the Magic of Wine
Masterclass / Tasting / Film Screening
Sur Lucero — Speaker and Master Sommelier
Sur Lucero is a Master Sommelier and one of the most inspiring figures in the American wine world.
This special masterclass offers a chance to explore unique wine and food pairings, revealing flavor combinations that come to life only through thoughtful matches.
Five distinct wines will be presented, each accompanied by a carefully selected bite to highlight its character and nuance.
The tasting will feature exceptional wines from both Georgia and California, celebrating the magic that happens when flavors meet in perfect harmony.
Before the masterclass, the Oscar-nominated documentary “The Best Chef in the World” will be screened. This film tells the story of French Laundry, a restaurant often described as the best in the world.
Sur Lucero worked at this very restaurant for many years, rising from a junior sommelier to a Master Sommelier. Sur himself will introduce the film — and the story is deeply personal to him.
2024 Spotlight: A Landmark Collaborations
Last year, Winecast achieved a significant milestone for Georgia’s film community by partnering with the American Film Showcase — the U.S. Department of State’s premier film diplomacy program — to host a Script and Story Development Workshop for the first time in the country. Led by acclaimed filmmaker Laura Nix, this rare opportunity gave local creators unprecedented access to international expertise and collaboration.
Seven Georgian film projects were selected, bringing together an exciting blend of emerging voices and the legendary Nana Jorjadze with her latest work. Over several days, participants honed their scripts in an intensive, collaborative environment, which culminated in a pitch session with industry professionals and festival guests.
Another major highlight was the visit of Abby Sun, Director of Artist Programs and Editor of Documentary Magazine at the International Documentary Association (IDA)—one of the most respected documentary institutions in the world. Her visit marked the first time an IDA artistic director came to Georgia. Abby delivered a powerful open masterclass and also took part in the AFS workshop sessions.
These exceptional collaborations reflect WineCast’s mission to elevate Georgian cinema and storytelling by building meaningful bridges with the international film community.
From the world of wine, Winecast offered a rare professional development opportunity for Georgian winemakers and sommeliers.
Jesse Baker, Master Sommelier, led an exclusive workshop for Georgian winemakers on how to enter the U.S. wine market, sharing concrete tools, trends, and strategies.
