Crush: Message in a Bottle

A growing movement of winegrowers and winemakers are using eco-conscious practices to reduce their carbon footprint, merging modern and traditional techniques to infuse their craft with authenticity. Similar to the Slow Food movement, it’s a return to old ways, a response to concerns about the planet as well as what we put in our bodies.

Crush: Message in a Bottle is a cinematic portrait of a year in the life of artisanal winemakers and winegrowers in a new fine wine region. Documenting one of the most difficult harvests in recent history, Crush is a testament to the challenges of producing an exceptional bottle of low intervention wine in a frequently inhospitable climate.

This feature-length documentary focuses on subjects whose diversity is exceptional in a largely white male-dominated industry. Featuring winegrower Ann-Marie Saunders whose Jamaican-lineage family are pioneers in the region, dedicated to labour intensive regenerative farming; Kelly Mason, a first generation female farmer devoted to the risky, hands on craft of low intervention wild ferment winemaking; and Shiraz Mottiar, a winemaker celebrated as the ‘King of Gamay,’ who actively promotes diversity and sustainability in the industry.

Representatives from local wineries Mason Vineyards, Malivoire Wine Company, and Bachelder Wines will be on-site to offer insight into their process and specific wines, a limited supply of which will be available for purchase at the concessions. Doors will be open 1 hour before showtime.

Join director Maya Gallus and winemakers from Bachelder Wines, Malivoire Wine Company, Mason Vineyards, and Saunders Vineyard for a post-screening Q&A, moderated by Beverly Crandon of Vinequity.

6:30 PM: Doors Open

Tickets: $15 (Members from $10)