Samuel Goldwyn Films Lands North American Rights to Jason Wise's Wine Doc 'Somm'

Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to writer-director Jason Wise’s Somm, a documentary chronicling the lives of four men in the weeks leading up to the Master Sommelier exam.

our editor recommends

Samuel Goldwyn's L.A. House Off the Market

The court of Master Sommeliers is one of the world’s most prestigious, secretive and exclusive organizations in the world of wine with less than 200 candidates passing the Master level since its inception some 40 years ago.

With unprecedented access, Somm takes the viewer on a journey through the mysterious world. Cameras have never been allowed anywhere near the exam … until now. Somm features interviews with would-be sommeliers Ian Cauble, Dustin Wilson, Brian McClintic and Dlynn Proctor.

Goldwyn’s acquisition comes on the heels of the film playing to a standing ovation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Wise, Christina Wise and Jackson Myers produced the film. William Fowler exec produced.

Goldwyn plans a summer 2013 release.

"Jason has made an extremely entertaining film that anyone who has ever stumbled through a restaurant wine list will love," said Peter Goldwyn, senior VP of Samuel Goldwyn Films. "This is an amazing world, and if you thought you knew something about wine you don’t."

Added Jason Wise: "After being immersed in the world of wine for so long, we knew the time was right for a film about what it takes to become a sommelier."

The deal was negotiated by Samuel Goldwyn Films' Ian Puente. Cliff Gilbert-Lurie of Ziffren Brittenham repped the filmmakers.

Email: Tatiana.Siegel@THR.com, Twitter: @TatianaSiegel27