I just spent $30 to watch Cruella through Disney+. It was well worth the cost in my opinion because I will be enjoying this movie over and over and over again. My husband watched part of it and then fell asleep. But I stayed up way past my (self-imposed) bedtime just to finish it. Of course, I had a glass of wine to keep me company. 

The wine was a 2017 Estate Zinfandel, Spencer’s Hill Vineyard, from Dry Creek Vineyard (in Sonoma County).

The well-balanced Zin had some dark cherry and cocoa notes that made it one of the best wines to watch such a fabulous movie about revenge, madness, and of course 70’s fashion. 

The color of the wine in the glass matched Cruella‘s signature red lipstick, which gave me the idea for this blog post. Because who doesn’t love a glass of wine and a fun movie about one of the most loved Disney villains of all time. The live-action Disney movie starring Emma Stone & Emma Thompson is a fun take on the movie 101 Dalmatians (which changes up the narrative much like the movie Maleficent. Set in the ’70s in London, the music, the makeup, and the fashion is fun to watch for anyone. This movie is best enjoyed with crumpets and a glass of wine.

here are some other wines to enjoy while watching the movie Cruella:

Iron Horse Vineyards, Brut X

This winery from Sonoma County some damn good sparkling wines (I should know because I worked with them with social media marketing for seven years), but their Brut X is the driest out of all of their sparkling wine offerings. And it’s also my personal favorite, and - I think - one of the most elegant bottles. In the movie, Emma Thompson can be seen drinking sparkling wine multiple times, so I recommend you watch this movie with friends and cheers with Iron Horse sparkling wine every time The Baroness puts down a half-empty glass of sparkling wine!

Pair with truffle popcorn and enjoy a sip every time The Baroness in the movie takes a sip of sparkling wine herself. 

McCay Cellars Rosé Grenache 

This Lodi winery is known for their Zinfandels, but this rosé, that I just discovered, is now a new favorite in a category that I already love. Dry rose wines. 

Pair with fresh sourdough bread that you tear apart with your hands, organic strawberries, and goat cheese. 

Raymond Napa Valley Reserve Red  

This full-bodied red is a Bordeaux of mostly Cab, but the 22% Petite Verdot is what made me fall in love. Rich and jammy flavors are effortless when you drink it - which can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it. Ha.

Raft Wines 2019 Primitivo

Not as full-bodied as the Bordeaux blend, but it still has a deep molasses taste with some more down-to-earth flavors. If you’re looking for a red, but don’t want a heavy one - this wine should be your new go-to!

Cole Ranch “R2” Riesling

A new favorite white wine. This is not the same Riesling that some think of when they think of this varietal. It is dry, not overly sweet, and has a hint of orange peel. This means that you can enjoy this with pretty much any spring vegetable. Or arugula salad overtop a Woodfire oven Margherita pizza with a light lemon vinaigrette. 

Last, another Zinfandel I can’t stop thinking about is Three Wine Company’s 2016 Zinfandel Live Oak Contra Costa County. 

The vineyard is actually about 30 minutes away from where I currently live — Between Mount Diablo and the Sacramento Delta. I had a chance to learn more about Contra Costa zinfandels from a ZAP winemaker event, and this is a wine I have purchased afterward. A perfectly balanced Zinfandel that pairs well with food, but honestly doesn’t even need it to be enjoyed. 

... and just thinking about 70s London, for some reason the image of a fondue pot at a party comes up in my mind. The movie does not have one, in fact, the only thing I can think of that was eaten in the movie were crumpets, and thinly sliced cucumbers (which to be honest I’m not sure we've ever eaten). But now that events are happening again, why not have fun with a fondue set with this fabulous movie in it the background?!? 

The movie is PG-13, and definitely not for younger kids, but if you are a fan of revenge movies, fashion, makeup, 70s music, Emma Stone, or Emma Thompson — this movie is definitely for you.

Grab a glass of wine, and don’t worry if it stains your lips red. It is Cruella’s signature look after all.