André – The Voice of Wine

AMFEST is proud to present an important and absolutely superb film, André – The Voice of Wine narrated by Ralph Fiennes about a Russian émigré, André Tchelistcheff, who became one of most important wine personalities and founding fathers of American wine. This award winning feature documentary takes us on a professional and personal journey of a man from his earliest connection with vineyards in pre-revolutionary Russia, to his rise to the pinnacle of wine culture United States, Europe and now Russia through his protégés and techniques.

André Tchelistcheff, born into an aristocratic family in Moscow, remarkably survived the upheaval of the Russian revolution and civil war. His professionalism, knowledge of science, dedication to innovation, the depth and breadth of his multi-cultural background along with his unmatched taste helped move the American wine industry from a virtually moribund state after the repeal of prohibition on to its post-war renaissance. For over five decades, Andre worked with numerous wineries that together helped establish the American wine industry. André had a direct impact on the 1976 Paris blind tasting, known as the “Judgement of Paris”, staged by Steven Spurrier which turned the world of wine upside down.  André was not a businessman, but an artist and scientist whose heart and soul were devoted to wine. His philosophy about life and his love for wine continues to influence generations of wine makers throughout the world.

This film is touching to any member of the Russian community, presenting a story of Russian emigration and adaptation, ultimately enriching the life of the countries where they settled and beyond.  But its insightful depiction of personal accomplishment in the context of broad historic forces is what explains its much wider appeal.

Director Mark Tchelistcheff has assembled an illustrious team of filmmakers including multiple Oscar winner Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The English Patient, The Unbearable Likeness of Being), BAFTA winner Michael Chandler (Amadeus, The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg, Mishima in Four Parts) and Russian award winning composer Alexei Aigui (I’m Not Your Negro, Le Petit Poucet, Moloch Tropical, The Truth).

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