Watch Harvest Season

Harvest Season is a 2018 American documentary movie that explores the world of winemaking, focusing on the lives of workers who have been living and working in Napa Valley for generations. Directed by Bernardo Ruiz, the film takes us on a journey through the seasons of the vineyards, from the springtime planting to the autumn harvest, showing the complex and often hidden side of the wine industry that is not seen by the general public.

The movie centers around a group of workers and producers who have been making wine in Napa Valley for decades. The story follows two people in particular, Gustavo Brambila, a third-generation vineyard manager, and Rene Reyes, a veteran cellar worker. Together, they reflect on the changes that have occurred over the years, including the introduction of new technology, regulations, and shifts in the demographics of the area.

The film shows how the industry has evolved since the first winemakers arrived in the region almost two centuries ago. The producers and workers of Napa are shown working together in difficult circumstances, dealing with challenges such as the changing weather patterns that come with climate change. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to preserving a tradition they have inherited from their ancestors.

Throughout the movie, the director also explores the lives of migrant workers who help to produce Napa's famous grapes. With their hard work and dedication, they contribute to the lucrative industry that is so important to the economy of the area. However, their lives are often one of hardship and with little job security or benefits. The organization and payment of these workers become a point of contention within the film, and there are scenes that are very poignant, showing the struggles that these families have to endure.

As the harvest draws near, tensions rise as workers fight for equal rights and better working conditions. This climactic moment in the film underlines the importance of justice, and the need for systems that work to support workers and bring about equal opportunities for all.

The movie also reflects on the growing popularity of organic farming in Napa Valley, as well as the increasing emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. We are shown the lengths to which some wineries are willing to go to create a more sustainable environment by embracing alternative energy and water conservation methods.

Other significant themes that the film explores include family lineage, gentrification, and the relationship between art and commerce. Each of these elements is woven into a seamless narrative that manages to hold together a multitude of different topics in one cohesive story.

Harvest Season has been described as a "moving and insightful" account of life and work in the wine industry. The scenes throughout are gorgeous, shot in a way to show off the stunning landscapes of Napa valley as well as the artistry involved in winemaking. The movie acts almost as a love letter to Napa, and the people who call it home.

In conclusion, Harvest Season is a fascinating look at a rapidly evolving industry, showing the challenges that those involved in producing wine face every day. It is not just a documentary about winemaking but a film about workers, family, tradition, progress, and the desire to cling to the past. The cinematography captures and immerses the viewer in the beauty of Napa, while the stories and struggles of those featured provide depth and meaning that is relatable and essential for all. This would be a perfect movie for wine lovers and those who want to learn more about the culture and heritage of one of the world's most famous wine-producing regions.

Harvest Season is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.