Bottle Shock is based on true events that changed the history of wine through a publicity stunt gone awry. In 1976, wine connoisseur, Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman), was concerned with his failing business and decided to organize an outrageous contest. He challenged the winemakers of Napa Valley, California, to a blind taste test against the world-renowned winemakers of France. The competition became known as the "Judgment of Paris." Spurrier traveled to the Napa Valley where winemakers had remained unnoticed among wine connoisseurs. When he discussed the competition with Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) of Chateau Montelena, Barrett declined the offer to take part in the contest, believing it to be France's way of belittling New World wine producers. Barrett's son, Bo (Chris Pine), managed to secretly pass two bottles of Chateau's chardonnay to Barrett. Bo traveled to Paris to represent the Napa Valley and witnessed the world of wine being changed forever.moreless