Director Jason Wise hosts; Smith-Madrone partners with wine tasting
St. Helena, Napa Valley, August 29, 2024 — The Cameo Cinema announces that it will host three premiere screenings of the documentary Ghosts of Napa Valley on September 3, 4, and 5. Directed by Jason Wise, the film follows sommelier Claire Coppi, wine writer Shakera Jones, and winemaker Meghan Zobeck as they search for answers to an enduring mystery in one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Together, they explore the Spring Mountain District’s tragic legacy using a Ouija board to uncover the personal stories and untold legends of the past that continue to haunt its vineyards and cellars.
“We are so excited to welcome Jason Wise back to The Cameo Cinema for this premier screening of his new documentary Ghosts of Napa Valley,” says Founder and Owner Cathy Buck. “This film dives into the heart of Napa’s haunted past, and we cannot wait to learn more from the experts surrounding wine country’s mysteries,” she adds.
Tickets to the Ghosts of Napa Valley screenings are $20, and can be purchased in advance. The Cameo Cinema is located at 1340 Main Street in downtown St. Helena.
The film features an ensemble cast led by Claire Coppi and includes Shakera Jones and Meghan Zobeck. Claire Coppi is a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, holds an advanced degree in wine through WSET, and is also a certified Sherry wine specialist.
Shakera Jones is a wine writer and educator focusing on diversity and inclusion in the wine industry. As the creator of the blog BlackGirlsDineToo, she highlights unique wine experiences and underrepresented voices, bringing a fresh and inclusive perspective to wine culture through her writing and public speaking.
Meghan Zobeck is the winemaker at Burgess Cellars. With a background in both viticulture and enology, she blends scientific expertise with creative intuition to produce wines that reflect the terroir and tell a story.
Also appearing in the film are Keith Baker, Catherine White, Angie Coppi, Mariam H. Hansen, Alex McCourt, and Silvia Gallo.
In addition to post-screening talk-backs with Jason Wise and the subjects of the documentary, a complimentary tasting from Smith-Madrone Winery will be available for all guests prior to each film screening. Located at the top of the Spring Mountain District, Smith-Madrone Winery was founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith.
Tuesday, September 3 at 5:00 pm features a post screening Q&A with Jason Wise, Director; Shakera Jones, NYC wine writer; Claire Coppi, sommelier; and Megan Zobeck, Winemaker at Burgess Cellars, Napa.
Wednesday, September 4 at 7:45 pm features a post screening Q&A with Jason Wise, Director; Shakera Jones, NYC wine writer; and Claire Coppi, sommelier.
Thursday, September 5 at 5:00 pm features a post screening Q&A with Jason Wise, Director; Shakera Jones, NYC wine writer; Keith Baker, Napa Historian.
About the Cameo Cinema
Founded in 1913, the Cameo Cinema is California’s oldest continuously running single-screen movie theater. Today, this 140 seat theater brings audiences together to experience the power of cinematic storytelling. Settled in the heart of wine country, the Cameo Cinema is integral to the Napa Valley community. This state of the art theater provides audiences with the opportunity to go beyond the screen and connect with filmmakers, educators, and artists through post-screening Q&As, film-focused workshops, live performances, and more. The Cameo Cinema is supported by the Cameo Cinema Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historic theater for generations to come. More.
About the Filmmakers
Ghosts of Napa Valley is directed by Jason Wise, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the “SOMM” documentary series. Wise is known for his ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with both wine aficionados and general audiences. The film is produced by the James Beard Award-winning team of Jason Wise, Christina Wise, and Jackson Myers. Together, their collaborative vision brings Ghosts of Napa Valley to life, offering viewers an unforgettable journey through one of Napa’s most famous haunted wineries.
About SOMM TV
SOMM TV is the first full SVOD (subscription video on demand) streaming platform and full podcast network in the wine, food, and travel space. It offers exclusive new shows, films, and educational content created from the ground up by the team that created the award-winning SOMM documentary series. SOMM TV is available on all devices worldwide, and first-time users can enjoy all available content with a seven-day free trial. For more information.
About Smith-Madrone Winery
Smith-Madrone is one of Napa Valley’s authentically artisanal wineries, founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith. Winemaking and grape-growing are handled by the two brother-proprietors, Stuart and Charles Smith, iconoclasts known for their staunch adherence to dry farming on their mountain vineyard. All of Smith-Madrone’s wines come from the 38 acres of estate vineyards surrounding the winery, planted 54 years ago by Stuart and Charles. The vineyards extend across steep mountainsides, at elevations between 1,300 and 1,900 feet, on slopes angling up to 34%. Total production each year is less than 4,000 cases. More.
