It's been twenty years since "Sideways" friends Miles and Jack were touring the Santa Inez Valley north of Santa Barbara and Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, declared, "I don't drink fucking Merlot!"

But what were Miles and Jack, played by Thomas Haden Church, drinking instead of Merlot, deemed too commonplace for their exalted tastes? Pinot noir, and lots of it! In the 2004 Searchlight Pictures comedy, streaming on Hulu this fall, the wine-obsessed duo sip and dine at Buellton restaurant Hitching Post 2. Now, the Hitching Post is gearing up for its 20th anniversary by hosting three Hitching Post + Sideways winemaker dinners and releasing a special edition Pinot noir.

Chef and winemaker Frank Ostini of Hitching Post 2 and winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines are hosting anniversary events, along with La Paloma Cafe in Santa Barbara, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, CIA at Copia and Jar restaurant in LA.

Hitching Post’s Highliner Pinot Noir, which was featured in the film, will receive a special label for the 2021 vintage to commemorate the anniversary. The special bottles will be available at the restaurant, Hitching Post tasting room, and select retailers. For the true “Sideways” aficionados, there’s a three-bottle set “As Seen in Sideways” featuring the 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, 2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner, and 2021 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner for $650.