Blood Into Wine by Ryan Page and Christopher Pomerenke (USA, 2010, 100 minutes, color, DVD)
Maynard James Keenan, internationally known as the front man for Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, is one of music’s most mysterious figures. A multi-million selling artist, little is known about the reclusive rock star who often dresses in costume and rarely gives interviews. In the mid-1990’s, on a whim, Keenan left Los Angeles and moved to an Arizona ghost town (population 300). A wine enthusiast, he began to envision a world class wine region on the Verde Valley’s craggy slopes and with wine mentor Eric Glomski (former David Bruce winemaker and current owner of the award-winning Page Springs Cellars), Keenan began the long road to bringing credibility and notoriety to Caduceus and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards amidst wine industry prejudice and the harsh Arizona terrain. Blood Into Wine takes viewers into the struggles and triumphs with a unique blend of comedy and master storytelling.
“The frisson between his [Keenan] well-crafted personal mystique and the way the film presents him as a dedicated new winemaker learning his craft is intriguing.” – Los Angeles Times
“…a rock ‘n roll version of Sideways.” – FilmCritic.com
CITY WINERY will also host Blood Into Wine Screenings on May 27 & May 28.