In the vast vineyards of the cinematic world, certain films ripen into maturity well beyond their initial release. Sometimes they need years to knit together or maybe we weren’t ready for the style it brought at the time it was tasted.
"Somms of Fury: The Last Vintage," a high-octane spy-action thriller from the early 90s starring the unforgettable Bronk Steel as Harvest Durand, is one such film. Initially overlooked, this gem has recently resurfaced remastered and is now pouring into theaters for a series of limited screenings, thrilling audiences with its unique blend of espionage, enology and enigma.
The Plot
Set against the lush backdrop of South American vineyards, "Somms of Fury" follows Hans Vinovaldi, a sommelier master and his team of wine-savvy spies.
They are recruited by a secret government agency to infiltrate a tyrannical dictator’s regime under the guise of wine students. Their mission? To overthrow the dictator by manipulating the very essence of viniculture.
Using corkscrews as their weapons and grapevines as their cover, they navigate through treacherous terroir, battling the armies of evil.
The film plunges us into the verdant vineyards of South America, where master sommelier Hans Vinovaldi and his elite team of sommelier-spies, disguised as wine students, are enlisted by a covert government agency. Their mission: to overthrow a despotic ruler using their wine knowledge as their primary tool of espionage.
Armed with corkscrews and their expert palates, Vinovaldi’s team tackles corrupt winemakers and hostile terrain in a plot that intertwines viticulture with high-stakes intrigue. Picture a scenario where James Bond is more likely to discuss tannins than toss a grenade, and you have "Somms of Fury."
Aged to Perfection
Why has "Somms of Fury" aged so well into a cult classic? Much like a fine wine that reveals its true complexity years after bottling, the film’s over-the-top portrayal of sommelier spies has endeared it to a new generation.
The film's ridiculous premise—sommeliers as spies—combined with Bronk Steel’s delivery of lines like, "Let’s aerate and decimate!" has found fandom.
Upon its original release, critics panned the film for its implausible plot and terrible acting. However, contemporary reviews appreciate the film for its unabashed creativity and innovative action sequences. Today, film scholars praise "Somms of Fury" for its cinematography and its fearless narrative.
Today's fans relish the film's strange blend of sommelier sophistication and action-packed melodrama. Scenes once deemed ludicrous—such as the infamous "vineyard shootout," where grapevines became tactical cover—are now celebrated for their originality and daring.
For those intrigued by this unique blend of action and oenology, the limited screenings offer a perfect opportunity to experience the film that many missed the first time around.
"Somms of Fury: The Last Vintage" is more than just a movie; it's a testament to cinema's power to evolve and enchant over time, proving that, sometimes, the most appreciated wines are those that have aged unexpectedly.
Who could forget climactic showdown that inspired a new wave of sommelier and sommeliere to start studying wine tasting competitively?
A wine tasting turns into a sommelier showdown. Our spies are forced to identify poisons hidden in wine samples to save a banquet full of international dignitaries. It’s a tense, high-stakes blind tasting where each sip could be their last. One of the most dramatic, intense, crisp and long-lasting scenes.
Bronk Steel: A Retrospective on Cinema's Forgotten Action Man
Bronk Steel burst onto the action movie scene in the mid-1980s, quickly becoming a symbol of raw masculinity and tough-as-nails resilience. Known for his deep, gravelly voice and imposing physical presence, Steel epitomized the archetypal 80s action hero—a man of few words but many bullets.
"Justice Fists" (1986)
Bronk Steel made his cinematic debut as Tato Fists, a streetwise man of the law who takes on a corrupt police force. With its gritty storytelling and Steel's breakout performance as the Judge who is not Jury but is executioner, the film remains a beloved classic among action aficionados.
"Dessert Eagle" (1988)
In this high-octane thriller, Steel played a former Special Forces soldier who gets captured in Asia and gets taught to become a Pastry Chef. He battles his way back to the USA whilst taking down a cartel in the process. The film's intense action sequences and Steel’s compelling portrayal of a tormented Pastry Chef won him critical acclaim.
"Somms of Fury: The Last Vintage" (1993)
Perhaps his most unconventional role, Steel portrayed Hans Vinovaldi, a sommelier master turned spy. Although the film flopped initially due to its bizarre premise of sommelier-spies, it has since been reclaimed as a cult classic, with Steel's earnest portrayal gaining newfound appreciation.
Bronk Steel's filmography is a testament to the rugged ethos of 1980s and early 90s cinema. He was more than just an action star; he is truly unbelievable, a cinematic icon whose films continue to inspire and entertain.
The cast reunite for the Premier screening at the Wonderealm Film Festival
What’s Next for the Somms of Fury?
As "Somms of Fury" surges back into select theaters, discussions have sparked around a potential sequel or remake with the magic making, Wonderealm Studios wangling “Pirates” star, Chud Monroe to take lead.
Could we see Bronk Steel return as Hans Vinovaldi?
Like a good bottle of wine, only time will tell.