Documentary The Terroirist Will Debut This November

The upcoming film chronicles the legendary career of California winemaker Randall Grahm.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Wine

Documentary The Terroirist Will Debut This November

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The documentary The Terroirist will premiere on streaming platforms on November 13, 2026. The film follows the career of winemaker Randall Grahm and reveals his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Why it matters

The documentary offers a retrospective of a figure who significantly influenced California wine culture for decades. It also provides a rare, candid look into the personal challenges now facing the veteran winemaker.

Randall Grahm grew Bonny Doon Vineyard to a peak of 480,000 cases annually before selling the brand in 2020. He currently oversees the 400-acre Popelouchum property in San Juan Bautista.

The players

Randall Grahm

He is an influential California winemaker who founded Bonny Doon Vineyard and remains a prominent figure in the industry.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

This California-based winery was founded in 1983 and grew to become a major commercial producer before its sale in 2020.

Popelouchum

This 400-acre property in San Juan Bautista, California, serves as the current vineyard project for Randall Grahm.

The details

The documentary explores Grahm's history from his start in the Santa Cruz Mountains to his work on the Popelouchum vineyard. The film features footage of the winemaker continuing to prune his vines despite his Parkinson's diagnosis.

Randall Grahm released the first Bonny Doon vintage in 1983.
Grahm appeared on the cover of Wine Spectator in 1989.
Grahm purchased the Popelouchum property in 2009.
Grahm sold the Bonny Doon winery in 2020.
The film The Terroirist debuts on streaming platforms on November 13, 2026.

Roadmap

The documentary traces a career that helped redefine the scale and identity of California winemaking. It follows the evolution of a vintner who transitioned from a small, boutique producer to a large-scale commercial operator and back to a dedicated focus on site-specific viticulture.

Fans of California viticulture can view the film on streaming platforms starting in mid-November to see the current state of the Popelouchum vineyard. The documentary provides insight into the future of the 400-acre property where Grahm intends to continue his work for several years.

The takeaway

Grahm intends to continue active winemaking work for another five to seven years despite his health challenges. This film captures a legacy that spanned decades, offering a window into the evolution of California's most famous vineyards.