Blood of the Vine: A Captivating French Mystery Series For Wine Lovers
“Blood of the Vine” is a unique French mystery television series that will appeal to a diverse audience. It is likely to captivate wine enthusiasts, mystery buffs, and anyone passionate about French history, culture, language, traditions, and the French way of life.
If any or all of the above apply to you, you will enjoy the series as I did!
What is the Storyline of Blood of the Vine?
Benjamin Lebel (played by Pierre Arditi) is a famous wine consultant based in the Bordeaux region of France. He writes books and guides about wine. Because of his expertise and reputation, producers often call upon him to conduct analyses or help solve particular problems.
In each of the 22 episodes, which aired over six seasons from 2011 to 2017, Lebel gets involved in a mystery or crime associated with the wine industry at his destination.
Having watched 266 episodes of the Italian TV series Don Matteo (which I enjoyed to the end), it’s hard not to draw parallels between the two shows. The lead character of Don Matteo is a priest based in Umbria who has an uncanny ability to help law enforcement solve complex crimes. Even the Carabinieri joke that he is always at the right place each time a crime is committed.
Similarly, Benjamin Lebel is a well-educated, sophisticated, and charismatic protagonist. He spent two years in medical school before immersing himself in the wine world as an oenologist and author. He, too, is always at the nexus of criminal activity involving wineries or winemakers and usually outwits the local police or national gendarmerie in solving the mystery.
The Ensemble Cast of Blood of the Vine
Pierre Arditi is a brilliant and beloved French actor whose work in film, television, and theater has spanned over six decades.
When trying to describe his portrayal of Lebel, debonair is the first word that comes to my mind. Like legendary American actor Clark Gable, he exudes self-confidence and charm. He is also fearless and has a strong sense of ethics.
Although the series revolves around Benjamin Lebel’s cases, other talented actors have recurring roles in the series:
Catherine Demaiffe plays Matilde, Lebel’s assistant, who is knowledgeable about winemaking. Her history of trauma is also mentioned in several episodes.
Yoann Denaive plays Silvere, a young and somewhat bumbling assistant who Lebel takes under his wing.
As France Pelletier, actor Claire Nebout is Lebel’s lover and colleague who also supports him in his work.
Where is Blood of the Vine set?
Although the show and Benjamin Lebel’s office are centered in Bordeaux, a region synonymous with fine wines, his work takes him to some of the premier wine regions, including Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Loire Valley.
Other locales include Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Medoc, Sauternes, and Cognac.
The scenic beauty of the French Provincial chateaux and manor houses offers a peek into the magnificent homes and lives of upper-class French society.
As Lebel and one or more of his colleagues drive through the two-lane roads of the French countryside, the patchwork of exquisitely manicured vineyards and picturesque landscapes also grab your attention. Viewers get to see the inner workings of the wine industry in tasting rooms, laboratories, and wine cellars and also experience vicarious opportunities to savor food and wine at gourmet restaurants, cafes, and special events.
What is the Tone of the Series?
Adapted from a crime collection by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen (published by Fayard), each episode of Blood of the Vine is so suspenseful that it will leave you on the edge of your seat. Watching them can easily seduce you into becoming an amateur sleuth yourself as you try to figure out the whodunnit before it is revealed by Benjamin Label.
However, these mysteries don’t feel dark and gritty. Whether it is the exquisite photography or the light-hearted dialogue, something always breaks the tension. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the sophisticated wit of the characters, especially Lebel, and enjoying each episode until the end.
Where to Watch Blood of the Vine
The entire series can be streamed on MHz Choice; Season 1 is available on Apple TV.
Each episode, subtitled in French, runs about 1.5 hours. Although you can watch them in random order, it’s best to follow the series in sequence to fully appreciate the depth of the characters.
One of the benefits of watching a binge-worthy “old series” is that you can stream all the episodes whenever you want. This is one you hope will never end.
Blood of the Vine Trailer on YouTube
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