Two decades after Alexander Payne’s boozy comedy became a surprise smash hit, its creators — and a host of top sommeliers — marvel at the movie’s lasting influence.

Sideways, a buddy, road trip movie with notes of sophistication and self-doubt, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It follows Jack (Thomas Hayden Church) and Miles (Paul Giamatti) as they tool ...

Alexander Payne had modest expectations for Sideways when his unassuming indie about an antic-filled buddy road trip through idyllic California wine country hit theaters in the fall of 2004.