“Stem & Barrel: Napa Valley” Debuts on Discovery

Production Company: Dundas Media

Project: Stem & Barrel: Napa Valley

Distribution: Discovery Channel, Cooking Channel & discovery+ (US, AUD & NZ)

Director & Executive Producer: Jason Dundas

Challenge

How to tell the story of Napa Valley’s 2025 harvest through the eyes of leading winemakers, transforming a complex agricultural process into a compelling documentary that would resonate with both wine enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.

Solution

Dundas Media developed a character-driven documentary concept that explored more than just winemaking. Through the perspectives of three wineries, three winemakers, and three varietals, the film uncovered the legacy, craftsmanship, and human stories behind one of the most important seasons in the wine industry.

Execution

• Filmed across multiple Napa Valley AVAs during the 2025 harvest season.

• Followed three winemakers as they navigated critical harvest decisions from vineyard to barrel.

• Combined cinematic cinematography, aerial footage, and vérité documentary storytelling.

• Intercut multiple storylines to create a dynamic, emotionally engaging narrative.

Results

The completed 60-minute documentary premiered nationally on Discovery Channel, Cooking Channel, and discovery+, reaching audiences across the United States through Warner Bros. Discovery’s distribution network.

Impact

Stem & Barrel: Napa Valley showcased Napa Valley’s world-class wine industry through premium documentary storytelling while demonstrating Dundas Media’s expertise in developing, producing, and delivering broadcast-quality documentaries for major television networks and streaming platforms.