Producer/Director Rudolf N. McClain, who has just released the DVD of his film "Merlove" will be on hand to sign copies in the tasting room at V. Sattui Winery on Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The winery is at 1111 White Lane off Highway 29 just south of St. Helen.

The event is free and open to the public; no reservations are necessary. The DVD will be for sale.

The winery will also be offering a free tasting of its two merlots, the 2006 Henry Ranch (Carneros appellation) and 2006 Napa Valley.

The DVD contains new animated sequences, music, digital mastering and a director's commentary. "Merlove" premiered June 27 and has been shown at film festivals around the world.

"'Merlove' is a documentary I wanted to make in response to the movie 'Sideways,' McClain explained. Filmed in the Napa Valley, Washington State and Bordeaux, "Merlove" interweaves documentary style filmmaking with animation.

The animation subplot centers on a bottle of merlot named "Merlove," which must find a way to fill itself with love when tossed into the ocean of mediocre merlot wine.

"Merlot is an intriguing grape varietal. Its past, present and future are of great interest to all of us who love great wine," McClain said. "As a wine, it holds the key to bottled poetry. Passionate winemakers, in tune with terroir, translate their love for the varietal into some of the best wines in the world."

McClain grew up in the Napa Valley; his mother's family has lived in Napa Valley for more than 100 years. He graduated from the UC Santa Barbara and has worked as a filmmaker and Web site designer in Napa and Sonoma since 2001.