Started watching this because of the BC Okanagan location (once again doubling as "Sonoma"), my love of wine, and the fact that the main winery location is about a three minute drive from my mom's house. I continued watching because I frankly liked it. Yes, it's not perfect by any means, but Laura Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace elevated the film above the voluminous repetitive dreck that Hallmark has been churning out recently. I especially liked Juan Pablo Di Pace. I don't recognize him from anything I've seen, but he plays earthy and charming very well. I'll look forward to him in other roles (not necessarily Hallmark...sorry to any die-hard Hallmark groupies.)
30 Reviews
Subtle Overtones and a Smooth Finish
rebekahrox24 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I went into this one without too many high hopes. Wine has become the new desert food as far as Hallmark food themes go. Also, I have not been overly impressed with the female lead, Laura Osnes. She's been OK, but just kind of "meh." I liked her in this, and I loved the male lead, Juan Pablo Di Pace. His chemistry with Laura was definitely there, although in truth he would probably would have had chemistry with a fence post.
This one centered around a female character dealing with feminist challenges. Jenna is studying for her 3rd try of passing the notoriously difficult sommelier exam to become a master sommelier. In the United States, there are only 172 of which only 28 are women. One of these real-life women has a small but important role in this movie. The background provided was interesting and educational.
Jenna is the daughter of legacy vineyard owners and a life long wine lover. She has a long term relationship with the owner of a 3 star Michelin restaurant. Her dream is to become the restaurant's sommelier. But to become qualified for that position in any super prestigious restaurant she must pass her master's exam. She goes home to her parent's vineyard to study and meets our hero, her family vineyard's innovative new Argentinian winemaker. As they spend more time together, she realizes that not only is she attracted to him, but that his attitudes and dreams are more of a match to hers than her current boyfriend's are. Her boyfriend does not respect her opinion on wine and when his master sommelier quits for a better opportunity, he does not even consider her for the position. He apparently has no faith she will pass her master test. In a bit of a twist, when she finally lays all of her feelings and dreams on the table, he changes his mind and hires her whether she passes her test or not. Despite this hiccup which separates the potential soulmates, it soon becomes clear that he still doesn't trust or respect her judgement fully. He depends too much on on outside validation such as diplomas and awards on the wine he wants in his restaurant rather than her infallible instinct and taste. Ultimately she realizes he is a follower, not a leader, and she rightly leaves him and her job. He wasn't bad, or even wrong. They just did not have the same priorities. The reunion of the two wine lovers is romantic and even touching. They are a perfect match.
It is not rare that Hallmark champions women pursuing their professional dreams over romance (as long as they can have both), but this one was handled with more sophistication and subtlety than the usual Good vs. Bad Boyfriend trope. It added some complications and real-life challenges and decisions that women are faced with when finding their best path to happiness and fulfillment.
P. S. Speaking of sophistication, I loved the new-look whimsical art of the promotional poster.
This one centered around a female character dealing with feminist challenges. Jenna is studying for her 3rd try of passing the notoriously difficult sommelier exam to become a master sommelier. In the United States, there are only 172 of which only 28 are women. One of these real-life women has a small but important role in this movie. The background provided was interesting and educational.
Jenna is the daughter of legacy vineyard owners and a life long wine lover. She has a long term relationship with the owner of a 3 star Michelin restaurant. Her dream is to become the restaurant's sommelier. But to become qualified for that position in any super prestigious restaurant she must pass her master's exam. She goes home to her parent's vineyard to study and meets our hero, her family vineyard's innovative new Argentinian winemaker. As they spend more time together, she realizes that not only is she attracted to him, but that his attitudes and dreams are more of a match to hers than her current boyfriend's are. Her boyfriend does not respect her opinion on wine and when his master sommelier quits for a better opportunity, he does not even consider her for the position. He apparently has no faith she will pass her master test. In a bit of a twist, when she finally lays all of her feelings and dreams on the table, he changes his mind and hires her whether she passes her test or not. Despite this hiccup which separates the potential soulmates, it soon becomes clear that he still doesn't trust or respect her judgement fully. He depends too much on on outside validation such as diplomas and awards on the wine he wants in his restaurant rather than her infallible instinct and taste. Ultimately she realizes he is a follower, not a leader, and she rightly leaves him and her job. He wasn't bad, or even wrong. They just did not have the same priorities. The reunion of the two wine lovers is romantic and even touching. They are a perfect match.
It is not rare that Hallmark champions women pursuing their professional dreams over romance (as long as they can have both), but this one was handled with more sophistication and subtlety than the usual Good vs. Bad Boyfriend trope. It added some complications and real-life challenges and decisions that women are faced with when finding their best path to happiness and fulfillment.
P. S. Speaking of sophistication, I loved the new-look whimsical art of the promotional poster.
8 stars *On the Hallmark Scale*
jensenholmesPA3 November 2021
This was excellent. Juan Pablo Di Pace as Marcello, the love interest, elevated this above most Hallmarks. He is authentic and so appealing as an Argentinian wine-maker working at a California vineyard. His acting was head's above more Hallmark hunks. The female lead, Laura Osnes, was decent in a typical Pollyanna kind of way. The romantic chemistry was spot on.
I enjoyed the California wine country scenery and the detailed wine sommelier theme. One of the best Hallmark's I've seen.
I enjoyed the California wine country scenery and the detailed wine sommelier theme. One of the best Hallmark's I've seen.
Good movie, lovely scenery, learn about sommeliers.
mamachikn20 September 2021
Really enjoyed the movie. Cute story, attractive leads. The sommelier was Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether, who appeared in her first movie role as herself. Obvious she wasn't an actor, but very cool to see her. Learned a lot about wine!
Hmmm, so the Hallmark Winery will definitely come into play, here. I wonder how many orders were received since this aired!? Lol.
Hmmm, so the Hallmark Winery will definitely come into play, here. I wonder how many orders were received since this aired!? Lol.
Pretty good!
cramercaitlin21 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love anything Hallmark and was excited to record and watch this movie. I think that they did a good job casting the male lead and he was able to deliver his lines a lot more naturally than other male actors. Laura Osnes hasn't been in a bunch of Hallmark movies but I enjoyed her acting in this one. The only thing I would criticize is the boyfriend (just a jerk but when is the boyfriend not), and parts of the storyline. I think that the two leads had good chemistry but there wasn't enough moments between them to make you want them to live together and own a business. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and if you like Hallmarks it is definitely worth a watch.
Much, much better than average
wbroses-3524220 September 2021
Aside from what another reviewer mentioned about the scarcity of Master Sommeliers (an organization now under attack) and her pouring a Pinot Noir from a Bordeaux bottle; this is very well done, much better acting than normal, especially from the female lead, excellent chemistry between the leads, an excellent supporting cast and an engaging story, would definitely watch again. The ending was rushed, but was well done otherwise- and memorable.
Shocked on my review
hypzrkunt26 September 2021
I really like Laura Osnes in her most her movies. She has great energy and usually makes people around her better. In this movie I preferred her costar as I think he never over acted and stayed within himself. Going in i thought they put her with someone who after that not great prince Christmas movie she had no chemistry and had to carry. In this movie there was some chemistry and she didn't carry him. She is a very good actress, and I would like to see her get her own mystery series but she needs more effort to create storyline to make it work. It's a shame.she was perfect in a Homecoming for the Holidays. I am sure there is pressure at hallmark to take jobs they do Yager with , and 5hiswasnt one of them just wished she was better than her costar. She has always carried these movies.
Argentinian wine grower paired with an almost master Sommelier is a recipe for love.
cgvsluis7 March 2022
Jenna, aspiring Master Sommelier, travels home to her family winery in the Sonoma valley for her parents wedding anniversary. While there she meets Marcelo, her parents new Argentinian wine grower, who has some new ideas for their vineyard...like growing the natural way. Well traveled and easy on the ear Marcelo wins Jenna over and may have her rethinking her life plans.
I don't even drink wine but this film as part of Hallmark's drunk on wine and romance series...is winning me over to the romances at least.
This is an enjoyable romance and will appeal to all the romantics out there.
I don't even drink wine but this film as part of Hallmark's drunk on wine and romance series...is winning me over to the romances at least.
This is an enjoyable romance and will appeal to all the romantics out there.
Maestra
Jackbv12320 September 2021
Wine is becoming a common topic in this type of movie. In this case, we have the slightly unusual premise of a woman who wants the title of Master Sommelier which requires a high level of proficiency and a difficult exam, but as the movie starts she fails the exam. Add to this the common trope of a family legacy - grandma taught me and I want to make her proud. Once the main players are in place it's not difficult to figure out almost all of the things that are going to happen in this movie. There are almost no great highs or lows and certainly no surprises. The conflict(s) are also pretty obvious from the start.
I love movies with Laura Osnes, even if I am disappointed when they don't take advantage of her beautiful voice. Even so, I had my doubts going into this movie because the previews made the predictability of it pretty clear.
Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace have chemistry. All these movies must begin with some friction between the leads and I was glad to see it played out more as caution following a little prank than animosity. It seems really fake to me when one or both of the leads totally torch the other one. Then suddenly, all is forgotten and love begins to grow. This movie doesn't take that path. Unfortunately, from this point on things are pretty average.
There is one nice touch late in the movie. Marcello makes reference to "Maestra del Corazón". Most people in the US can make a good guess at the general meaning, as does Jenna, but in the context where it occurs there is subtext to it which is only obvious if you have some understanding of simple Spanish grammar. It appeared to me that Jenna missed the subtext which heightens the moment. This is not a spoiler because Marcello quickly explains it. There might even two subtexts.
There is a little life lesson behind the story for those who want that. It is only slightly preachy.
The movie is OK. Whether I watch it again in a year or so will depend more on how I feel then than on how good the movie is.
I love movies with Laura Osnes, even if I am disappointed when they don't take advantage of her beautiful voice. Even so, I had my doubts going into this movie because the previews made the predictability of it pretty clear.
Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace have chemistry. All these movies must begin with some friction between the leads and I was glad to see it played out more as caution following a little prank than animosity. It seems really fake to me when one or both of the leads totally torch the other one. Then suddenly, all is forgotten and love begins to grow. This movie doesn't take that path. Unfortunately, from this point on things are pretty average.
There is one nice touch late in the movie. Marcello makes reference to "Maestra del Corazón". Most people in the US can make a good guess at the general meaning, as does Jenna, but in the context where it occurs there is subtext to it which is only obvious if you have some understanding of simple Spanish grammar. It appeared to me that Jenna missed the subtext which heightens the moment. This is not a spoiler because Marcello quickly explains it. There might even two subtexts.
There is a little life lesson behind the story for those who want that. It is only slightly preachy.
The movie is OK. Whether I watch it again in a year or so will depend more on how I feel then than on how good the movie is.
Not my favorite Hallmark movie
kadesignprof2 October 2021
I like both Juan & Laura, very talented actors, I just didn't like them together. They had very little natural chemistry and the story line didn't encourage romance between the two. Jenna is so uptight and career focused, there was little room for much else. Marcelo is a sensitive man who also has a passion for his craft. I felt no emotional connection between the two beyond friendship. This was rare for a Hallmark movie.
Well worth raising a glass to
TheLittleSongbird14 July 2022
Will admit to not being particularly crazy on the 2021 Fall Harvest Hallmark films. There have been some good Fall Harvest films over the years from Hallmark, but this has got to be the only year where nearly all of them did little for me somehow. Have said more than once about 2021 being inconsistent for Hallmark, but was still pleasantly surprised at how better than anticipated it was. Was expecting it to be a terrible year somehow, but there were some very good films still.
'Raise a Glass to Love' is one of those very good films, not high art but it succeeds very well at its aims (namely light hearted, inoffensive entertainment) and is very well done when taking it for what it is. This reviewer also takes back what was said regarding 'Love Strikes Twice' being the only 2021 Fall Harvest film worth watching elsewhere, 'Raise a Glass to Love' after watching is every bit as good and just loses that slight edge due to it not being as creative as that film.
It's not quite flawless. It does start off a little on the slow side.
Did think too that the ending was a bit too neat, which is not an uncommon problem for Hallmark and one of the biggest recurring problems in the 2021 batch.
However, it is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well and is light hearted and nostalgic, shining particularly in the hilarious and affectionate past references and the lead banter.
The story has a lot of heart and charm, and has a nice liveliness too. Really appreciated that the conflicts were a lot more relatable and true to life than most Hallmark films, with the final decision being a lot more buyable than most Hallmark films from 2021. Laura Osnes is immensely charming and has a lot of sparkling personality. She is matched very well by Juan Pablo Di Pace and they have an endearing and natural chemistry together. The supporting cast are solid and the characters worth caring for.
On the whole, very nicely done. 8/10.
'Raise a Glass to Love' is one of those very good films, not high art but it succeeds very well at its aims (namely light hearted, inoffensive entertainment) and is very well done when taking it for what it is. This reviewer also takes back what was said regarding 'Love Strikes Twice' being the only 2021 Fall Harvest film worth watching elsewhere, 'Raise a Glass to Love' after watching is every bit as good and just loses that slight edge due to it not being as creative as that film.
It's not quite flawless. It does start off a little on the slow side.
Did think too that the ending was a bit too neat, which is not an uncommon problem for Hallmark and one of the biggest recurring problems in the 2021 batch.
However, it is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well and is light hearted and nostalgic, shining particularly in the hilarious and affectionate past references and the lead banter.
The story has a lot of heart and charm, and has a nice liveliness too. Really appreciated that the conflicts were a lot more relatable and true to life than most Hallmark films, with the final decision being a lot more buyable than most Hallmark films from 2021. Laura Osnes is immensely charming and has a lot of sparkling personality. She is matched very well by Juan Pablo Di Pace and they have an endearing and natural chemistry together. The supporting cast are solid and the characters worth caring for.
On the whole, very nicely done. 8/10.
If you are dating someone at the start of a Hallmark movie, your relationship is in trouble
EPMD5713 December 2021
Yet another Hallmark movie where one of the leads ditches their partner for someone else they've been flirting with. Not a lot of loyalty in these movies lately.
This is a calm movie with nice scenery and is worth a view so long as you have moderate expectations. The lead actors did a good job and were likeable.
This is a calm movie with nice scenery and is worth a view so long as you have moderate expectations. The lead actors did a good job and were likeable.
Unpleasant aftertaste
adammwebb13 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This film ticks most of the Hallmark boxes, but there is something unpleasant about the premise.
Essentially this film is more about the lead actor getting stuff she wants ather than being a love story.
Having failed her exam she leverages her relationship with her boyfriend so that he gives her a job, then decides she doesn't want it after all.
Great scenery and a nice cast but the transactional nature of the story line put me off.
Essentially this film is more about the lead actor getting stuff she wants ather than being a love story.
Having failed her exam she leverages her relationship with her boyfriend so that he gives her a job, then decides she doesn't want it after all.
Great scenery and a nice cast but the transactional nature of the story line put me off.
Cheers
kirkendog7 February 2023
Every movie on Hallmark has weak moments & they don't work for everybody but this is one of my favorites.
I think mainly due to this is proof you don't have to make every character snotty or sarcastic, which is typical for most Hallmark movies. I mentioned this on the app & they wouldn't post it, I guess they don't like free speech on the app.
We are supposed to cheer for this mostly mean person to get what they want, some characters are this way almost the entire movie & they wrap it up with a change in character at the end. Sorry, I'm not cheering for that person.
I prefer nicer people being rewarded with love without the constant bickering, misunderstanding due to an assumption or arguments. I guess Hallmark thinks love can only be found by people who don't like each other at the start.
I think mainly due to this is proof you don't have to make every character snotty or sarcastic, which is typical for most Hallmark movies. I mentioned this on the app & they wouldn't post it, I guess they don't like free speech on the app.
We are supposed to cheer for this mostly mean person to get what they want, some characters are this way almost the entire movie & they wrap it up with a change in character at the end. Sorry, I'm not cheering for that person.
I prefer nicer people being rewarded with love without the constant bickering, misunderstanding due to an assumption or arguments. I guess Hallmark thinks love can only be found by people who don't like each other at the start.
Starts off very slow
MickyG33320 January 2023
7.4 stars.
I was starting to lose hope for a while, but 'Raise a Glass to Love' picks up momentum at an exponential rate somewhere around 75 minutes. At that point I was hooked, along with the line and the sinker. No this is not a fishing movie, and I could have used the cliché that it ages like a fine wine...
A woman is desperately driven to become a master sommelier but has failed the test twice. She has lost faith in her skills, however it's obvious that she is more advanced than most in her field. This is solely due to good old fashioned studying, testing, and tasting...
Her boyfriend also does not believe in her, and he reeks of disloyalty and disdain (implied). She meets a dashing Argentinian man who is also an expert with wine, he works for her father's vineyard. Unlike her boyfriend of three years, our exotic foreigner brings hope and life back to her soul. With this new courage and love, she excels and this wonderful tale concludes happily.
First half 6.3. 2nd half 8.5.
Stick with it, you'll be glad you did.
I was starting to lose hope for a while, but 'Raise a Glass to Love' picks up momentum at an exponential rate somewhere around 75 minutes. At that point I was hooked, along with the line and the sinker. No this is not a fishing movie, and I could have used the cliché that it ages like a fine wine...
A woman is desperately driven to become a master sommelier but has failed the test twice. She has lost faith in her skills, however it's obvious that she is more advanced than most in her field. This is solely due to good old fashioned studying, testing, and tasting...
Her boyfriend also does not believe in her, and he reeks of disloyalty and disdain (implied). She meets a dashing Argentinian man who is also an expert with wine, he works for her father's vineyard. Unlike her boyfriend of three years, our exotic foreigner brings hope and life back to her soul. With this new courage and love, she excels and this wonderful tale concludes happily.
First half 6.3. 2nd half 8.5.
Stick with it, you'll be glad you did.
Fantastic!
joey425919 September 2021
This movie was so well done! Laura Osnes & Juan Pablo Di Pace are favorites of mine individually from non-Hallmark projects, and their pairing is something I never thought of...but man, was it a good one!
One of the things that made this movie great was that, yes, it follows the Hallmark formula, but in a way that while I was watching, I couldn't really predict *how* the formula would take place, if that makes any sense. I was truly invested in the story! There were many acting, writing, and/or directing choices that were really next level and so intentional, compared to some Hallmark movies.
The only "complaint" I have is that I would have loved for some sort of excuse made to have Laura & Juan sing together. Whether in the movie or for a song in the background. They both have great voices!
One of the things that made this movie great was that, yes, it follows the Hallmark formula, but in a way that while I was watching, I couldn't really predict *how* the formula would take place, if that makes any sense. I was truly invested in the story! There were many acting, writing, and/or directing choices that were really next level and so intentional, compared to some Hallmark movies.
The only "complaint" I have is that I would have loved for some sort of excuse made to have Laura & Juan sing together. Whether in the movie or for a song in the background. They both have great voices!
Best hallmark movie by far!!
thenry-2124921 September 2021
Very disappointed
nfobare0119 September 2021
We watch every stinking one these movies and I never post reviews. The premise of this one is really sticking in my craw. The boyfriend of the female lead won't hire her because she isn't a Master Sommelier. I googled it and there have only been 269 worldwide who have obtained it since the certification was created in 1969. So the statical possibility of his hiring requirement is beyond ridiculous.
Great movie ! Watch it...
gergana-151-18154427 September 2021
Music too loud.
sgarthc20 September 2021
The world of wine and vineyards
RaniaALDMR31 December 2021
I really liked the film for several reasons. First for the true, realistic aspect of the movie where the world of wine, vineyards and cuisine is very well told. In addition, the choice of actors is very good, they all go very well together especially the main actors and those who play the role of Jenna's parents. However, I really don't like an actor's acting, Matthew James Dowden, that is present in almost all the romantic comedies lately, he seems so pretentious, arrogant, and it's not even just a role for the story.
Typical of most 2021 Hallmark Movies
jodw-9015221 September 2021
I like Laura Osnes as an actress, but the is a sub-par Netflix movie that lacks heart; much less Hallmark heart. It feels like the actors are simply reading their lines & have no personal connection. The new Hallmark Media executives are not moving the business forward, but kill the brand...
Loved, Loved, Loved This Movie!!
kimberlyinabinet6 January 2022
I have been a Hallmark Movie Lover for many many years. This one hit home since I am a wine lover and also an avid reader of romance novels. The actor who portrayed the winemaker was excellent. I know there are fan favorites and some movies are made into a series and some with follow up movies. Please Hallmark do one or the other for this movie. I would love to see what happens next with these characters. Thanks for bringing this story to Hallmark.
more than nice
Kirpianuscus25 January 2023
Nice is just the term used by me to define many Hallmark films. But Raise a Glass to Love can be an exception.
First, for acting. The chemistry between main actors just works and this is a significant virtue .
Second, for story. Charming, amusing and very comfortable between contests, exams and the new life of vineyard, memories from past and crumbs of Argentina.
For vine, too.
And for the ambition of a young woman to become master sommelier and the dream of a brilliant specialist in vines from Argentina.
In short, the honesty , sincerity and lovely freshness defines this seductive film in fair way.
First, for acting. The chemistry between main actors just works and this is a significant virtue .
Second, for story. Charming, amusing and very comfortable between contests, exams and the new life of vineyard, memories from past and crumbs of Argentina.
For vine, too.
And for the ambition of a young woman to become master sommelier and the dream of a brilliant specialist in vines from Argentina.
In short, the honesty , sincerity and lovely freshness defines this seductive film in fair way.
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