Autumn in the Vineyard

This Hallmark romance centers on two families---the Baldwins and the DeLucas---with a history of feuding. Both are vintners in a valley where they battle every year for recognition of their new vintages.

Frankie Baldwin (Rachael Leigh Cook) and Nate DeLuca (Brandon Penny) dated years ago. When Nate returns to the valley after securing his Ph. D., they discover they both have a financial interest in a local winery. The battle lines are drawn and they decide on a bet to determine who will gain full ownership of the Sorrento Winery.

Cook and Penny are strong leads and the chemistry between them is strong enough to make their love-hate relationship believable. I see that two sequels to this film were made in 2017 and 2019.

Love that movie. Great acting and scenery. Only question is where was this movie filmed?

Hallmark's Fall Harvest films in all their years have been variable. There are some good ones, some bad ones and some in between. Which is actually true of all their seasonal blockings, their Christmas films in particular. 2016's 'Autumn in the Vineyard' is the first of three 'Into the Vineyard' films, the others being 2017's 'Summer in the Vineyard' and 2019's 'Valentine in the Vineyard', all featuring the same two leads. Both of whom capable of good performances.

2016 varied with its Fall Harvest batch, and 'Autumn in the Vineyard' to me is one of the better ones. While not mind-blowing or anything that made me go wow, and it did feel more like a Valentine film yet meant to be set in Autumn, it was charming and fun and there was plenty to like. Of the three 'Into the Vineyard' films, 'Autumn in the Vineyard' is the best in my view. The other two are definitely watchable, though pretty more of the same.

Sure, the story is very formulaic and does very little new with a type of story that one pretty much knows how it is going to map out quite a bit of time before it happens. A bit over-simple too. The editing also could have been tighter and more refined, being on the haphazard side at times.

There are times early on where the script is corny and awkward.

On the other hand, there is a lot to like. Rachael Leigh Cook is immensely charming and perky, and of the three 'In the Vineyard' films her character is at her most likeable here. Brendan Penny proves that with a good leading lady his easy going and subtle charisma can shine and shine it does. The chemistry between them is heart-warming and has a playful. The supporting cast are also good with no exceptions, and while the characters are not meaty they are not ciphers, dull or irritating and motivations make sense.

Although the story is too simple and unoriginal, it is very light-hearted and heart-warming, with a nice energy. Liked too that it doesn't try to do too much, even with more than one subplot going on. The script isn't too cheesy or schmaltzy and is suitably playful in the two leads' interactions. The editing aside, 'Autumn in the Vineyard' looks good visually. Especially the gorgeous scenery. The music doesn't distract and really liked how the film made the absolute most of the setting without shoving it in the viewer's face.

Concluding, nicely done if not perfect. 7/10.

I found the lead actress in this to be quite abrasive and overly harsh. I feel it would have been more realistic for them to be friendlier. It made the eventual romance feel so forced and fake. I enjoyed the sequels much better than this first installment, simply because the bickering was too much.

A warm hearted Hallmark film here, with two engaging performances from the two leads.

Yes, it's predictable in places, but there aren't too many films these days that can boast as easy-going wholesome entertainment.

I believe this has lead to other 'In The Vineyard' films, and I look forward to seeing these.