Raise a Glass to Love (2021) is one of those Hallmark movies that knows exactly what it is — comfort food cinema with a wine-country filter. Directed by David Weaver, it stars Laura Osnes as Jenna, an ambitious sommelier licking her wounds after a career stumble, and Juan Pablo Di Pace as Marcelo, the charming, soulful winemaker who exists somewhere between romantic fantasy and artisanal daydream. The setup is familiar: career crossroads, hometown pull, attractive stranger with emotional depth. If you’ve seen one, you’ve probably seen ten — but this one at least tries to swirl before it pours.
The script, written by Laura Rohrman and Emily Schmitt, sticks close to the Hallmark formula but gives the characters just enough self-awareness to keep it from feeling totally autopilot. Jenna’s struggle between high-powered ambition and slower, meaningful work feels relatable — especially to anyone who’s ever questioned the corporate grind and daydreamed about running a vineyard instead. The dialogue won’t knock your socks off, but it doesn’t insult your intelligence either, which feels like a small but meaningful win.
Laura Osnes brings a grounded, modern energy to Jenna — competent, flawed, and refreshingly not a total mess. Juan Pablo Di Pace is effortlessly charismatic, serving emotional sincerity with a side of smolder. Their chemistry is believable, even if the relationship arc moves at the speed of a carefully curated tasting flight. Supporting performances keep things cozy and familiar — very “small town where everyone is nice and mildly attractive” energy.
Visually, the movie leans hard into its small-town vibes but big heart aesthetic, and honestly, that’s one of its strongest points. Though set in wine country, it was filmed in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, and the vineyards, lakes, and rustic scenery do a lot of heavy lifting. The backdrop sells the fantasy: slow mornings, meaningful conversations, and the seductive idea that your best life might involve fewer emails and more sunsets over grapevines.
Let’s be real — this isn’t groundbreaking cinema. It won’t change your worldview, and it won’t haunt your dreams. But as a low-stress, Gen X–approved comfort watch — the kind you put on after a long day when you want romance, scenery, and zero emotional risk — it delivers. It’s sweet without being unbearable, predictable without being painful, and charming in a way that feels earned. Pour yourself something decent, embrace the cozy escapism, and catch it streaming on Hallmark+.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 84 mins
Director: David Weaver
Writer: Emily Schmitt; Laura Rohrman
Cast: Laura Osnes; Juan Pablo Di Pace; Matthew James Dowden
Genre: Drama | Romance
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "Anyone special in your life"
Distributor: Hallmark +
Official Site:
Release Date: September 18, 2021
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Follows aspiring Master Sommelier Jenna who returns to her family vineyard to study and is fascinated by the natural methods of the new winemaker, Marcelo.
