Natale nel vigneto

This was much better than expected. Privileged son of a wine family is tasked with a job by his mom -- they are looking to buy a vineyard and "Carter" (Josh Swickard) is to go find out what the bids are going to be. But Carter needs to blend in to get information so he can't stay in luxury. Carter while out scoping runs into the real estate agent with the vineyard listing who also happens to offer him lodging in her guest house, if he will help her fix it up. Long story short she thinks he is a handyman. Of course.... sparks fly.

This was absolutely better than regular Hallmark fare. Josh Swickard, in addition to actually being good looking, has mad charisma (and looks like Colin from Bridgerton). The supporting cast is solid. The only quibble is that the lead actress Sol Rodriguez is not that great and is the deadwood of the story. But still enjoyable.

Stumbled across this movie and settled back thinking it would be another formulaic holiday rom-com. It was very watchable with a script that was good. Most of the dialog was actually good, it wasn't typical sickly sweet Christmas movie drivel. The cast can act, I wasn't familiar with all of them but they can act, especially the leads Josh Swickard and Sol Rodriguez. Josh Swickard is good doing comedy, I'm surprised he's not a Hallmark regular. Omar Gooding was good as Moe Walker, hardware store owner and part time garagiste. The two young actors playing Fer and Santi are very good. The setting apparently is Santa Clarita, CA unlike so many of the holiday rom-coms that are filmed in Canada.

Kudos to the cast, writers and director. It has flaws but it's well worth watching.

So I did admittedly enjoy the California Christmas series. This just seemed too much like it though except no Manny, no butler, and 2 kids in tow. They kept a mother element and the wine thing even the ringtone. Helps that the leads are attractive but this isn't all that different except he's faking carpenter instead of ranch hand. Even the dad passing away element transferred over. I guess if you're just looking for some mindless Christmas movie fun then I suppose this will fit the bill. If you watched and enjoyed his California Christmas movies then this one should be fine and watchable. If not there are a plethora of other films to pick...Biltmore Christmas was fun.

I love an upbeat festive film but they can be a wee bit twee so I was pleasantly surprised by something that felt relative to today's world and not just a throwback to old school mills n boon romance. Great chemistry between all cast, rounded characters a female lead you could have a good girls night out with, and a very funny (and ripped!) male co-star. Sure there's some schmaltzy bits but hey, it's a Christmas rom com so that's kinda required, but it's all thoroughly entertaining and the script and acting elevated it above the bog standard formulaic afternoon movies which are fine to pass the time, but this is better :-) raise your glasses and sample some delicious festive fun.

Isn't this basically the same as A California Christmas?

Regardless, I quite enjoyed the film.

I liked the leads, and their personal development was believable and not exaggerated. Also the kids, for once, were not annoying, kudos to the young actors.

There was actually some decent comedy. And there was bit more heart, warmth, diversity, and realistic emotions than usually.

Christmas bonus (points) because it wasn't the woman who has to swap her career for small town living - which the usual annoying trope.

And since I enjoy a good glass of red at Christmas, the wine-making plot worked just fine for me.

All and all, a very pleasant way to pass out the time.