Summer in the Vineyard

In the sequel to Autumn in the Vineyard, Frankie and Nate are now happily partnered in love as well as land, Frankie and Nate are deep into the work of summer, with one harvest still on the vines and another fermenting away in barrels. They remain playfully competitive and enjoy teasing one another about their differences in wine philosophy and methodology – Nature vs. Science, respectively – as they tend to their vines. But they’re quite serious about creating a first-class winery of their own and have aligned their responsibilities according to their individual areas of passion and expertise. Frankie, hands-on and keenly attuned to nature’s influence, is in charge of all winemaking; Nate, a true believer in science and technology, takes the lead on viticulture.

With their first vintage approaching the bottling stage, Frankie and Nate are poised to launch their fledgling winery at Taste of St. Madeleine, a high-profile event where local wineries pair their new vintages with food prepared by top chefs. Drawing national wine critics as well as throngs of eager ticket-buyers, Taste of St. Madeleine could result in career-making publicity for Sorrento, particularly given Frankie’s prize-winning work at the Baldwin family winery. Though Frankie worries about the high expectations, Nate has bottomless faith in her talents and is eager to put Sorrento in the spotlight. And in their mutual desire to do right by Sorrento and one another, Frankie and Nate become caught in a cycle of miscommunication, unilateral action and secrecy – imperiling not only their beloved winery but their relationship, too.

Cast: Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That), Brendan Penny (Motive)