Under the Vines – Series One – Review
First Reaction – Under the Vines – Series One is a cheery rediscover of life with a bigger new chance.
Where to Watch
Under the Vines Series 1 is set to arrive on DVD and digital 2 June 2025.
Director: Danny Mulheron, Erin White
Writer: Timothy Balme, Nick Ward, Erin White, Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, Kathryn Burnett, Harry McHaughton (Screenplay)
Writer: Erin White (Creator)
Cast
- Rebecca Gibney (The Dressmaker)
- Charles Wdwards (Batman Begins)
- Simon Mead (Black Christmas)
- Carrie Green (Mystic)
- Trae Te Wiki (Killer Sofa)
Plot: Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards star as two city slickers who inherit a failing vineyard in rural New Zealand.. the only problems are that neither of them has ever done a hard days’ work- and they despise one another.
Runtime: 45 minutes per episode.
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on Under the Vines – Series One
Episode 1
The series begins when Daisy (Gibney) and Louis (Edwards) lose a relative and inherit a failing vineyard. They have come from different parts of the world, Daisy from Australia and Louis from London and never knew much about each other. The pair discover they must decide what to do with the vineyard, which could offer them an out from their problematic lives.
This is a good introduction episode, showing the unlikely pair getting caught in the middle of the vineyard. It shows their different worlds, they come from different ideas about the world. We are left wondering where things will go and preparing for the laughs for future misadventures. (3/5)
Episode 2
After Daisy decides to keep the vineyard, she clashes with Louis about finances as they try to make a go of it. However, the finances are worse than imagined, as Louis must use his experience to help make things happen. Meanwhile, the locals are determined to close a deal on the vineyard.
We continue to see the odd couple clash about what the vineyard has to offer. Meanwhile, the locals have different reactions to their attempts to keep the vineyard going. We have a few laughs, and the oddball couple come together to understand they have their problems in their lives, and this could offer them a fresh start. (3/5)
Episode 3
This episode follows Daisy preparing for the Vines Showcase. Elsewhere, Louis welcomes his family to visit, hoping to keep his son in his life. However, it leads to the pair getting to know each other better and continuing to understand the problems they have faced.
This brings more of the changing factors to the table. It shows Louis is going to have to understand the changes coming his way. Elsewhere, the connection between Daisy and the locals continues to grow. It has a few laughs and emotional moments, which will help the series continue to grow. (3/5)
Episode 4
We start as Louis struggles to deal with his marriage ending. Meanwhile, Daisy is trying to help the vineyard shine, and her best friend Griff comes to visit. Louis spends more time getting to know his employees and putting in the hours. Elsewhere, Daisy prepares for the big show, which could help the vineyard with the monetary issues.
We continue to see how the unlikely duo begins moving on with their lives. Louis continues to show his problems with alcohol, and Daisy begins to take control. It is building nicely and shows different romance building between the residents of the local area. (3/5)
Episode 5
The vineyard continues to prepare for the big event, when Louis’ son runs away from England to New Zealand. Daisy finds her romance beginning to get serious and Tippy and Gus have work to get done to prepare the vineyard.
This episode has the most going on as the characters get mixed up in trying to get tasks done. It has bigger moments and continues building on the bombshell of the last episode. The pair still struggle to adapt to vineyard life and the difference in culture, the locals are used it. (4/5)
Episode 6
On the eve of the showcase, the host suffers a disaster. Daisy volunteers to host the showcase at Oakley. It brings the team together to prepare, as Louis continues to learn to accept Daisy’s enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the rest of the locals come together to support Daisy and Louis to give them a big showcase that could help save the vineyard.
In what is the final episode of series one, we see the complete progression of the friendship in a new community. It shows how the series has come together, like the residents, to understand that community is the most important part of being part of fitting in. (4/5)
Overall
The series is a lovely story about an oddball couple coming together after inheriting a vineyard. It uses the bumps on the road to bring them closer, and the colour characters in the community help them feel welcome. We get great performances from the cast, and it feels like a place we could feel welcomed any day of the week.
Final Thoughts –Under the Vines – Series One is a charming, lovely and enjoyable comedy drama.
