Where was Raise a Glass to Love filmed?
2021
City Locations
Kelowna (Canada)
Location Types
Farm, Unique
Location Styles
Ranch Style, Foreign
About Raise a Glass to Love
Escape for a while into the romantic world of Raise a Glass to Love, a heart-warming Hallmark movie that has been praised by critics. Directed by David Weaver, the romance and light-hearted nature of this film makes it stand out from the other Hallmark classics.
The story follows Jenna Savern (Laura Osnes), an aspiring sommelier, who returns home with the hopes of furthering her studies in winemaking. She soon finds herself intrigued by the business and its operations when she meets Marcelo Castillo (Juan Pablo Di Pace), a handsome Argentinian winemaker.
Determined to pursue her ambition and become one of the top somms in the industry, she takes on one final challenge - returning to her roots to hone her skills at her family’s vineyard. But her Michelin-award-winning boyfriend is all about accolades, awards, and appreciation, making it difficult for our determined protagonist to achieve her goals.
Exhausted by her workload, she finds solace back home, where a struggling Argentinian winemaker is leading his business down an all-natural path. As the movie progresses, these two characters soon realize the finer details of their lives through some eye-opening experiences.
Raise a Glass to Love Locations
It's no secret that Hallmark films are known for their simple but effective stories. But what captures viewers' attention is the stunning backdrops chosen to spring the movie to life. While the story is set in Carrington, California, Raise a Glass to Love was shot in Canada.
Even with such expansive and breathtaking landscapes as settings, it's always a challenge for Hallmark films to find these amazing filming locations for each production. A lot of work goes into the process, with emphasis on choosing just the right picturesque location out of many.
Raise a Glass to Love isn’t the first Hallmark movie to make use of Canada's abundant vineyards, but perhaps it stands out for its striking effect. Notably, the production team filmed at the gorgeous Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, which lies on the border between north-central U.S. Washington State.
The region has around 130 wineries due to its favorable climate and soil conditions. The Mirabel Vineyards also provided a backdrop for some of the film’s scenes, thanks to their breathtaking visuals on screen.
Wine production in Canada is booming, and the filming locations of Raise a Glass To Love serve as a testament. These venues have now become major tourist attractions, and it is attributed to the regular film and television productions filmed there.
Fun Fact:
Worth noting is the fact that Jennifer Lyn Huether, Jenna's role model, and inspiration, plays herself. In 2011, she became a Master Sommelier, one of 255 worldwide - of which only 26 are women. Bravo Jennifer!
Jenna calls her father scene in Raise a Glass to Love
3740 Hart Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4G6, Canada
Jenna calls her father (Eric Keenleyside) after failing her sommelier exam. He tries to cheer her up and asks if she can come to the family vineyard for a surprise anniversary party they are hosting for her mother (Lini Evans).
Nestled in the charming town of South Kelowna, Mirabel Vineyards was the filming location chosen as a stand-in for the Savern Vineyard. It boasts some of Canada's finest handcrafted wines, made from sustainably farmed chardonnay, pinot noir, and rosé.
The vineyard focuses on crafting premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of Sonoma County and expresses the spirit of its remarkable climate. All grapes are grown locally, using sustainable and organic farming practices, to create exquisite blends that show off what this corner of California can produce. However, the vineyard is temporarily closed.
Getting to 3740 Hart Rd in Kelowna, BC, where Mirabel Vineyard is located, is quite simple. Head east on Highway 97C, taking the Green Bay Rd exit. Turn right onto Green Bay Rd and shortly after, make another right onto Gasoline Alley N. From there, take the third left onto Hart Rd and you'll be at 3740 Hart Rd in no time!
Jenna and Alison's conversation scene in Raise a Glass to Love
4380 Takla Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 3C4, Canada
While Jenna is studying, Alison (Amanda Wong) calls her and asks to join her for a picnic in the city. Jenna says that she needs to prepare for her exam, but Alison finds a way to convince her to attend, reminding her that she still hasn’t bought a present for her parents.
The charming city of Kelowna, located on the shores of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by scenic orchards and vineyards, served as the filming location for these scenes. With a population of only 142,000, it was the perfect place to capture the small-town feel needed for some scenes.
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is a slice of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in Kelowna, British Columbia, the farm spans four hectares of tranquil land and is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon.
Discover the exquisite beauty of lavender fields in bloom or explore the herb garden’s many fragrant plants. Take a leisurely stroll around the farm’s picturesque pathways or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it under one of its sprawling trees.
Located just outside of Kelowna, British Columbia, getting there is an adventure in itself. If you are driving, take the picturesque route along Highway 97 for an unforgettable view of the lush valley below. For those taking public transit, both direct bus routes from Kelowna Airport and downtown Kelowna are available.
Picnic scene in Raise a Glass to Love
City Park Rhapsody Plaza, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R7, Canada
Alison should be catering for the city picnic, but it isn’t turning out to be her day, given that all the croissants get burnt. When Jenna and Marcelo get to the cafe to pick up the food, they see her crying. Jenna comforts her and says that they’re going to help her.
Located next to the lake in downtown Kelowna, City Park Rhapsody Plaza was chosen as the setting for the Raise a Glass to Love scene. With its very own 'Nessie,' known locally as Ogopogo, this picturesque spot provided the perfect backdrop for the picnic in the park.
Boasting striking vistas of Okanagan Lake and an array of recreational pursuits, this public park provides an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and fun. On summer nights, the plaza comes alive with free concerts featuring both local and international artists. Visitors can also enjoy some of the weekly activities offered at Rhapsody Plaza such as yoga classes, outdoor movies, and nature walks.
From downtown Vancouver, Rhapsody Plaza is about 4 hours and 24 minutes away. It is accessible via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E, which you should follow to BC-5N and then BC 97C to get to Okanagan Hwy/BC 97 N. Stay on Hwy/BC-97 N until you get to your destination in Kelowna.
Conclusion
Jenna Savern grew up in her grandparents' vineyard in California wine country and was taught to love wine by her grandmother, Ellie Savern (Iris Quinn). Jenna's parents, Mike (Eric Keenleyside) and Lynn Savern (Lini Evans), now own and operate the vineyard, named Savern Vineyards.
Jenna is determined to pass the Master Sommeliers exam, of which there are less than two hundred worldwide, and an even smaller number are women. She has her sights set on becoming the Head Sommelier at Alluvial, a prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant in San Francisco owned by her beau Aidan Parker (Matthew James Dowden), who is also a Master Sommelier.
Jenna goes home to Carrington when her father asks her to help him plan a surprise anniversary party for her mother. There she meets Marcelo Castillo, a native Argentine who is the head vineyard manager and winemaker for Savern Vineyards.
Marcelo does not agree with Jenna's approach that awards equate to good wines, rather he believes she should truly experience wines more deeply to appreciate them. Through their initial disagreement about whether organic methods should be adopted at the vineyard, they eventually open each other's eyes to what they want in life.