A Vineyard Christmas (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Take note, I get warmth,

color, joy, festive

from the opening to the episode.

Hi, Tannin TV.

I'm Heather Marquez.

And on today's episode

of "Read Between the Vines"

we venture through

this Bordeaux inspired estate

of Enchante Wines

in Temecula, California.

While Enchante is known

for their delicious varietals,

they also offer something

special in the winter season:

The ultimate Christmas picnic.

Escape the winter chill

and come to sunny California,

where even the wine

is merry and bright.

h*, h*, h*, Tannin TV.

And for this opening,

nature, beauty, joie de vivre.

Tell me, Heather,

do you see the difference

between these two

Christmas specials?

Um...

Well, the Bev Channel

Christmas Episode

features a happy couple,

while our Tannin TV episode

features... me, alone.

No. Your whole single lady

agenda is not what bothers me.

- Uh, oh.

- I'm referring to the complete

lack of winter and Christmas

in our Christmas episode.

But to be fair, you gave me

strict order to make sure

that my Christmas segment

had absolutely nothing

to do with Christmas

because Christmas episodes

are "gauche".

That was then. This is now.

And right now, Tannin TV needs

to appeal to the family demo.

For this year's

Christmas episode,

I need a story that captures

the essential pairing.

That is family

Christmas and wine.

So, cancel your holiday plans

because you'll be working

through Christmas. Again.

But, Tami, I...

I promised my dad

that I was gonna be home

for Christmas this year.

I've missed the last

three Christmases

- because of work.

- I'll tell you what,

if you knock this Christmas

episode out of the park,

and generate the ratings

we need,

I'll finally green light

"Read Between the Vines:

- The European Tour".

- Okay. I-I'll do it.

That's the spirit.

And I will find my perfect

Christmas pairing in Washington.

- Washington?

- Mm-hmm.

- Why Washington?

- Well,

nothing says family

Christmas better

than a snowy winter town.

And Lake Chelan practically

is the North Pole in December.

Plus, I will feature

the O'Reilly Family Vineyard,

the most beloved

family-run winery

in all of the Lake Chelan

Wine Valley.

They host the annual Christmas

Food And Wine Festival.

That sounds... perfect.

Now, off you go. I am very busy.

- Hmm.

- Go for Tammy.

Yes!

Um, you just left a Tami

Tanimoto meeting smiling.

- Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

- Yeah, that thing on your face.

- What gives?

- I still get to go home

- for Christmas, Shannon.

- Okay.

Mm-hmm.

And you are coming with me.

- We leave in a week.

- I-I'm sorry, what?

Ooh, pack snow clothes.

I don't own snow clothes,

Heather.

Now you do.

Hmm? You're the GOAT.

Uh, this will be fun.

This will be fun.

My beach side body

was not built for this climate.

Where have you taken me,

Heather?

My girl is finally

home for Christmas!

Aw.

Shannon, welcome

to the Marquez home.

I, uh...

Heather, I thought we were

staying at a luxury hotel?

Who needs a fancy hotel

when you have

my comfy family home?

I do. I need the fancy hotel,

Heather.

- Nah.

- Yeah.

Niche. Niche.

Okay, okay.

- Thank you!

- You're welcome.

- Oh, I'm just...

- You're the best!

...so cold!

Oh, look how cute it is!

I suddenly am so aware

of how Jewish I am.

Okay, here's the plan.

We go to the O'Reilly

Family Vineyard

and we get this party started.

Uh, the O'Reilly Family Vineyard

doesn't exist anymore, Anak.

Oh! Did they buy a bigger

vineyard somewhere nearby

or something?

Well... they moved to Florida.

- What?! Wait, wait, when?

- Last year.

Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

We were gonna feature

the O'Reillys

in our Christmas episode.

Well, you didn't think

to call and confirm?

Well, no! Their website

was still up and running.

I figured the O'Reillys

are practically like family.

We'd just surprise them,

tell them they're gonna

- be on TV. Done deal.

- They still haven't taken down

the website. It's been

so confusing for everybody.

You don't say.

Okay, so what

are we going to film?

Do we even have a story?

Did I fly to the Arctic

tundra for no reason?

Oh, chin up.

There's a new winery.

You can interview the owners.

I bet there's a story there.

Okay, new plan, we pivot.

I'm gonna go schmooze

the new owners.

- We stay the course.

- Great, what can I do?

You and I are gonna go

on an old-fashioned

winter adventure.

- Heather.

- Yump.

Yump.

Take one for the team.

There's no I in team.

Ugh...

So, I heard through

the grapevine,

your oldest is Lake Chelan's

newest goalie.

- Congratulations.

- Oh, thank you.

Oh.

That's for Chuck.

You tell him that we hope

he has a swift recovery.

I'll be right back.

What's the verdict?

It's gone a bit reductive.

I'm beginning to think

that this vineyard's

one big white elephant.

It's okay, we'll just give

it some love tomorrow.

Mm-hmm.

Hey, you gotta give

it time, bro.

Anton, if we don't find a way

to draw in new customers,

the winery's not gonna

last another year.

We'll figure it out.

And as Oma says,

"Have a little wine."

Hi. Hello.

Do you know where I could find

the owner of Knobloch

Family Wines?

I do.

Great.

Could you direct me

to them, please?

Sure thing.

- Hi. I'm Rudy.

- Heather Marquez.

What could I do for ya, Heather?

Oh... you're...

- you're the owner?

- Yes.

It's just you're so...

you know, you're like...

- Look at you.

- Huh.

I did not mean it like that.

What exactly could I do

for you, Ms. Marquez?

Oh. You know, I had come here

because I love the O'Reillys

and I wanted to feature

their vineyard

in a Christmas episode

for Tannin TV,

because the O'Reillys

represent family

and they practically

built this town.

But it looks like their vineyard

has been taken over

by a kinda stoic, unfriendly,

out-of-towner.

So, uh, no, I don't know

that you can help me.

Well, the Knobloch Family Wines

is also a family vineyard,

and we've integrated

into this town just fine.

The thing is, if you're a local,

why haven't I seen you before?

'Cause I've met almost

everybody in this town,

except you. So, perhaps

you are the out-of-towner.

Hello!

My brother isn't giving you

any grief, is he?

Huh.

He was raised by wolves,

so he's still learning

how to human.

Oh! Well, that

explains so much.

- Ms. Marquez was...

- Heather, actually.

Oh.

Well, Heather was coming

to see the O'Reilly's vineyard,

not ours, Anton.

Oh, that's a pity.

Us Knobloch's have

award-winning wines

and personalities,

if you couldn't already tell.

You know, actually,

I was hoping to get a tour

and get to know

Knobloch Family Wines

for a possible Christmas

episode for Tannin TV.

Well, what are we waiting

out here for?

Yeah.

Right this way.

Much like the O'Reillys,

we are a family-run winery.

In fact, our family has been

in the wine-making business

for over a century.

And our grapes are harvested

in the same manner they were

harvested a hundred years ago.

That is pretty extraordinary.

There's a lot of corporate

competition these days,

but those wineries don't use

the old methods, like we do.

- Hmm.

- It's not as cost effective

- but we...

- Makes our wine superior.

Well, we'll see about that.

Hmm.

Let's have that

tasting, shall we?

Ooh, yes, please. Hmm.

- Ready for that tasting?

- Yes.

Ahem.

- Ice wine.

- Ice wine?

Hmm.

Special. Huh.

Mm,

that's like a snow globe

in a glass.

Apricot and peach.

You have a sharp palette.

Level 3 sommelier.

Hmm.

Well, when you pair it

with my Oma's

Christmas Spritzgabech

cookies...

Oh.

Mm, mm-hmm.

This is chef's kiss.

Hey, you two. What'd I miss?

Rudolph didn't scare you away,

did he?

Oh.

Wait, your name is Rudolph?

Like the...

Reindeer, yeah.

And before you go

and make a joke

that you think is highly

original, I assure you,

- I have heard it 100 times.

- Oh, dear.

Okay.

Okay, wow, the name

is a sore spot for you.

Noted.

I had a tasting of the ice wine

and the cookies.

And it was the most sensational

pairing since...

ever.

It's our Christmas specialty.

I can see why.

Speaking of, what are you doing

for the Christmas festival?

You are planning on hosting

the annual Christmas

Food And Wine Festival,

just like the O'Reillys

used to do?

- No, actually, we're not.

- You're kidding?

Oh, you're not kidding.

Look, as much as we would

like to, there's...

not really much

we can do this year.

Hopefully next year.

But the festival is integral

to this town,

to Christmas, to my feature

for Tannin TV.

This feature,

do you have any other leads?

Well, uh...

not exactly.

Hmm.

I think we can help each other,

festival or no.

Most people don't know

about ice wine,

let alone how it's made.

And a snow-covered vineyard

is sort of the hallmark

of wine meets Christmas.

It is.

I propose...

we let your viewers in

on our traditional,

century-old process

of making ice wine.

- Whoa.

- It's not a Christmas festival,

- but it's...

- But it is pretty darn Christmassy.

And after tasting this pairing,

I'm sold. Okay, let's do it!

- Absolutely not.

- We accept.

Why don't you two talk about it?

Once you've made a decision,

sh**t me a text.

Preferably within

the next day or so.

No need. Not interested.

We're very interested

and we'll let you know

- by end of day.

- Hmm.

Well, thank you so much

for this tasting and this tour.

It has been very...

- surprising.

- Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

I know what you're gonna say

and the answer's no.

I don't want some outsider

coming in here and using us

for a TV show.

You said yourself,

we need to gain more clientele

or we're belly up.

I can't think of a better way

to solve our problem

than to be featured

in a TV show.

- I don't trust that woman.

- You don't know that woman.

- Exactly.

- Rudy,

you can't live your life

suspicious of every person

you meet.

It's not sustainable.

I disagree. I think

a healthy level of cynicism

keeps one from making

big mistakes,

wasting one's time,

and ending up...

Alone?

Don't let another good thing

pass by because you're scared.

Right.

And it's called Knobloch

Family Wines for a reason.

You're not the only one

who cares about this place!

Hey, shh.

Ah! I can feel her power

posing through her phone.

Oh, did you take

Shannon ice skating?

Heh, what better way

to experience the lake?

I'm gonna go for a soak.

Okay, Dad.

I am sore in places

I didn't even know existed.

And can no longer feel

my fingertips.

I think your dad

is trying to k*ll me.

Any luck with

the new winery owner?

Luck is not how

I would phrase it.

How would you phrase it?

Difficult, confusing.

- Hmm.

- Just snowball's chance in...

They're in!

Woo!!

Ah!

You okay?

No.

Okay...

Hi. Hello.

Well, you sure are determined,

I'll give you that.

Thank you.

I brought the contracts.

- Do you wanna step inside?

- What contracts?

I told you we're not interested.

What?

No, you texted me saying...

Did you...

You did text me, right?

No, I did not send you a...

- Anton.

- Your brother.

- Yeah.

- Oh, great.

Okay. Listen.

Listen, hi.

Hi, I'm already here, right?

The contracts are written up,

and it is just a few days

of filming.

And from my experience,

all of the wineries

that we showcase get

a huge influx of customers

from being on our show. I mean,

there is no downside here, Rudy.

Easy for you to say.

I need a family-oriented

vineyard

for my Christmas episode.

And by the looks of it,

you need some more

bodies up in here.

So, this is a win-win, buddy.

Come on, what do you say? Hmm?

- May I?

- Mm-hmm.

All right.

Everything looks above board.

So, does that mean...

I have a proviso.

Oh, well, I would be

surprised if you didn't.

We get final approval.

If there is anything

that is said or filmed

that doesn't live up

to the Knobloch Family

Wines' name,

we have license to redact.

License to redact? Proviso?

Oof, you really are

a sweet-talker, aren't ya?

What can I say,

I like a good contract.

Fine. Fine,

if I give you this proviso,

is that a yes?

- Yes.

- Yes! Yes.

You have a deal.

Which is great

because I had zero backup plan.

This is gonna be fun.

You will not regret this.

We'll see.

Okay, Mr. Proviso.

Yah, whoa! I'm good. I'm fine.

Rolling.

It's December

in the Lake Chelan Valley

and the grapevines

are laden with snow.

Perfect conditions

for German-inspired Eiswein.

I'm here with Rudy Knobloch

of Knobloch Family Wines.

Rudy, for those of us unfamiliar

with ice wine,

could you walk us through

your unique harvesting process?

- Oh, uh...

- Cut!

My mind went

completely blank. Huh.

That's okay. That's okay.

It happens.

Just take a deep breath

and start again.

Yep.

Rudy, could you walk us

through your century-old

harvesting process for ice wine?

Yes. Yep.

- Great.

- Well, uh...

- Please do.

- To start,

we have frozen grapes.

Or else there's no um...

ice wine.

- Cut.

- Cut.

Oh, I uh...

I'm not very good at this.

- Terrible.

- Wonky.

Terrible.

Um, this really isn't for me.

Anton, he is the outgoing one.

Get him to film it.

Yeah, but Anton doesn't

look like you.

What? Are we going to pretend

he's not incredibly handsome?

I mean, the camera

fricking loves him,

minus the whole

can't say anything

without freezing up thing.

Okay, Shannon,

you are not helping.

Rudy, you're the owner.

You're the one the audience

wants to hear from.

Okay? We just need to shake

things up a little bit.

Get you feeling

more comfortable.

How?

Ooh, I like that.

Your dad was mentioning

a snowman building contest.

I declined on account

of it being too small town

for me, however,

it seems right up your alley.

Mm-hmm, okay, I'm gonna

take that as a compliment.

Mm...

But I am down, if you are, Rudy.

Haha, yes!

That is the spirit, Rudolph!

Sorry.

Hmm...

I can't believe

we're doing this.

Oh, lighten up, grumps. Okay?

The whole point of this

is for us to have fun

and get to know each other. Hmm?

Okay, teams,

let the snowman building begin!

All right.

Ouch.

What's that giant hat made

out of, industrial steel?

It is not a giant hat

and I'm clearly not

the hard-headed one here.

Why don't we just start

by rolling the snow?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Whoa!

We need to come up

with a theme first.

- A theme?

- Yeah.

But it's a snowman.

That is the theme.

How do you know it's a snowman?

It could be snowwoman.

Or a magical snow elf.

Or a Scandinavian sled dog.

Can we just make a normal

snowman, like everyone else?

Sure. If you wanna lose.

Normal is boring.

Normal will not set us

apart from the rest.

Are you always this difficult?

Are you always this stubborn?

Okay, teams, do not forget,

you only have 20 minutes

to build your masterpiece.

Fine, okay, we will

roll the snow.

I will still think of a theme.

- Sounds reasonable.

- Hmm.

So, do you like living

in Lake Chelan?

Yeah, I do.

That's it? Seriously?

You're not gonna ask me,

what about you?

Where did you grow up?

Or, where do you

live now, Heather?

Where do you live now, Heather?

Hmm. I live in LA,

thank you so much for asking.

And I love it there.

The people are friendly,

it's always sunny,

and I can have

really good sushi

any time I want.

Does actually sound pretty nice.

It is.

So, you must not come back

to Washington very often?

No.

Work has kinda taken over

my life.

In a great way.

But uh, it is tough

not seeing my dad

since we lost my mom.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

That was six years ago.

Huh.

Doesn't even feel that long.

Well, no amount of time

changes how much

we miss the ones

we love the most.

Wow, Rudy.

That was actually a very human

thing of you to say.

Well, I'm a quick study.

Oh, I have an idea.

It's pretty clever.

Except, it's missing something.

Hey! Hello? Ha.

There.

Okay, that is pretty perfect.

Thank you.

But you were right.

It's a lot more interesting

picking a theme

than doing something normal.

Oh, what?

And the winning snowman is...

Classic Mr. Frosty.

I see...

It was rigged.

So, this was fun.

Oh! Did you just say

that you had fun?

There's no need to go

make a big thing of it.

Ha! Oh, making a thing

out of things

is kinda my thing, Rudy.

So?

- Right.

- Mm-hmm.

You know what we should do next?

- Hmm?

- Get a Christmas tree.

Well, the winery could

definitely use one.

But definitely not

from there. Nope.

What, do you have some kind

of inside Christmas tree guy?

Maybe from the North Pole, hmm?

Little backwoods kinda deal?

Yeah, something like that, yeah.

Trust me, it'll be worth it.

And it even involves

your team-building.

Deal.

- Okay.

- Okay.

Uh, I-I should probably go.

I don't know what kinda

new Christmas activity

my dad is putting

Shannon through.

Right.

Well, I will see you

tomorrow then.

Yeah.

Tami, hi.

Heather, the footage Shannon

sent is unusable.

What exactly

are you doing over there?

Well, the first day

of filming was a bit rocky

but I think we've remedied

the problem.

At least, I hope we have.

I don't wanna put

unnecessary pressure on you,

but you can't screw this up.

We are depending on you

to steer the ratings

in the right direction.

That sounds like

a lot of pressure.

Well, then,

let that motivate you.

I've gotta go. Busy, busy, busy.

Don't worry Tami,

it's all good. I... hello?

Tami?

Great.

Great, great, great.

Oh, Dad, matching PJs? Ha!

Guess where your

dad took me today.

A donut shop?

A Jewish bakery called

The Challah Garden.

No!

I kid you not.

I appreciated the gesture.

Plus, he got me

the same PJs too.

Oh, well, wow.

Whether you like it or not,

my dad has officially

adopted you.

Welcome to the family.

I'll all here for it.

So, how did team-building go?

You loosen him up a bit?

Yeah, actually.

Um, it was pretty great.

We lost the snowman

building contest

but we worked surprisingly

well together.

- Nice.

- Mm-hmm.

Let's hope it makes

a difference tomorrow.

Yeah.

- Yeah.

- I mean, it's...

- Stress eat instead?

- Yes!

- That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

- A feast!

Cheers!

So, that's what

it's like to live here?

Holiday PJ matching

complete. Nice, Dad.

- Yes!

- Good morning, sweetheart.

Come, I've made your favorite.

Ooh.

So, I've decided

to host friends' Christmas,

now that you're finally home.

We haven't done that since...

Mom.

Wow, yeah.

I'd really like to do that.

What's a friends' Christmas?

Oh, friends' Christmas

is a potluck

where each guest brings food

from their cultural background

and we celebrate

everyone's diverse

and unique holiday traditions.

So, my mom's family

was from Ireland.

- And mine from the Philippines.

- And I grew up with this

mishmash of different

holiday traditions.

And somewhere along the way,

we decided to celebrate that.

And friends decided

to join in on the fun, too.

Well, food is my love language,

so I'm in.

Heather, uh, you should

invite the Knoblochs.

I don't know.

I don't know if that's

a great idea, you know.

Hmm, well, if you don't

invite them, I will.

Oh!

Ooh!

Fine, I will invite them.

You happy?

- Very.

- Mm-hmm.

Ooh!

Yum! Thank you.

Mm! Great toad-in-the-hole,

Tatay.

Wow! Where did you

learn Tagalog?

Hmm, sometime between

ice skating

and The Challah Garden.

Honestly, Heather, keep up!

Oh! Wow! Okay.

Hey! Get! My toad in the hole.

There's plenty.

Ooh.

Okay.

Okay, just pretend like

the camera isn't here.

Just talk to me about ice wine,

like you're giving a tour,

or something.

- Okay.

- Okay?

So, ice wine is unique

in almost every aspect,

from harvesting to fermentation.

We harvest the grapes anywhere

between December and January.

Making it the perfect

Christmas wine.

- Exactly.

- Yeah.

It's made from grapes

that have been frozen

straight from the vine.

And we're completely beholden

to the weather.

So, as soon as the temperature

drops between 12 and 18 degrees,

we rush out to harvest.

It's go time.

Ooh, that sounds so exciting.

Yeah. Yeah, it kinda is.

Is this going okay so far?

Rudy, you're totally k*lling it.

One of the defining features

of ice wine

is its high sugar concentration,

which is a result

of frozen grapes.

Exactly. Grapes lose almost

all their water

when they freeze, which is why

they become more concentrated

in sugar and in taste.

Actually,

our fermentation process

- is really quite interesting.

- Yeah.

So, our grapes

are a Riesling and a Bordeaux,

which is what gives our ice wine

that golden color.

Kinda like the flecks

on Heather's scarf.

Oh.

Hey, did I tell you what

we winemakers

call the ice wine

harvesting season?

What?

The most wine-derful

time of the year.

Oh. No!

Wow. You give a mouse a cookie

and they tell one too many

wine-drous wine jokes. Oh!

Good one.

Well played, sir.

So, normal wines ferment

for two to three weeks.

Ice wine ferments for

two to six months.

And then, it's bottled 10 months

after the harvest,

so it takes almost a full year

for ice wine to be shelf ready.

- It's a very complex process.

- Mm-hmm.

- Mm-hmm.

- You know, it'd be really easy

to see frozen grapes

as ruined harvest,

but my great-grandparents

saw it differently.

They saw an opportunity

to try something new,

to do something different.

- Uh-huh.

- And what they got

was a deliciously

sweet dessert wine.

And it's a great metaphor

for people.

You know, some people

come off tough and cold

on the outside,

but once you get to know them,

they're as sweet

as frozen grapes.

- That's a grape one.

- Oh! Wine not?

- Ooh!

- Oh!

Ah...

So, tell us about your

Oma's Christmas cookies.

Oma's Christmas cookies

are a German shortbread

called Spritzgabech.

They are made with

ground walnuts and an obscene

amount of butter.

They're not overly sweet,

which is why they pair perfectly

with our ice wine.

And much like our ice wine,

the German Spritz cookies

are made in a very unique way.

Is that a meat grinder?

It's the most traditional

way to make Spritzgabech.

Oh. Okay.

Well, wish me luck, everyone.

So, now we gradually

add the remaining ingredients.

There, now you try.

Okay. All right.

This is a lot harder

than it looks.

Here.

It looks like you've

got this handled.

So, once the batter

is fully mixed,

we drop it on top of the grinder

and crank it out the other side.

- Oh!

- There it is.

- I got it.

- Great job.

We're rolling.

Moment of truth.

Be careful, they are warm.

Okay.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Mm! This is so good.

Told ya.

Oh.

- Do you need a hand with that?

- No, I'm good!

Huh, okay.

You know, you were a lot more

comfortable on camera today.

Quite the natural.

Well, I guess that

team-building really helped.

I guess so.

Oh, you got a little...

Oh, uh... oh no.

- Batter.

- Thanks.

So, where are the rest

of the Knoblochs?

Will they be home for Christmas?

My parents are in Germany

taking care of my Oma.

She needs full-time

care now, so...

Oh, I'm so sorry.

It must be really hard

not having them here.

Yeah. But I have Anton.

Right.

Oh, hi!

- Um, bags, yep.

- Sure. Um...

Speaking of, um...

my dad is hosting

this multicultural

potluck holiday dinner

and...

I was thinking that maybe

you, you know uh...

Are you asking me to dinner?

No, I mean, yes.

Uh, but I'm asking you

and Anton,

like a kinda coworker-y.

Well, when you put it like that.

What can we bring?

- Uh... uh...

- Yeah.

Yeah, I should go. Okay.

I'll-I'll see ya

at the thingy. Okay.

This looks wonderful.

I'm so, so happy

you're here, Anak.

So, so happy.

Oh. Me too, Tatay.

h*, h*, h*!

Happy friends' Christmas.

- That's what it's called, right?

- Mm-hmm.

Our very own Gluwein.

Oh.

Gluwein, huh?

Do you know what that means?

That it's delicious

hot wine spiked with brandy.

Ha. It means wine

that makes you glow,

because of how

it makes you feel.

I hope that...

that is filled to brim

with Oma's cookies.

It's not a Christmas

without 'em.

Hmm.

R-right. Uh, c-come on in.

Coat.

Oh, my God.

Get it together, Heather!

Wow, this looks amazing.

- Smells amazing.

- Hmm.

Is that Irish stew?

Oh, just you wait!

Where did Anton run off to?

I think I know where he is.

We wish you

a Merry Christmas

We wish you

a Merry Christmas

We wish you

a Merry Christmas

And a happy new year

Okay. Uh, Rudy,

this is my dad.

Dad, Rudy.

My professional friend.

- Uh, welcome.

- Thank you.

Welcome.

Uh, thanks.

Uh, so, I thought I'd start

of friends' Christmas

with a Filipino tradition

as old as time, karaoke.

Yeah.

Everyone, eat up!

Friends' Christmas

has officially begun.

Hey!

Wow, I cannot believe

there's an actual Krampus night

in Germany. I thought

that was a made-up thing.

- Oh.

- No, it's very real.

And very scary.

Hmm.

Well, my favorite tradition

has always been Noche Buena.

It's a huge Filipino feast

after midnight mass.

My Lola used to make lechon,

a huge, roasted pig.

- Mm.

- Yeah, Heather's mom used

- to celebrate Women's Christmas.

- Mm-hmm.

- Women's Christmas?

- It's an Irish tradition.

On January 6th, after all

of the cooking,

and the decorating,

and the celebrating,

the women get the day off.

And the men, whoa, the men,

you guys have to stay home

and clean up

from all the season's

festivities.

It's a way to appreciate

all the hard work that women

typically put into the holidays.

Okay, I am very here for that.

We still celebrate it,

in Betty's honor.

Yeah.

Uh, who's ready for some

of Betty's famous

- Irish plum pudding?

- Ooh!

Actually, before we get

to desserts, one thing...

Um...

Ta-da!

No way! You got a Menorah?

Mm-hmm.

I have it on good authority

that Filipinos are not the only

ones to celebrate the triumph

of light over dark in December.

Just because

we're celebrating Christmas,

doesn't mean we can't help you

celebrate Hanukkah.

Okay, so um, how do we do it?

Every family celebrates

Hanukkah differently.

Different foods,

different activities each night.

But one thing remains the same,

we celebrate the miracle

of light.

So, when a small amount

of pure oil was used

to relight the Menorah

in the temple,

even though there was only

enough oil to last

the Maccabees one night,

miraculously, the oil

lasted eight nights.

- Ah.

- A miracle, indeed.

The center candle

is called the shamash.

We use the shamash

to light the other candles

on the Menorah, which represent

the eight nights of Hanukkah.

Since tonight is the last night,

all nine candles

on the Menorah will be lit.

Anton, would you like to start

us off?

Now, as you light the Menorah,

you say the blessings,

normally said in Hebrew,

but roughly translates

to we thank God

for our many blessings,

for sustaining us,

and bringing us all into

this wonderful season.

Which is why we kindle

the Hanukkah lights.

Ta-da!

Thank you for sharing this

beautiful holiday tradition,

Shannon.

This is what friends'

Christmas is all about.

Is there a reason why

you put it by the window?

Oh, uh yes,

to remind people

that miracles, and do, happen.

That was awesome.

You'll have to let us

host you for New Years.

- That's a great idea.

- We do a ham

and sauerkraut dinner.

Brings good luck

for the new year.

We'd love to!

Oh, uh, don't forget leftovers.

- Sorry. Here you go.

- Oh. Oh! Wow.

Uh, I'll meet ya at the car,

Rudy. Thank you very much!

See you at New Years!

Uh, I-I don't know

if I'm-I'm gonna be here.

Yeah.

Hmm.

Tonight was really special.

Thank you for inviting us.

Thank you for coming.

Yeah.

I'm so sorry.

I literally cannot

take her anywhere.

That's okay, uh...

I won't kiss you,

just because there's mistletoe.

Yeah.

It would be dumb.

Oh, oh. Ah!

I'm sorry,

I hit the panic button

by accident, uh...

can I get a hand out here?

- You should probably go.

- Yeah, I should.

Um...

- Thank you again.

- Yeah, thanks.

Thank you so much. Um...

See ya.

Wakey, wakey,

little Christmas sprite!

- Good morning.

- Uh. What time is it?

It's like 10:00 AM.

You slept in.

Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh, I never sleep in.

I know! It seemed that uh,

being home and flirting

with a cute German winemaker

- has done you good.

- Oh!

Hey!

I didn't wanna wake you,

but Tami keeps calling.

Figured you might wanna give her

a call back

before she has a conniption.

- Uh, right.

- Yes.

- Right, good.

- Yes.

Oh, my God.

Tami! Hi! I'm so sorry

I missed your phone calls.

I-I really...

What's going on over there?

You've never been MIA before.

I'm not MIA.

Uh, I just slept in.

Oh, am I paying you to sleep in?

No.

I saw the dailies

and I'm entirely underwhelmed.

Really, what...

what part of it exactly

is lacking...

in whelm?

The winemaker's great.

And the ice wine element,

very unique.

- Interesting, even.

- Okay, yeah.

- But what am I missing

Heather, hmm?

Um...

Uh... Christmas?

Yes, Christmas.

What did I specifically tell yu

this episode needed to capture?

The perfect pairing

of family, Christmas, and wine.

And yet, no Christmas!

Why is that?

Uh, we did make

Christmas cookies.

Huh, did you see that footage?

Not Christmassy enough.

When is the Christmas festival?

That is our story.

About that Christmas festival,

um... funny story.

Unless I see some real

family-oriented

Christmas festivities

this episode,

you can kiss

Read Between the Vines:

The European Tour, au revoir.

Oh no!

Tami?

Okay.

Okay.

Okay. Okay.

Ooh, you got this, Heather.

You got this.

You go, girl!

Hi.

Fixing nets, huh?

So, is this part of

your century-old

- German winemaking tradition?

- Mm-hmm.

It is.

Everything about ice wine

is so complicated.

Kinda like you.

- Like me?

- Mm-hmm.

No, I'm not complicated.

Oh, you are totally

complicated! Oh!

No, I'm just

an internal processor.

- Okay.

- I don't advertise everything

- that I'm thinking.

- So, the opposite of Shannon.

The exact opposite of Shannon.

- Hmm.

- Yeah.

I believe I was promised

frozen grapes

straight from the vine,

sir, so...

- That you were.

- Hmm.

Ooh. Danke schn.

Mmm!

Why is everything about

ice wine so delicious?

Okay, um, the real reason

I came here

is to talk to you about

the Christmas Food

And Wine Festival.

I know you said

you didn't wanna do it

but my boss is really demanding

something more

and I really,

really hope that...

It's just, it's not a reality

this year, Heather.

We're strapped

right now as it is, so...

Oh.

Um, I'm really sorry.

I-I didn't...

Now, we're figuring it out,

but that's the real reason

why we can't do the festival.

Huh. Okay, but what if

we got some volunteers?

- Oh...

- And I use my leftover

per diem I was supposed to use

for the hotels,

- and we just filled in the gaps?

- I don't feel comfortable

asking people that.

It's a lot of work

and a lot of money

for a festival.

And maybe this town

needs that festival.

- Maybe it's worth it to them.

- To them or to you?

Oh.

Why is this so important to you?

I used to look forward

to this festival

every year

because it was something...

I got to do with my parents.

But since my mom's been gone...

...everything feels different.

The home doesn't feel

quite like home anymore

and I don't know...

Maybe if we did the festival,

it might feel like I'd get

a little piece of her back.

Even just for this tiny moment,

it might feel like...

not everything has changed.

I am so sorry.

I don't even know

what I'm saying. Ooh.

- Okay.

- I just...

Let's do it.

What?

Let's do the festival.

We can figure it out.

Together.

Um...

Should probably get to... work.

There's a lot of it.

So, what'd I miss?

Well, we are going to put on

that Christmas Food And Wine

Festival after all.

Awesome! What made

you change your mind?

Heather,

you seem to have the ability

to get under my brother's skin

in the most productive way.

Please don't go anywhere.

Aw.

I mean, I do have to get

back to LA at some point.

But hey, you guys have

got me through Christmas.

- Right.

- Oh wait,

doesn't the festival

usually happen

the week before Christmas?

Yeah.

So, we have like, seven days?

Mm-hmm.

I don't know if we're gonna

be able

to pull it off in time.

Oh, h*-h*-h*,

Mr. Bah Humbug.

Do you wanna bet?

Oh, just you wait.

Oh, just you wait, Rudolph!

All right, meet me at

The Challah Garden in an hour!

What?

I love your idea about having

activity booths for kids.

Thank you.

- Why are these so good?

- Perfect segue.

Okay, what are you

thinking about food?

Hmm.

No idea.

Ever since the friends'

Christmas dinner,

all I can think about

is trying everyone's unique

cultural dishes.

It'd be great

if there was a festival

like that.

Oh! Rudy, you're a genius!

We are gonna turn

the annual Christmas Food

And Wine Festival into one giant

friends' Christmas.

We'll tell people to make

and share

their favorite cultural dishes.

Yes, absolutely. Yes.

To the first annual

multicultural

Christmas Food And Wine Festival

hosted by the Knobloch

Family Wines.

Hmm, what it lacks in brevity,

it makes up for with

oodles of Christmas spirit.

- Danke schn.

- Mm-hmm.

Cheers!

Hey!

This is not what I had in mind

when I suggested getting a tree.

Well, nothing beats going

in the woods.

It's really quiet.

It is kind of magical.

Yeah.

- Ready?

- Yeah.

So, what's the deal

with this tree thing?

Ha.

Well, I grew up

in northern Michigan

and then, one year

when I was nine,

my parents took us

back to Germany

because my grandparents needed

help with the original winery.

Oh, that must've been tough.

Yeah. Bit of a transition.

- Yeah.

- Especially when Christmas

rolled around. I was so upset

that I couldn't go

to this one tree farm.

It had a full on train,

carnival games, a petting zoo,

everything.

A kid's dream.

Yeah. Yeah,

and to make up for it,

my dad took Anton and I

out to the woods

to cut down our own tree.

I complained the entire

car ride there.

- Oh.

- Until we got out in the woods

and I completely forgot

about that tree farm.

That is an amazing memory.

- Yeah.

- Mm-hmm.

So now, every time something

big changes in my life

or I worry that things

won't be as good as they were,

I just remember that sometimes

our favorite memories

haven't happened yet.

- What?

- It's just,

you really light up

when you talk about things

that you're passionate about.

You know, you're easy

to listen to.

You would actually be

very good at what I do.

Thank you, but I don't think so.

I'm serious!

You've got the extensive

wine knowledge,

you are way more natural

and comfortable on camera now.

Thanks to moi.

Hey, did you see

this-this Tannenbaum?

I didn't realize

you were fluent.

Oh yeah. I can say gesundheit.

Wow.

Nutella.

My Oma would love you.

Oh, Rudy.

Oh! Uh, just your Oma?

Heh?

Oh!

Huh.

Did I tell

you what us winemakers

call the ice wine

harvesting season?

What?

- The most wine-derful

time of the year.

- Oh, no!

You give a mouse a cookie

and they tell one too many

wine-drous wine jokes.

You call that tree trimming,

people?

This place has

to glisten with cheer!

Can I get a hand over here?

Ugh!

Are you regretting hosting

this Christmas festival yet?

No, not at all.

It's been really fun.

All this Christmas dcor,

and all these people,

really feels like Christmas now.

Hmm.

Oh no, I guess I didn't do that.

Oh, that's a new development.

Ah, I wouldn't get

too ahead of yourself.

Hmm?

Well, let's just say

that Shannon's

not really Anton's type.

There must be something

that you know

that I don't, Mr. Matchmaker.

Oh, trust me,

if I was a matchmaker,

I wouldn't waste my skills

on my brother. He has zero

troubles in that area.

- And you do?

- I don't know. You tell me.

Okay, I just got an alert.

The weather forecast changed.

Our freeze is happening

tomorrow night.

Wait, what does that mean?

It means we have to harvest

the grapes tomorrow.

And we have to cancel

the festival.

- There's no way we can do both.

- No!

No, we can't cancel

the festival.

We are so close

to making this happen.

Heather, we're completely

beholden to the weather

for the harvest. I'm sorry.

Okay, wait. Wait.

What if we made

the ice wine harvest

part of the Christmas festival?

Sort of once a year,

extra special activity,

that only people that come

to the Knobloch Family

Wines Christmas festival

get to do?

I think people would be excited

to take part in helping out

making this first

batch of ice wine.

- Yeah.

- Plus, uh, many hands

makes for light work.

That's what my Bubbe

always says.

- Huh.

- We could give the volunteers

free bottles next Christmas.

- Okay.

- Ha!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

Yep, ahem. Okay.

Would you like

to stay for dinner?

Yes.

Yeah.

Okay.

- Here you go.

- Mmm.

Well, I think that

the stroganoff and the spaetzle

might be my new favorite thing.

Well, I hope you saved room

because we have marble cake

and decaf coffee for dessert.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Decaf coffee?

Where is the hot chocolate,

buddy?

Ah,

well this is tradition

around here, Miss.

Is there anything you do

that is not

an old German tradition?

Um...

nein.

Well played.

- Thank you.

- Mm-hmm.

All right, let's see.

All right.

Mm, mm, mm!

Okay. Oh, don't tell anyone,

but the-the coffee

and the cake are so good,

I almost don't miss

the hot chocolate.

- Your secret's safe with me.

- And you?

- A secret for a secret?

- Huh.

- What do you wanna know?

- I don't know.

Hmm...

Why isn't there

a Mrs. Rudy Knobloch?

I was actually engaged before.

Yeah, she was our old

tasting manager, Ashley.

It's the first time our family

ever hired any outside help.

We dated for three years

before I proposed,

and then, when we were engaged,

she finally passed

her master sommelier exam.

Wow, that's tough.

Only five percent

of people pass that exam.

She was pretty extraordinary.

So extraordinary that she

was offered to be the sommelier

at a prestigious restaurant

in Paris, so she left, I stayed.

You didn't wanna go

live abroad in Paris?

I wanted to...

but I was in charge

of the winery in the States

while my parents were

back in Germany

taking care of the original

family winery.

And Ashley wasn't willing

to do long distance.

Rudy, that's really tragic.

- Yeah. What about you?

- Huh.

Where is Mr. Marquez?

Well, um...

I've had a few boyfriends

over the years.

- Mm-hmm.

- You know?

- Mm-hmm.

- But the through line

is that uh, I'm too busy.

I travel way too much and...

my career is more important

than my relationships.

- Those are actual testimonials?

- Yep.

Hmm.

I've never really dated anyone

that was as passionate

about something as I am.

So, they never really

understood me, you know?

And then, they resented me,

I think.

Well, the right person's

gonna support your dreams.

You're right.

- Sorry?

- You're right.

I just, I'd really like

that in writing, please.

Oh!

Uh-huh.

Only if I get a proviso.

Ooh, fair.

It must be nice

running the winery.

I was born into it.

Just didn't wanna break

100 years of tradition.

Never really took the time

to figure out what I wanted.

And do you know

what you want now?

Well, I'm starting to.

I know what I want.

Hey, look at this bad boy!

Uh, oof!

You two were having a moment?

Ignore me.

I'm not even here.

You know, I-I should

probably go. Mm-hmm.

- Okay.

- Mm-hmm.

Would you...

like to go out,

I mean, on a date?

I would really like

to take you out on a date.

I would... really love that.

And I promise you that Anton

will not be in a 10-mile radius

of wherever we go.

In fact, I'm gonna send him

on a business errand.

Deal.

Okay. I'll walk you out.

Mm-hmm.

All right, how's everyone doing?

Hey.

All vendors and activity

booths are set.

Oh, that whole roasted lechon

could feed a small army.

There's plenty of food!

Yeah.

That's good.

I'm really excited

for everyone to have

a little taste

of friends' Christmas.

Thank you for breathing new life

into our family tradition, Rudy.

Ah, it's hardly me

you should thank.

You earned it.

This whole festival,

it's because of you.

Well, teamwork makes

the dream work.

The people of the hour!

Tell our audience

about the festival.

Hmm.

This year's Christmas Food

And Wine Festival

was a success,

all thanks to Tannin TV's

own Heather Marquez.

- Hmm.

- If it wasn't for her,

this festival would have never

happened this year.

And without Rudy,

we wouldn't have thought

to include cultural

and family traditions

into this year's festival.

So far, we have sampled

Croatian kifle jam cookies.

Mmm! Siberian salmon pie.

And we've even incorporated

our own family recipes,

like my Filipino

Puto bumbong and bibingka.

And my Oma's Christmas

Spritzgabech cookies,

paired with

our very own Eiswein.

The perfect Christmas pairing.

We do make a good pairing.

I am going to upload

this footage and send it to Tami

as evidence that we are

actually doing our jobs.

You two continue...

doing what you're doing.

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and child

Holy infant

So tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly

Peace

Sleep in heavenly

Peace

We did it. We did all

that in one night.

Hmm.

Uh... ahem.

Tami! Hi.

Shannon sent the footage

from this evening,

and Heather,

you outdid yourself.

- Oh!

- And this love story between

- you and this winemaker...

- Uh...

When I said the perfect pairing

of family Christmas and wine,

I didn't even think

to include love.

That was a nice touch.

Uh, I'm...

Uh...

Thank you.

Anyways, you and the crew

can wrap.

We have plenty of footage

now to make the perfect

Christmas episode.

I sent it to the team

in post already.

It will air Christmas night.

Oh... wow!

I-I thought we were filming

through Christmas?

Oh, no need. In fact,

I need you back here, ASAP.

It's time to launch Read Between

the Vines: The European Tour.

The network is so confident

that this episode will pull

our family demo that they're

willing to gamble

on a January production

start date.

Are you serious?

Wh... what, Tami!

Thank you. Thank you so much.

I don't know what to say.

- This is...

- No thanks necessary.

See you back in the office

before New Years.

Oh, but wait, could I uh...

Tami?

Tami?

Oh. Oh, okay.

So, it would seem

that this festival

was a success in more

ways than one.

So it would seem.

I just wanna say thank you,

Heather.

I have a feeling

that this festival

and your Christmas episode

has singlehandedly

saved this winery.

You. You saved this winery.

It was my pleasure.

I have some exciting news.

- Yeah?

- Yeah! My boss just called

and she greenlit

the Read Between the Vines:

The European Tour.

Right? Which is huge!

I mean, I have been begging

for this for years.

- You said Europe.

- Yeah!

Can you believe it? I mean...

The only bummer is that

I have to wrap early.

- Mm-hmm.

- They need me back

in LA before New Years.

- Oh.

- You know, but maybe...

So... so, this is it.

Why does it feel like

you're not happy for me?

Oh, no, I... I am.

Of course I am.

If this is what you want.

This is... what I want.

Really?

Because a couple nights ago,

you said that...

that you wanted to be here.

I-I-I... do. I...

You said you wanted to be

home more and that this...

that this was nice.

Was that all just a lie?

No.

No, that wasn't a lie.

Okay? This has been so nice.

And I do, I wanna

come home more.

But...

do you want me

to turn down this opportunity

of a lifetime to...

what, move back to Lake Chelan?

Yeah, of course not.

It's like you said,

all your relationships fail

because of work, so I mean,

why should this be

any different?

What are you saying?

We still have a few days left.

Right? You can still

take me on that date.

What's the point?

I've been here before, Heather.

I'm-I'm right here.

I'm supposed to just put

my heart out there

so you can leave

and then break it?

No thanks.

No, I'm not, not interested.

Seriously?

You just thanked me

for saving your winery

and now you're just

done with me?

Oh, you're unbelievable.

It's been really nice

to get to know you. Really.

But I think that we don't need

to spend any more time together,

now that filming's done. So...

Good luck.

Have fun on your European tour.

I... I hope it's everything

that you wanted.

Sweetheart, you pulled off

the most incredible

Christmas festival.

Thanks, Tatay.

So, why do you seem

so brokenhearted?

Because I think maybe I am.

What'd those cups

ever do to you?

I'd have thought, since

everything went so well tonight,

you'd be in a better mood.

What happened with Heather?

She's leaving. To Europe.

You seem to be attracted

to strong, ambitious women.

As you should be.

But you're incapable

of holding on to them.

You know, when you find yourself

in the same situation

more than once,

it gets harder and harder

to blame other people.

If this is leading up

to some sort of pep talk,

I'd really appreciate you

get to the part where

you make me feel better

'cause this really

isn't working for me.

I don't wanna

make you feel better.

I wanna help you.

Well... I don't need any help.

Really? 'Cause Heather

was interested in you

and I don't know what happened

but, I know you're an idiot

- if you let that go.

- She's leaving, Anton.

She made her choice.

I can't make her stay.

Rudy,

don't let this thing

between you go

just because you're scared.

I'm not scared.

You are! Just like

you're scared to admit

that running this winery

isn't what you want,

and it never has been.

You just don't wanna

disappoint anyone.

Hmm.

When'd you become

the big brother, huh?

I had a good role model.

Rudy...

find what you want

and try not to be scared of it.

Merry Christmas Eve, Mom.

Christmas flapjacks,

coming right up!

Still nothing?

Not even a text.

Do you need to beat him up?

I'm small,

but I can hold my own.

No. Thank you.

I just really thought he was

gonna reach out, you know?

It doesn't matter.

Fortunately, we've got Europe

to look forward to.

And it is going

to be absolutely fabulous.

But before that, we celebrate.

Merry Christmas, my family.

Merry Christmas.

Maligayang Pasko.

Maligayang Pasko.

Maligayang Pasko.

Close.

I'll be fluent by the end

of the trip, for sure.

- After the pancakes.

- Thank you!

Hey.

Look at this.

- There you are.

- I don't wanna watch this.

Come on.

- What?

- Come on, look at you.

- The most wine-derful

time of the year.

This is what you

should be doing.

Oh no! Wow!

You were made for this.

You give a mouse a cookie

and they tell one too many

wine-drous wine jokes.

And honestly,

the two of you together...

Well played, sir.

Yeah, it's the perfect pairing.

Rudy,

there's nothing keeping

you here this time.

Mom and Dad let me shadow you

this year for a reason.

This was never your dream.

Admit it.

Huh.

I don't even know

what I'm gonna do.

I don't know either,

but you'll figure it out.

Besides,

we have more customers

than ever,

just from the festival alone.

Once the Tannin TV episode airs,

we're set.

Well, if it's gonna be busier

than ever,

then I definitely

can't leave you.

Yes, you can.

I've been interviewing

for outside help.

What?

Running this winery is my jam.

I-I've been preparing

to take charge for a while.

Be nice if you'd finally let me.

Yeah.

Well...

I don't wanna stand

in the way of your dreams.

Hmm. Yeah.

And I think I know what I want.

Well, it's about time.

Yeah.

Oh... oh, okay.

You mean right now.

Oh, okay. Yeah!

I'm really gonna miss you kids.

Aw, Tatay, thank you

for being like

a second father

to me during this trip.

You're a real mensch.

Ah.

Wow!

Aw, Dad, I'm so happy

we got to come home

and celebrate with you.

This has been really,

really special.

I'm gonna miss this.

I'm gonna miss you.

Who knows?

Maybe I'll meet you in Europe!

I'm overdue for an adventure.

I would love that.

- I love you.

- I love you.

Travel safe.

You have your snacks?

- Yes, yes.

- Your travel pillow?

- Okay, bye!

- Okay.

Have you watched our

Christmas episode yet?

You know I haven't.

That is what I thought.

- Now, some people come off...

What are you doing? You know

I don't wanna see this. Come on.

I'm gonna hold that there

'til you watch it.

- They're as sweet

as frozen grapes.

That's a grape one.

Oh. Oh! Wine not?

Ooh!

You know,

there is still time to

do a quick detour

before we head to JFK.

And besides, don't you

and your dad celebrate

that Irish Women's Christmas

on the 6th?

Yeah.

Yeah. I mean, uh,

you probably shouldn't

miss that, should you?

I probably shouldn't.

I know. I know I'm the best

and you love me.

Ah, it's so hard being

this good at my job.

Oh, and also, can you please

bring back some of those

German cookies? Oh!

Those were so good.

Go get 'em, tiger!

Rudy. Uh...

What are you doing here?

Well, it's Women's Christmas

and...

I've got a lot

of cleaning up to do.

At my house?

No at...

Yeah, I'm helping

your dad out. I just...

I mean, between you and me.

Oh.

Well, it's...

a lot harder

when you're face to face.

Yeah.

Just...

I told you that I haven't

taken the time

to figure out exactly

what I want in my life

and you, you know exactly

what you want

and you are not afraid

to go after it.

And that's not gonna

change, Rudy.

I don't want you to. Ever.

Heather, you came into

my life and you...

you shook it up in a good way.

All the things that I used

to do, they're just...

they're not good enough anymore.

And normal?

Well, normal's boring.

I just, I wanted you to stay.

Before you go to Europe,

I just want you to know

how happy I am for you

and how excited I am

for your next adventure.

And that it was worth it,

getting to know you.

Falling for you.

Even if...

Even if this is goodbye.

Come with me.

- What?

- To Europe.

You know, maybe not

for the whole time but...

come visit me.

Buy yourself some time

to find a new dream.

One that's just for you.

You know, let's see.

Let's see if...

whatever this is, is...

it's real.

Maybe it's just like you said,

our favorite memories

have yet to be made.

Well, I think I said

it a little bit better.

A little.

Then maybe they're in Europe.

With me.

I don't know.

'Cause I think that we have

some memories to make here,

before I come

visit you in Europe.

Told ya.

I don't need a mistletoe.

Hi, Tannin TV,

I'm Heather Marquez.

And on today's episode

of Read Between the Vines:

The European Tour, we venture

through this Tuscan winery,

where the Chianti

is so intoxicating,

it just might make you

fall in love.

Take it from us.

I'm Rudy Knobloch, co-host

of Read Between the Vines,

and this Valentine's Day,

we invite you to explore

the rich varietals

and sheer romance

that Italy has to offer.

Mm.

We will be pairing

our rich red wines

with bitter dark chocolate.

For the perfect

complementary pairing.

Chocolate and wine,

now that is what I call amore.

Oh, I did not know

you were fluent.

- Si, si, si, si.

- Hmm.

I know how to say, ti amo.

What does that mean?

I love you.

I love you, too.

Uh...

I am gonna need all that again

because I accidentally

stopped filming.