You know that feeling when you're just done with the "prestige" TV trend of everyone being miserable? I get it. Sometimes you don't want a gritty crime drama or a high-stakes thriller where every character is backstabbing their mother for a corporate promotion. You just want a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and some rolling hills in New Zealand. That is exactly why Under the Vines episodes have become such a massive, quiet hit for Acorn TV.
It’s cozy. It’s colorful. Honestly, it’s a bit predictable in the best way possible.
The premise sounds like something you’ve heard a dozen times: two city slickers—Daisy Munroe (Rebecca Gibney) and Louis Oakley (Charles Edwards)—inherit a failing vineyard in Central Otago. Daisy is an Australian socialite who thinks manual labor is choosing the wrong shade of lipstick. Louis is a grumpy British lawyer going through a mid-life crisis and a very public downfall. They hate each other. They hate the dirt. They definitely hate the fact that the vineyard, Oakley Mountain, is basically a money pit.
But here’s the thing. It works. It works because the chemistry between Gibney and Edwards is electric in a "will-they-won't-they-but-mostly-please-don't-mess-this-up" kind of way.
The Slow Burn of Oakley Mountain
If you look at the trajectory of Under the Vines episodes across the first three seasons, the show manages to dodge the "sophomore slump" by leaning into the community. It isn't just about the wine. It’s about the quirky, slightly intrusive neighbors who make the town of Peak View feel alive.
In Season 1, the stakes were simple. Can they survive a harvest? Daisy and Louis are fish out of water. They trip over vines. They offend the local winemaking legend, Tippy (played by the fantastic Trae Te Wiki). By the time we get into Season 2, the dynamic shifts. The "stranger in a strange land" trope evolves into a "small business owner vs. the world" narrative. They aren't just trying to leave anymore; they’re trying to stay afloat.
Season 3, which hit screens recently, upped the ante by introducing more complex emotional baggage. We see Louis's past catching up with him and Daisy actually having to face the reality of her fading socialite status back in Sydney. The show refuses to let them be caricatures.
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Why the Central Otago Setting is a Character
You can't talk about these episodes without mentioning the scenery. It’s essentially "vineyard porn." Central Otago is famous for its Pinot Noir, and the show uses the harsh, beautiful landscape of the South Island to ground the fluffier comedic moments.
Most people don't realize that filming in this region presents massive logistical challenges. The weather in Central Otago is notoriously fickle. One minute it's scorching sun, the next it’s a frost that could kill a whole crop. The production team, led by creator Erin White, leans into this. When you see a "frost emergency" in an episode, that’s a real thing that keeps New Zealand winemakers up at night. It adds a layer of authenticity that keeps the show from feeling too much like a Hallmark postcard.
Breaking Down the Essential Under the Vines Episodes
If you’re just jumping in, or if you’re trying to convince a friend to watch, there are a few standout moments that define what makes this series special.
The Season 1 Finale
This is where the show finds its heart. After an entire season of bickering, Louis and Daisy have to actually produce something. The tension isn't just romantic; it's about pride. Seeing these two vain individuals get their hands dirty—literally—is incredibly satisfying.
Season 2, Episode 4: The Competition
Wine competitions are the "sports movies" of the viticulture world. This episode captures the sheer snobbery of the industry. It’s also where we see the supporting cast shine. Characters like Gus and Vic provide the comedic relief that balances out Louis’s frequent bouts of British melancholy.
Season 3, Episode 1: The Return
Starting a new season is always risky, but the Season 3 opener managed to reset the board without losing the momentum. Daisy’s growth is on full display here. She’s no longer just the woman in the high heels; she’s someone who actually cares about the soil.
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What Most People Get Wrong About "Cozy" TV
There is a misconception that shows like this are "brainless." That’s a mistake. Writing good comedy that doesn't rely on cruelty is actually harder than writing a dark drama. In Under the Vines episodes, the humor comes from character flaws, not just punchlines.
Louis isn't just a "grumpy guy." He’s a man who lost his identity and is terrified that his best years are behind him. Daisy isn't just a "party girl." She’s someone who used charm as a shield and is now realizing that charm doesn't pay the mortgage.
The dialogue is snappy. It reminds me a bit of the old screwball comedies from the 1940s. Think The Philadelphia Story but with more mud and better wine.
The Realistic Side of Winemaking
Let’s talk about the wine for a second. The show actually treats the process with respect.
- Terroir: They talk about the soil. A lot.
- Sustainability: The struggle between organic farming and traditional methods is a recurring theme.
- The Market: It highlights how hard it is for small boutiques to compete with massive corporate labels.
It’s not just "step on grapes and get rich." It’s a grind. Seeing Daisy and Louis navigate the actual business side of Oakley Mountain gives the show a backbone that keeps it from floating away into pure fantasy.
Where to Watch and What to Expect Next
Currently, the primary home for the series is Acorn TV. If you’re in New Zealand, it often airs on TVNZ. For the US and UK audiences, Acorn has carved out a niche for these "international cozy" shows, and Under the Vines is arguably their crown jewel alongside The Madame Blanc Mysteries.
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Is there going to be a Season 4? While official announcements can be slow, the ratings and the fan engagement suggest that there is plenty of life left in Oakley Mountain. The creators have hinted that they want to explore more of the "domestic" life of the duo now that they've somewhat settled in.
One thing is certain: people are tired of "dark." They want light. They want a show that feels like a warm hug but still has a sharp wit.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Newcomers
If you’re looking to get the most out of your viewing experience, here is how to dive in:
- Watch Season 1 and 2 back-to-back. The character arcs for Daisy and Louis are much more satisfying when you see their transformation from enemies to reluctant partners in one go.
- Pay attention to Tippy. She is the moral compass of the show. Her journey from a skeptical employee to the brains of the operation is arguably the best writing in the series.
- Check out the Central Otago region. If you’re a wine lover, the show is a great primer for New Zealand Pinots. Look for real-life labels from the Gibbston Valley or Bannockburn to sip while you watch.
- Don't skip the "boring" parts. The moments where they discuss the actual logistics of the vineyard are usually where the best character development happens.
The brilliance of these episodes lies in their simplicity. It’s about two people who thought they had nothing left to learn, realizing that they were just getting started. It’s about finding family in the most unlikely places. And honestly, it’s about the fact that a good glass of wine can solve almost anything—or at least make the problems a lot more fun to deal with.
Next time you're scrolling through a sea of grim-dark thumbnails, give the vines a chance. You might find that the slower pace is exactly what your brain has been asking for.