Raise a glass because Under the Vines is back and still pouring one of the most easygoing yet quietly addictive blends on television. Series 2 returns to New Zealand’s postcard-perfect wine country with more romantic chaos, gentle comedy, and just enough emotional bite to keep things from going saccharine.
At the heart of it all remains the pitch-perfect pairing of Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards. Gibney brings warmth and sharp comedic timing to Daisy, while Edwards continues to make Louis both frustrating and endearing in equal measure. Their chemistry remains the show’s finest vintage. It is playful, prickly, and just unresolved enough to keep you hooked. Also, Edwards getting bonus points for that brief Batman Begins appearance is just the kind of trivia garnish that makes the experience even better.
Picking up after Series 1, Daisy and Louis are still trying to keep their struggling vineyard afloat while navigating their increasingly complicated feelings. Naturally, things do not go smoothly. This is television after all, and happy stability would be very bad for business. Enter Simone, Louis’ estranged wife, played with sharp precision by Sara Wiseman. Her arrival does not just stir the pot; it tips it over completely. Louis’ attempt to salvage his marriage throws cold water on the budding romance with Daisy, and suddenly the show pivots into more emotionally complex territory.
What Series 2 does especially well is widen its focus without losing its charm. Romance is everywhere. Griffin and Gus get a welcome continuation of their relationship, bringing a grounded and heartfelt counterpoint to the central will-they-won’t-they drama. Daisy finds herself drawn to local doctor David, adding another wrinkle that feels organic rather than forced. Meanwhile, Vic and Nic’s upcoming baby brings a softer storyline that leans into the show’s community-driven appeal.
The vineyard itself becomes more than just a backdrop this time around. Financial strain, worsening weather, and the ever-looming threat of failure give the series real stakes. The escalating feud with Oakley Wines injects a dose of rivalry that keeps the momentum from drifting. Sarah Peirse’s Marissa is a delightfully polished antagonist, and the introduction of a flashy French vintner raises the competitive temperature just enough without tipping into melodrama.
What makes Under the Vines work is its tone. It never rushes. It is happy to linger on scenic views, small character moments, and awkward conversations that feel just a little too real. The humor lands because it feels lived in rather than scripted. The drama works because it never forgets the human element beneath the vineyard politics and romantic misfires.
That said, Series 2 is not without its bumps. Some storylines feel a touch overextended, and there are moments where the pacing dips, especially when juggling the growing ensemble. The central romantic tension also occasionally treads familiar ground. But even when the show leans into predictability, it does so with enough sincerity and charm to keep you invested.
Ultimately, Under the Vines Series 2 is comfort viewing at its finest. It is sun-drenched without being shallow, funny without trying too hard, and romantic without losing its sense of realism. It understands exactly what it is and plays to those strengths with confidence.
If Series 1 was about planting the seeds, Series 2 is where things start to ferment. The result is a richer, more satisfying blend that still goes down incredibly easy.
Jessie Hobson