ROMANCE IS BACK AMONG THE VINES PRODUCTION BEGINS ON 'SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD' HALLMARK CHANNEL NEW, ORIGINAL MOVIE STARRING RACHAEL LEIGH COOK AND BRENDAN PENNY

Part of the Network's Annual "Summer Nights" Programming Event

STUDIO CITY, CA - June 15, 2017 - Principal photography began this week in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia on the romantic comedy "Summer in the Vineyard." The film reunites Rachael Leigh Cook ("Perception") and Brendan Penny ("Motive") who reprise their roles as Frankie Baldwin and Nate DeLuca. The movie will premiere during Hallmark Channel's annual "Summer Nights" programming event, featuring four new, original movie premieres celebrating the fun and carefree days of summer.

The movie is the follow up to the successful "Autumn in the Vineyard," and continues the romance between Frankie Baldwin (Cook) and Nate DeLuca (Penny). As their first year at Sorrento Farms is coming to a close, they are looking forward to debuting their first vintage wine during the town's annual 'Summerfest' celebration. When the host winery for Summerfest pulls out at the last minute, Nate volunteers Sorrento to replace them, thinking it will be great publicity for their fledgling operation. Frankie, however, is more concerned with whether she can have their first Cabernet ready on time. The pressure is on them both to make a big splash for Sorrento at Summerfest to ensure the viability of their winery going forward. These two headstrong paramours are about to find out if you really can mix business with pleasure, because the course of love never does run smooth when grapes are involved. Then again, if they learn to work together, they just might find that love and wine are the perfect summer combination.

"We are excited to have Rachael and Brendan back in the vineyard for this story that is ultimately about making dreams come true," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity. "'Summer in the Vineyard' is a wonderful addition to our 'Summer Nights' programming that includes four all new, original movies celebrating the fun of the season."

The movie is produced by Muse Entertainment in association with Head First Productions. Executive producers are Jim Head, Joel S. Rice, Michael Prupas, and Shawn Williamson. Jamie Goehring and Trevor McWhinney are the producers. Martin Wood directs from a script written by Julie Sherman Wolfe based on the book by Marina Adair.

ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL

Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 90 million homes. As the country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as "Good Witch," "When Calls the Heart" and "Chesapeake Shores"; annual specials including "Kitten Bowl" and "Hero Dog Awards"; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family." Additionally, Hallmark Channel is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including "Countdown to Christmas," "Countdown to Valentine's Day," "Summer Nights," "Fall Harvest" and "Winterfest." Rounding out the network's diverse slate are some of television's most beloved comedies and series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Last Man Standing," and "Frasier." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks. @HALLMARKCHANNEL TWITTER: @HallmarkChannel, #SummerNights #Summerinthevineyard