Hallmark’s Toast to Italy Review: Romance, Wine and Adventure

Hallmark Channel is turning 25, and to mark the occasion, they’re rolling out a movie that’s got romance, family secrets, Italian vistas, and a legendary bottle of wine at its heart. Toast to Italy premieres Saturday, August 1, and brings together Hallmark favorite Will Kemp and Torrey DeVitto for a whirlwind adventure that starts as a wedding errand but quickly becomes something a lot more personal.

There’s a mystical family legend, a classic rivals-to-romance arc, and plenty of heart. Honestly, this one might just be the most tempting film Hallmark’s offering up this year.

A Wedding Wish Turns Into an Italian Adventure

Jenny is the center of Toast to Italy. She’s fiercely devoted to her family and determined to track down a very specific bottle of wine before her sister’s big day.

This isn’t just any wine. The bottle in question is the legendary Love Wine, wrapped up in family stories, old romance, and more than a little mystery.

Jenny’s journey takes her all over Italy. Each stop uncovers another clue about the wine, her family’s history, and, honestly, what love really means when you look past the surface.

It’s classic Hallmark, but with a bit more depth. The film taps into the emotional tug of reconnecting with relatives, digging into your roots, and realizing the stories that shaped your family long before you showed up.

The Love Wine Is More Than a Plot Device

That mythical wine isn’t just a gimmick—it gives the story an adventurous edge. Jenny’s racing to get the bottle for her sister, but soon enough, the search starts to mean a lot more.

Italy’s scenery is honestly a character in itself. Every new place Jenny visits isn’t just for show—it nudges her closer to the truth, adds a little chaos, some laughs, and, of course, sparks a little romance.

Will Kemp and Torrey DeVitto Bring the Spark

The real draw here? The leads. Will Kemp plays Arrigo, a journalist chasing both a story and the elusive wine.

Torrey DeVitto is Jenny, whose steady determination and loyalty to her sister keep things moving, even when the mission starts to go sideways.

Kemp’s got that familiar roguish charm, making Arrigo the perfect foil for Jenny’s focused, family-first vibe. DeVitto grounds Jenny with warmth, keeping her quest feeling real, not just another plot device.

Their back-and-forth is a highlight—every spat, alliance, and quiet moment feels lively and genuine.

Yes, This Is the Enemies-to-Lovers Trope Done Right

If you’re a rom-com fan, you’ll spot the setup: two rivals forced to team up. Jenny and Arrigo start off at odds, both after the same bottle, and the friction is honestly half the fun.

But as they tackle obstacles together, that rivalry shifts into something friendlier, then something more. Their chemistry just works, making the familiar arc feel new again.

The romance grows alongside the adventure, not in spite of it. That balance gives Toast to Italy a bit more substance than your average love story.

Italy, Family Lore, and Romance Make a Winning Blend

The movie gets it—setting matters. Italy isn’t just a pretty backdrop for Jenny and Arrigo.

It’s where Jenny’s past comes into focus, where the Love Wine legend takes on new layers, and where two people start to imagine a future together, almost by accident.

Jenny meets relatives she never knew existed—cousins, a great-aunt. Each encounter adds heart and a sense of belonging she didn’t expect.

What starts as a favor for her sister turns into a personal journey, one that widens Jenny’s world in ways she hadn’t planned.

Jenny Finds More Than She Expected

One of the best parts? Watching Jenny’s love for her family grow as she searches. She sets out to help her sister keep a wedding tradition alive, but ends up stumbling into a whole new branch of family—and the stories they carry.

That shift makes her romance with Arrigo even sweeter. It’s not just about falling for a charming guy; it’s about falling in love with her own history, too, and letting go of what she thought she knew.

• Romance: A slow-burn relationship between two travelers who couldn’t be more different.
• Adventure: A cross-country Italian hunt for a legendary bottle.
• Family: New relatives, old stories, and a wedding tying it all together.
• Comedy and heart: Light, funny moments mixed with real emotion.

The Creative Team Knows Hallmark Storytelling

Toast to Italy was written by Raul Sanchez Inglis, who brought us Nostalgic Christmas. He sticks to the uplifting vibe Hallmark fans expect, but layers in a bit of adventure and that hint of magic around the Love Wine legend.

Michael Robison directs, and he’s no stranger to Hallmark. He’s behind this year’s Two for Tee and The Stars Between Us, plus a bunch of other Hallmark movies. You can tell—the film balances romance, comedy, travel, and those big emotional moments with a steady hand.

A Strong Start to Hallmark Channel’s Big Birthday Celebration

Toast to Italy isn’t just another movie—it’s kicking off Hallmark Channel’s 25th birthday bash. The network’s celebrating all August, starting with this Italian escape.

On August 4, there’s a special anniversary party in New York City, and fans can livestream the whole thing. Launching the party with a film about love, family, travel, and a bottle of wine? That just feels right for a channel that’s made heartfelt romance its bread and butter.

Why Toast to Italy Belongs on Your Must-Watch List

There’s a lot to love about Toast to Italy. Will Kemp brings his usual charm, while Torrey DeVitto adds this easy warmth that just pulls you in.

The film sweeps you off to Italy for a romantic adventure. There’s a playful treasure hunt vibe, but it never forgets the heart of the story—real emotional stakes and a love story that feels genuine.

If you’re into Hallmark movies where folks travel, chase down secrets, and maybe stumble into something bigger than they expected, this one’s pretty special. Jenny might head to Italy for the Love Wine, but what sticks with you is everything she discovers along the way—family, a sense of belonging, and a romance that’s honestly worth toasting.