A Perfect Pairing 2022

Lola, a wine executive based in LA, feels neglected and undervalued by her boss Calder at Mythos, who fails to recognize her innovative ideas. In an effort to alleviate her frustration, a chef introduces her to an obscure wine from an Australian winery that has yet to make its mark on the international scene. Intrigued by this prospect, Lola decides to share this enticing information with her colleague Audra, who, without Lola’s knowledge, pitches the idea to their boss behind her back. This betrayal spurs Lola into action as she embarks on a journey to establish her own company and travels to Australia to secure a potential client.

Upon arriving, she initially resorts to an AirBNB for lodging and quickly attempts to pitch to Hazel, the owner, but is met with a swift rejection. However, as luck would have it, she learns that the vineyard is in need of some extra help. Taking matters into her own hands, Lola volunteers to lend a hand on the sheep farm under the guidance of the rugged yet charismatic station boss, Max. Determined to prove her worth, she dives headfirst into the challenges of manual labor, despite feeling out of her depth.

Her new coworkers, while initially hazing her, contribute to an amusing series of mishaps, including lengthy showers that trip the circuit breaker. Lola finds herself facing the steep learning curve of farm life—learning how to mend fences, manage sheep with different tags, and operate a manure spreader. After several days, however, frustration sets in, and she contemplates quitting. Just when it seems she might throw in the towel, Max’s truck breaks down en route to town, and upon returning to the farm, he encourages her to persevere. As the night unfolds, Lola finds inspiration through a book about the farm’s matriarch, which rekindles her determination.

In an impressive turn of events, Lola manages to fix the hot water heater and gradually earns the respect and trust of her fellow farmhands. She eventually engages in the communal evening gathering and shares her hidden talent—her beautiful singing voice. After some time, she partakes in sheep shearing and is invited by Max into the family pool that night, revealing a burgeoning connection between them. During a relaxed game of pool, he and Hazel discuss Lola’s ambitions, only for Max to reveal his affiliation with the Vaughn family—he is Hazel’s brother, sending Lola’s emotions tumbling.

As their relationship deepens, Lola and Max explore the Vaughn vineyard together, camping and showcasing their growing affection. Their night spent under the stars is charged with emotion, but the morning brings an unwelcome revelation: Max’s secret role as a silent partner in the winery disrupts the honesty they had built. Feeling deceived, Lola returns to the farm only to discover her former boss and Audra negotiating with Hazel for importing Vaughn wines into the U.S. Even Calder tries to coax Lola back into the old fold, but her resolve remains firm.

Fast forward a few months, and we find Lola back in California, rekindling her professional rapport with Audra and running her small-scale wine distribution business. Just when she thinks her life is settling, Max surprises her at her wine expo stand, professing his feelings. He reveals that his winery has terminated its ties with Calder’s company to partner with hers—an exciting new beginning. With their hearts aligned, they reconcile and head back to Australia to celebrate Sam’s wedding, solidifying not only their professional partnership but also their romantic journey together.