'Twisted Vines' Mystery Filmed At Robert Renzoni Vineyard

TEMECULA, CA — Robert Renzoni Winery, on the De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula, is the backdrop of "Twisted Vines," a new whodunnit film due for release in August.

"Twisted Vines," written by Corinne Sbeih and Tom Stolgren, follows tendrils straight out of an Agatha Christie mystery thriller (see the full trailer below).

A full complement of guests arrives at a destination wedding held at Temecula's Robert Renzoni wine estate. When the bride is murdered, all become prime suspects as a rookie sheriff and cryptic sommelier work together to solve the crime. One mystery pours into the next as all are oblivious to an approaching firestorm to the ultimate conclusion.

Filmed entirely on scene at Robert Renzoni Winery in Temecula, there were many locations that may be recognizable to viewers upon release.

The "Twisted Vines" ensemble cast is led by Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day, Soul Food), actress, model, and influencer Nikki Leigh, Michael Paré (Eddie and the Cruisers), Brande Roderick (Baywatch), Jessica Jade Andres (The Last Airbender), Adam Sinclair (Rizzoli & Isles), Jon Briddell, Brian Borello, Tyler Parks (All American), Julia Ubrankovics, Makenna Trim, Torrey B. Lawrence (The Harder They Fall), Rebecca Turner, and James Seastrom.

It was written by Corinne Sbeih and Tom Stohlgren, directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Jihane Mrad Balaa, co-produced by Mark Atkins, Vivica A. Fox, Brande Roderick, and executive produced by Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

The feature has been entered in numerous awards and has taken home a case-full, according to a recent news release.

• The California Women's Film Festival awarded Vivica A. Fox Best Actress, Nikki Leigh Best Supporting Actress, and Jihane Mrad Balaa Best Director.
• At the 8 1/2 Film Awards, "Twisted Vines" won Best Narrative Feature.
• The San Diego Movie Awards lauded Jihane Mrad Balaa as the Best First-time Filmmaker.
• The Wine Women & Film Festival awarded the title of Best Feature Film and Best Director.
• "Twisted Vines" also took home the 1st GIFF award for Best Featur4e Film.

Director Jihane Mrad Balaa discussed the feature and what its attention thus far means.
"I couldn't have asked for a better ensemble led by Vivica A. Fox for my directorial debut," Balaa said. "This movie has comedy, drama, and many twists that will keep you guessing until the end."

It will be available on transactional video on demand, cable, and streaming platforms across the US and Canada, followed by a DVD release, according to Lisa Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films.

Temecula is a frequent feature film location, having famously served as the backdrop to "Big Bad Mama," an Angie Dickenson film from the 1970s.

So, who did it?

Find out when the film comes to a streaming service near you.