If Hollywood friendships had a VIP section, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough would be sipping tequila in it, preferably poolside, mid-laugh. Whether they are plunging into icy lakes on New Year’s Day or launching Fresh Vine Wine with the seriousness of world leaders at a summit, these two make friendship look like a lifestyle brand. Add in joint red carpet moments, synchronized vacations, and spontaneous dance-offs, and you have a bond as sparkling as their preferred rosé. Their closeness has become nearly as iconic as Nina Dobrev’s seamless leaps from Elena Gilbert to Katherine Pierce on The Vampire Diaries.

Looking back, even the most casual fan might find themselves unexpectedly misty-eyed at just how far this sisterhood has come.

Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough’s camaraderie was not born on a film set or a red carpet, but rather in the styling chair. The two were introduced by their mutual hairstylist, Riawna Capri, who saw the inevitable chemistry brewing.

According to Julianne Hough, Capri encouraged them to meet, claiming she was exhausted from acting as their separate therapists. What followed, as Hough recalled on the Jennifer Hudson Show, was an instant connection that moved swiftly from hair appointments to lifelong companionship.

Following their initial meeting, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough deepened their friendship through shared experiences, including a Lakers game that Hough dubbed their first “friendship date.” Their bond quickly evolved into a routine of red carpets, travel, and synchronized workouts.

By 2013, Dobrev referred to Hough as her “active buddy,” a label underscored by their nearly inseparable public presence. The relationship reached a ceremonial milestone in 2017, when Dobrev stood beside Hough as a bridesmaid during her wedding to Brooks Laich. It was a moment that came as no surprise to fans, unlike Nina Dobrev’s plot-twist-filled friendship with Paul Wesley.

By 2018, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough’s friendship had solidified its place in pop culture. Featured in PEOPLE magazine’s Beauty Issue, the duo posed for an editorial and shared anecdotes about their bond, one built on laughter, dogs, and light-hearted chaos. Their partnership also extended to philanthropy, launching a best friend keys collection with The Giving Keys in 2016.

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Even during the pandemic, distance posed no threat to their closeness. Dobrev and Hough hosted virtual wine nights over Zoom and eventually formed a quarantine bubble, allowing them to safely resume in-person rituals. As the world stayed home, their friendship remained as curated, and committed, as ever

In 2021, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough transformed their shared lifestyle into a commercial venture with the launch of Fresh Vine Wine. Marketed as health-conscious and additive-free, the brand reflected their mutual interests in wellness and social connection. The pandemic afforded them time to shape the label, blending their celebrity status with savvy entrepreneurship.

As business partners, the duo maintained their tradition of celebration, through ski trips, launch events, and elegant gatherings. Their Sauvignon Blanc debut aligned perfectly with Julianne Hough’s brother Derek Hough’s wedding, where the wine flowed freely. With each cork popped, the brand mirrored their friendship: polished, lively, and impeccably timed.

Despite the increasing demands of their individual careers and shared business, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough continue to prioritize their friendship. Their dynamic now reflects a deeper, more resilient connection built on consistency, trust, and unwavering support. Whether balancing film sets or wine sales, both invest in open communication and shared rituals. Their bond is no longer defined by frequent appearances alone but by how naturally they navigate the evolving chapters of adulthood, holding space for each other with warmth, honesty, and admirable ease.

The pair’s Galentine’s Day celebration, complete with thoughtful home-centric gifting, showcased the quieter, cozier strength of their companionship. Far from being performative, their connection demonstrates the emotional infrastructure behind any successful collaboration. Their friendship functions not as an accessory to their lives, but as its foundation. As both continue to grow independently, they remain rooted in a mutual philosophy: that a strong support system is not optional, but essential.

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Which moment from Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough’s friendship tops your list? Know anyone whose friendship started more hilariously? Share your favorites in the comments below!