IN VINO VERITAS WITH SANTO CILAURO

One of Australia’s funniest men, Santo Cilauro, will sit down and share a glass of wine with old friend Merrick for a Comedy in the Vines exclusive conversation.

WINE AEROBICS with NIKKI BRITTON

Start the Sunday recovery in style with Nikki Britton leading an aerobics session to get the blood pumping and make you earn the first Pinot of the day. Sweatbands and anti-chafe encouraged!

5KM WINE RUN

It wouldn’t be Comedy in the Vines without the Sunday morning wine run!

Starting at 11am from the main stage, join Merrick (and whichever comedians make it out of bed), for a run through the cherry orchards, with a stop for wine tasting every kilometre. A highlight of the festival for everyone who takes part.

Sunday 11am | $10

Ticket price includes 5 wine tastings

LEARN TO TASTE WINE LIKE A PRO

WITH MEG BRODTMANN MW

Returning in 2026, a genuine opportunity to learn about wine with one of Australia’s most qualified wine experts… and Merrick Watts.

Meg Brodtmann is a Master of Wine, one of the most prestigious and rigorous qualifications in the global wine industry, and she will be teaching you how to taste wine.

Start your festival with this and you’ll be all set to show off your wine qualifications all weekend.

Saturday 1:10pm | Tickets: $10

Ticket price includes 4 wine tastings

Bro-sé Revolution

with The Wine Animal

Join Brenden Robnik, AKA The Wine Animal, for a masterclass dedicated to how f**king great rosé is.

A Yarra Valley local, former tradie, and man with an impeccable palate, Brenden is on a mission to break down the bullshit and destigmatise wine.

He’ll be pouring a killer lineup of rosés, talking you through what makes them great, and welcoming a couple of local winemakers along for good measure.

If you love rosé as much as the next tradie, this one’s for you.

Saturday 2:30pm | $10

Ticket price includes 4 wine tastings

Succession masterclass

The Modernisation of a Wine Institution

De Bortoli is one of Australia’s oldest winemaking families, established in 1928 by Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli. Almost a century later, they are championing the new generation of talent – including Jai Harrop.

Jai Harrop grew up immersed in the world of wine with both his parents heavily involved in the wine industry. His career path has taken him to a number of esteemed wineries including Brokenwood, Shaw and Smith, and now part of the De Bortoli team.

Jai brings a contagious energy and enthusiasm to his work. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of wine, he’s already beginning to introduce fresh ideas

Join Merrick as he chats with Jai to explore, and taste, the bright future of De Bortoli.

Hot tip: it tastes bloody good.

Sunday 2:30pm | $10

Ticket price includes 4 wine tastings

Yarra Yering Masterclass

WITH Sarah Crowe & Merrick Watts

Sarah Crowe is a true legend of the Australian wine industry. A winner of the hugely prestigious James Halliday Winemaker of the Year award, and head winemaker at the iconic Yarra Yering, she also finds time to travel the country judging at wine shows.

She was recently Panel Chair of the Barossa Wine Show tasting panel, which featured another judge you may have heard of… (it’s Mez).

Join Sarah and Merrick for a laugh and a drink, as they show some of Australia’s very best wines, handmade by Sarah herself.

Sunday 1:00pm | $20

Ticket price includes 3 wine tastings

SPECIAL EVENTS