Comedy in the Vines is back with good times and good wine galore. Returning to CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley from October 22-25, it’s four days of non-stop belly laughs, delicious drops, live music and entertainment.
More than 25 of Australia’s favourite comedians are on the line-up, including Lano and Woodley, Mel Buttle, Sammy J, Geraldine Hickey, Dave Hughes, Lizzy Hoo, Claire Hooper, Dave Thornton, Gillian Cosgriff, Ben Knight, Urvi Majumdar, Alex Ward, Kate Dolan and plenty more.
And if you love George Lewis, aka “the funniest dad on Instagram”, it’s your chance to see the hilarious UK comic in person as he makes his Aussie debut at the festival.
Festival founder Merrick Watts is back as host and self-appointed “Head Clown” of Grapes of Mirth, keeping the wine flowing and the comedians in line (or attempting to). His popular In Vino Veritas (in wine is truth) series returns with comedian Santo Cilauro.
Speaking of vino, there are more than 20 Yarra Valley wineries to explore at the popular Meet Your Maker Bar, where you can chat with the people behind some of the region's best drops. There'll also be masterclasses, cellar door experiences and the chance to learn how to swirl, sniff and sip like a professional with Master of Wine, Meg Brodtmann.
If wine education sounds a little too serious, don't worry. Festivalgoers can limber up for Nikki Britton's gloriously silly Wine Aerobics session or tackle the legendary 5km Wine Run, where tastings await at every kilometre. Run, jog or meander between tipples – it’s entirely up to you.
Rounding out the program, Gillian Cosgriff will run her acclaimed cabaret gameshow There's Nothing Like a Game, while Saturday night introduces the inaugural Comedy DJ Battles, where comedians swap punchlines for playlists. The winner will be decided entirely by the audience – and possibly by how much wine they've consumed.
Comedy in the Vines is on at CherryHill Orchards from October 22-25. Get all the details and buy your tickets here.
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