Up for a spring road trip in country Victoria? Comedy in the Vines might be the perfect reason to go.
Back for its second year, Comedy in the Vines will turn Mitchelton Wines in Nagambie into the epicentre of laughter, entertainment and good food from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10.
Festival director and comedy genius Merrick Watts said Comedy in the Vines was a culmination of many different things that made sense together.
“You’ve got, obviously, comedy, a stunning winery like Mitchelton, and food and wine,” he said.
“I think there’s a really nice little alchemy.
“I suppose the recipe is you’ve got all these things that relate together, so people like food and wine, but also, they like comedy.”
Mr Watts said comedy itself was like food and wine.
“It’s a shared experience,” he said.
“You share a bottle of wine with friends, you share a laugh with friends, and share food with friends, so it’s very much like a shared experience.
“I think that's the reason why it's so enjoyable for people.”
This year’s Comedy in the Vines has a jam-packed line-up, including an exclusive performance with one of the UK’s most in demand acts, Jen Brister.
The festival also includes activities including a podcast room, ‘An Idiot’s Guide to Wine’ by Mr Watts, wine master classes, a mini wine marathon, and even an oyster and riesling shot bar.
‘An Idiot’s Guide to Wine’ is wine tasting and comedy combined.
Guests will taste four different varietals, handpicked by Mr Watts, and each will be accompanied by a joke and some wine knowledge.
“I judge wine shows around the country, so I’ll be conducting some Master classes,” Mr Watts said.
“They’re (master classes) pretty funny, they're not too dry, but we do actually give a bit of attention to the wine.
“Make sure the people who want to learn about wines can learn about wines.”
There will also be a 5km fun run, but with a twist.
“We’re going to run five kilometres, but in each kilometre we're going to stop and taste different types of wine,” Mr Watts said.
“If I’m honest, I thought there would be no-one, maybe one or two lunatics would do it with me.
“It’s already up to 20 people that are in.”
Comedy in the Vines will run from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10 at Mitchelton Wines in Nagambie.
“You can come for one day, you can come for three days, you can come for as much time as you like,” Mr Watts said.
“It’s easy to get to, but we do have a transport option.
“People don’t have to drive, and they can travel safely.
“Just go into the website, have a look, come along, have fun and support it.”
For more information about the line-ups, activities and tickets, visit comedyinthevines.com.