Nothing says sophisticated like learning to swirl a glass while Denise Scott cracks jokes. Comedy In The Vines returns to the Yarra Valley from 24-26 October.
The festival has added comedy legend Denise Scott to close out the weekend at CherryHill Orchards in Coldstream. Scott returns to the stage after her recent health battle, bringing her iconic style back to Australian audiences. Comedy In The Vines combines wine tasting with comedy performances across three days in the heart of Victoria’s premier wine region.
This year introduces the CITV Certified Wine Wanker Course, where festival regular Merrick Watts teams up with Master of Wine Meg Brodtmann. The 60-minute crash course uses the globally recognised Systematic Approach to Tasting from WSET, teaching participants how to taste, assess and identify grape varietals. Yarra Valley winemaker Mac Forbes will also run a rare masterclass alongside Watts, showcasing his celebrated wines and sharing industry insights.
Comedy In The Vines
- Where: CherryHill Orchards, Coldstream, Yarra Valley
- When: 24-26 October
- Tickets: comedyinthevines.com
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The wine program features more than 75 drops from 15 Yarra Valley producers, including treasures from Mac Forbes’ cellar and cult wines from Yarra Yering. Festival-goers can meet the winemakers behind each bottle and discover the stories that shaped their craft. The legendary Sunday Wine Run returns, combining five kilometres of running with five wine tastings along the route.
UK comedy sensation Michelle De Swarte makes her only Australian appearance of 2025 at the festival, following her sold-out UK tour and viral success on Live at the Apollo. Hot Dub Time Machine brings his time-travelling dancefloor experience to Friday night, setting the party mood for the weekend ahead.
The lineup includes comedy heavyweights Tommy Little, Nazeem Hussain, Peter Helliar, Zoë Coombs Marr, Sammy J, Anisa Nandaula, Nath Valvo and Sam Taunton. International acts include Ivan Aristeguieta from Venezuela, Abby Howells and Ray O’Leary from New Zealand, and Takashi Wakasugi from Japan. Reuben Kaye performs with a live band, while Judith Lucy presents In Vino Veritas.
The festival combines wine education with entertainment, offering masterclasses alongside comedy shows throughout the weekend. Attendees can explore the full spectrum of Yarra Valley wine culture while enjoying performances from local and international comedians across multiple stages.
For more information, head here.
