The Shortest Lunch

Overview

Thanks to the winter solstice, this week is gifting us the shortest days of the whole year; but that doesn't mean less time devoted to wining, dining and merriment. In fact, that's the whole basis of Yarra Valley wine festival The Shortest Lunch, which returns from Saturday, June 25–Sunday, June 26.

Across both days, festival-goers can hop between 12 of the region's family-owned boutique wineries, enjoying unlimited tastings along with live tunes and a broad menu of small plates. You'll get to meet and chat with the makers as you sip an array of varietals, or purchase a glass or bottle to settle in with while you soak up the live sounds. There'll also be exclusive cellar door specials on offer.

Each venue will also be slinging a curation of entree-sized dishes — from the slow-cooked paprika lamb shoulder and polenta at Kellybrook, to Tokar Estate's kraut-topped kransky rolls, to Chinese mushroom bolognese jaffles courtesy of Fin. Food will be extra to purchase, though nothing is over $20.

Tickets clock in at $50, including all your wine tastings and a tasting glass to keep, with a portion of this year's profits going to support Make-A-Wish Australia.