The Yarra Valley's much-loved winter wine festival is back for 2026, with The Shortest Lunch kicking off on the winter solstice across Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. All across the valley, 13 wineries are taking part in what could be the most affordable wine weekend you'll ever have. If you haven't heard of it before, The Shortest Lunch is basically two jam-packed days of wine tasting, live music, incredible food and beautiful scenery, spread across family-owned wineries in the Yarra Valley. And since this is put together by the Yarra Valley Smaller Wines Association, we're talking smaller, boutique names like Billanook Estate, Steels Gate, Boat O'Craigo and Sutherland Estate. You can book before Friday, May 29, for an early bird discount of 17 percent across all ticket tiers, otherwise it's for $35 for weekend entry, $70 for a ticket that includes a meal voucher and a complimentary glass of wine, or $100 for a VIP ticket, which includes all of the above and a whole bottle to take home. Kids, non-drinkers and designated drivers can get in for free, and if you've got a four-legged sommelier in tow, ten of the 13 participating wineries are dog-friendly. In terms of food, there's plenty to choose from. With wood fires a-roaring throughout the valley, you can expect the likes of gourmet jaffles with chardonnay-braised chicken, American-style BBQ, hand-filled canneloni, porchetta panini, slow-cooked osso bucco, Nepalese mo-mos, lamb shank on Paris mash, homemade apple pies, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and chocolate cherry liqueur cheesecakes — the best part? No food item anywhere in the festival costs more than $25. If you're planning your trip around your wine preferences, some participating destinations have specialties. Cool-climate pinot and chardonnay lovers can beeline to Tokar and Helen's Hill. If you're partial to the Italian varietals, visit Billanook, Seville Hill or SOUMAH, and if you love a glass of the natty good stuff, make for Fin Wines and Six Acres. Anywhere else, you'll find a menu that paints a broad picture of the valley's legendary viticulture potential. All 13 participating wineries are open from 11am to 5pm on both days, and the entire experience is self-guided, so you're free to follow your nose. Just save some space in the car for all the bottles you'll no doubt want to take home. The Shortest Lunch returns on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. Tickets are on sale now, with early bird discounts available until Friday, May 29. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
