Food, wine and comedy at Pialligo Estate: Grapes of Mirth returns in December

If sitting out in the sunshine with a glass of fine local wine in hand and some of Australia’s best comedians in front of you sounds pretty great, you’re going to want to know all about The Grapes of Mirth.

The Pialligo Estate team is once again bringing some of Australia’s leading comic talents to Canberra as part of the second annual Grapes of Mirth national tour on Sunday, 1 December from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

When was the last time you really laughed? Laughed until your stomach hurt? ‘Til tears streamed down your face and you doubled over, barely able to breathe?

A really good laugh is like a big breath of fresh air for your soul. I’m almost certainly funnier after a couple of glasses of wine. You probably are, too.

So just imagine how hilarious some of Australia’s leading comics will be after a glass or two of Pialligo Estates best sparkling, pinot gris, rosé, merlot, shiraz, or even a customised gin cocktail?

The comedy line-up to accompany your tipple starts with co-founder of the event, Merrick Watts, self-confessed wine lover, highly successful media personality in his own right, and most-often recognised as half of the Merrick and Rosso comedy duo.

Among the funny friends joining Watts this year are Tom Ballard, who has won multiple awards in the Australian and international stages and who achieved widespread acclaim for his work as host of the ABC’s Tonightly; and Dave Thornton, actor and regular panel member on Network Ten’s The Project.

Comedian and writer Becky Lucas will also be performing, fresh from stints at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and on Network Ten’s Hughesy, We Have A Problem, and Nicky Britton continues a six-year-plus national and international stand-up tour, most recently concluding her solo show Once Bitten in July.

Finally, Nick Cody completes the line-up, backed by an impressive track record of performances at just about every comedy festival in Australia, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Soho Theatre in London.

While the entertainment line-up is impressive, including tunes from DJ Pedro Moshman, the menu alone looks like a pretty solid reason to attend.

It’s fuelled by Pialligo Estate’s own fine produce, which incorporates the olive grove, vineyard, orchard, market garden and an award-winning smokehouse.

So think pulled brisket burgers, charcuterie platters and cheese boards, calamari, popcorn chicken and hot chips with Pialligo Estate’s own special BBQ sauce.

There’s even a delicious-looking vegan antipasto platter!

If there was ever any doubt, the wine-and-comedy formula has already been proven, with the Grapes of Mirth 2019 following on from the immense success of the summer 2018 events.

This year’s national series takes in some of Australia’s best wine regions, including Orange and the Hunter Valley in NSW, South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Victoria’s King Valley and Relbia in northern Tasmania.

But you won’t need to travel that far, and there’s even a return bus to help get you home safely at the end of the day.

Tickets for Grapes of Mirth are available now and selling fast so wrangle your group together quick smart, pack your picnic rug or chair, and jump online.

Original Article published by Jane Speechley on The RiotACT.