Wine and food to the fore as small producers get together

Enjoy visiting smaller wine producers? Fancy a day or two in the Yarra Valley? 

The Shortest Lunch festival returns on June 20-21 with 13 family-run wineries linking up for two days of cool-climate wines, hearty winter fare, fireside tastings and live music, all in celebration of the winter solstice.

The Shortest Lunch offers the chance to meet the makers behind the cellar doors and discover small-batch wines. 

Guests will be able to taste over 100 wines, including exclusive aged and new-release drops, with food menus that span wood-fired flatbreads, slow-cooked ragu, vegan Mediterranean fare, and spiced apple desserts, all priced under $25. 

It is a family- and dog-friendly event, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at every stop, and live music and vineyard views included.

Tickets start at $35 for a full weekend pass (including a souvenir tasting glass), with Wine & Dine ($70) and VIP packages ($100) also available. 

The line-up of participating wineries includes: Boat O'Craigo, Fin Wines, Helen's Hill Estate, Seville Estate. Seville Hill, Soumah (a must-visit),  Steels Gate, Sutherland Estate, Tokar Estate, Yering Farm, Bilanook Estate, Whispering Hills and Yileena Park. 

Expect sparkling, rosé, red, white, orange, Pet Nat and dessert wine styles, along with small-batch ciders and beers. 

Use the code EARLYBIRD before June 1 to receive 10% off all ticket types. Proceeds from the event support vital local causes, with over $100,000 raised to date for groups such as the local CFA, SES and Make-A-Wish Australia.

See www.shortestlunch.com.au for tickets and more information on the wineries, menus, ticket types and transportation.