Go small, seriously small, at Shedfest

Shedfest, the spring wine festival in the Yarra Valley, is a celebration with a difference. 

If you enjoy events hosted by artisans and micro-producers then Shedfest might appeal to you. 

Shedfest returns over the weekend of October 12-13 with 14 members of the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association opening their boutique, family-run cellar doors for wine lovers to enjoy wine tastings, matching food bites, lawn games, fire pits, views and live music.

 
Two new participant -  Yileena Park and Helen's Hill Estate - will be involved for the first time, while Six Acres and Seville Estate returning after absences of several years. 

Some wineries will also offer exclusive deals and experiences for guests, including lawn games at Sutherland Estate, a free family petting zoo at Tokar Estate, a classic car display at Steels Gate and kids colouring books at Yileena Park.

There will be a total of over 100 Yarra Valley wines to try, across all styles. 

Each winery will offer entrée-sized bites for under $25 to accompany the wines with menu offerings ranging from Sicilian barbeque, to Texan-style burgers, to pizzas and calzones, to Vietnamese banh mi and modern Thai cuisine. 

Organisers have changed the entry ticket to a flat rate of $35, rather than a day or weekend ticket.

Early bird tickets with 10% off are available to purchase now via shedfest.com.au. 

Yarra Valley boutique wineries turn on the style

The wineries of the Yarra Valley love a festival.

And celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, spring wine festival Shedfest returns next month.

Mark October 14-15 in your diary for a weekend of wine tastings and bites at 11 family-owned, boutique wineries dotted across the valley.

All members of Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries group, the small proucers, including Soumah, Boat O'Craigo and Tokar Estate, will be offering over 100 wines to taste as well as a selection of gourmet items and live music.

Some wineries will also be offering exclusive deals and experiences for guests - including a Spicy Burger Challenge at Tokar Estate, where chilli lovers can win a bottle of wine if they conquer an entire super-fiery burger.

Tickets cost $35 for a single day or $50 for a weekend pass, which includes a souvenir wine glass to keep.

VIP tickets are also available, where patrons will receive a weekend ticket, souvenir glass, meal voucher, glass of wine and bottle of wine for $110.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased here.  

Ciders and beers will also be on offer and kids, non-drinkers and designated drivers will get free entry.