Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Weekend, Winter Wine Festival
The Saturday centrepiece of Winter Wine Weekend. 35 wineries, 150 wines, a Riedel glass and the option to upgrade into a masterclass with Ed Merrison.
Saturday 6 June in the Red Hill Showgrounds pavilions: 35 wineries, 150 wines, an included Riedel glass, food stalls and live music. The masterclass upgrade with Ed Merrison is the smart spend if you actually want to learn something rather than just sip. The designated driver ticket exists so you have no excuse.
For first-timers it's the fastest education in cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay you'll get. For people who already know the region, it's the only time of year you can taste 30 wineries side by side and pick favourites you'd never otherwise compare.
The move: festival 11am to 4pm Saturday, dinner at Merricks General Store or Polperro that night, cellar-door trail Sunday with a long lunch booked. Accommodation in Red Hill or Merricks, book it now.