Visit 19 of the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries- from Home

A long running institution, the Shortest Lunch is an annual event that takes place over the winter solstice that takes wine lovers on a gastronomical adventure across the Yarra Valley.

With 19 participating wineries, event-goers pay a nominal $15 fee for a glass and visit small, family owned vineyards and wineries, some of which are not always open to the public, enjoy tastings and paired entrée-sized meals should they choose to dine.

The event, which is facilitated by the not for profit Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association (YVSWA) was due to be a milestone, celebrating the 21st anniversary of the longest running wine and food event in the Yarra Valley, regretfully having to be postponed to 2021 due to the restrictions of COVID-19.

As a result, the YVSWA has developed The Shortest Lunch At Home, a unique offering with 19 participating wineries contributing two bottles towards three different mixed dozen cases that will be delivered for free across the country at a heavily reduced price.

Think of it as a vinified tour of the Valley from the comfort of your couch. The association has curated 38 wines into three unique cases of a dozen, and a mixed-six. No two cases have the same wines, and each case is a mix of red and white, along with rose or sparkling varietals. If you order 2 Dozen, you will receive 24 unique wines, if you order a Dozen, you will receive 12 unique wines and you can be assured none are from the same winery. The six-packs are completely unique as well.

President of the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Daniel Tokar said that this was a catalyst for changing the offering beyond just events. “For a long time, event-goers have asked us for a wine club or for mixed cases they could purchase online for convenience, and due to our limited resources going towards organising these 5000 strong events, we just didn’t have a chance to set this up.”

John D’Aloisio of Seville Hill Winery said he hoped the offering would raise the awareness of some of the wineries away from traditional thoroughfares. “As smaller winery owners, many of us work outside and in the winery to be able to sustain the expenses associated with production. The Shortest Lunch is a great way of not only gaining visitation, and selling wine, but encouraging wine lovers to stop on the way and find the offerings of some of the lesser known wineries in the Valley.

“There are normally around 80 wines on tasting ranging from traditional cool-climate varietals to Pet Nat’s and Sparkling wine, and for those smaller wineries, this is one of the most important weekends of the year in terms of building awareness.” He said.

The region has expanded, with wineries now fringing Silvan, Chirnside Park, Seville, Healesville, Dixons Creek, Gruyere, Coldstream and Wonga Park. The cases contain wines ranging from $24-$45 in value, with each case priced at $300 an offering of $390 worth of wine, or $155 for six and free delivery Australia wide. These will only be available until the 21st of June – the Winter Solstice, in line with licencing restrictions.

More information at https://www.yarravalleysmallerwineries.com.au/events/shortest-lunch-2020