The Darwin Wine Party

A party like no other hosted by comedian and certified wine-wanker Merrick Watts.

Grapes of Mirth is bringing a huge afternoon of wine to Mindil Beach Casino Resort for Darwin Festival, and the full line-up has been revealed.

Joining Merrick on the main stage for a sit-down chat and a lot of laughs over a glass (or bottle of wine) will be all round legend Mel Buttle. 

Mel will also help Mez hosting the second half of the afternoon when the wines are flowing and the games begin. We’re talking actual games, with real prizes, think Goon & Spoon races, giant prize wheels, blind tasting challenges and plenty of chances to embarrass yourself in front of complete strangers.

The real star of the afternoon is the wine, with over 60 wines on show from around Australia and the world. Areas will be split into the traditional home of each wine, with a dedicated bar for France, Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, and Germany and Austria. Each area will have a dedicated wine expert, including sommelier, and in our opinion the funniest person in her household, Georgie Watts.

On arrival each guest will choose a free tasting card based on their wine-profile, so whether you want to stick to the classics, try something new, or only like your wines big and bold there will be wine journey for everyone.

The main stage will also feature a killer set from Darwin based funk and soul collective The Governors, and it wouldn’t be Grapes of Mirth without a DJ set from DJ Pedro Moshman to see us through the sunset.

All tickets include a take-home wine glass.