Aussie Comedian Merrick Watts Shares His Top Acts (and Wines To Try) at His Adelaide Festival, Grapes of Mirth

Pull up a picnic rug: you’re invited to a huge comedy, food and wine festival at Barossa Valley’s Seppeltsfield Estate this month.

It’s been four years since beloved comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts launched Grapes of Mirth, a series of one-day events bringing together talented comedians and incredible vino. For the first time, he’s turning it into a full-blown festival just an hour outside Adelaide’s CBD.

“We hold large-scale comedy events in beautiful wineries around the country,” says Watts. “Grapes of Mirth started off as a little gig I had at a winery in McLaren Vale a few years ago and has now grown into a massive two-day event at Seppeltsfield.

“It’s simply about good comedy, good wine and good people. You grab the program and then set your own agenda for the weekend … it’s pretty unique.”

The stacked festival line-up includes stand-up comedy sets from Judith Lucy, Tom Gleeson, Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, and Geraldine Hickey (just to name a few); live podcasts (including The Chaser and Bang On with Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe); food and wine masterclasses; and live music.

Food writer and Masterchef co-host Melissa Leong will also host a stand-up cook off with some of the best comedians on the line-up, while drinks expert Mike Bennie will challenge them to make the cocktail that nearly killed them.

You can also expect tastings from Seppeltsfield and other top local wineries such as Whistler and Alkina – some of which will be hosted by Watts himself. Plus, there’ll be a customisable wine-bottling station, a walk-through gin and tonic mister, and a nails and rosé bar.

With so many shows to pack in, we asked Watts to share his must-sees (and must-drinks) for the weekend.

What is your must-see comedy act of the weekend?

It’s always hard to pick favourites. I’ll be fortunate enough to be see most of the acts, but I always enjoy watching Tom Gleeson go “off script”. It’s something to behold.

And your music pick?

I haven’t seen Odette or Stellie perform live, so that will be a real treat for me. They’re powerful voices, amazing performers. I’m really excited about this.

What wine producer should punters make sure they try?

I always encourage people to try the Seppeltsfield grenache because it’s just bloody delicious, easy-drinking and modern. I’d also look out for white wines from Yelland & Papps, especially its vermentino. To be honest, all the wines and winemakers are personally selected and curated, so there’s an awesome mix of styles and varieties – and they show that the Barossa is not only about shiraz! The region is continually evolving, but the high quality always remains.

Grapes of Mirth takes place from October 29–30, 2022. Tickets are available to purchase now for $119.