Shortest Lunch 2026
A winter weekend of Yarra Valley wine tasting, local food and family-run cellar doors
Shortest Lunch returns on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026, bringing wine lovers into the Yarra Valley for two days of handcrafted wines, live music, good food and relaxed cellar door discovery across the region. Running from 11am to 5pm each day, it is one of the Yarra Valley’s best-loved winter wine events and a great reason to get out of town during the cooler months.
Set across 13 participating family-run wineries, Shortest Lunch invites guests to explore some of the valley’s hidden gems while enjoying a more informal and welcoming festival feel. It is the kind of event that suits couples, groups of friends and families alike, with a broad mix of food, music and wine experiences spread across the weekend. Many venues are also dog-friendly, which adds to the easy, inclusive feel of the event.
Wine, food and winter atmosphere
Food is a big part of the appeal, with each winery offering its own take on winter festival fare. Across the trail, guests can expect everything from homemade apple pies and cheese platters to classic Italian dishes and American-style barbecue, alongside wines by the glass or bottle and exclusive Shortest Lunch cellar door specials available only during the event weekend. With most venues also catering to children and a range of dietary needs, the event lends itself to a longer, more relaxed day in the valley rather than a quick tasting stop.
Participating wineries across the valley
Participating wineries for Shortest Lunch 2026 include Billanook Estate, FIN, Helen’s Hill, Six Acres, Soumah of Yarra Valley, Sutherland Estate and Yering Farm, with more wineries joining the trail across the weekend. Beyond the food and wine, the event also carries a strong community connection, with a percentage of proceeds supporting local groups and organisations. Since it began, Shortest Lunch has contributed more than $100,000 to local schools and community causes.
A winter wine event within reach of Marysville
For guests staying at Peppers Marysville, Shortest Lunch is an easy way to spend the day in the Yarra Valley before returning to a quieter base in Marysville. It works especially well for those wanting to pair a winter wine event with a more regional stay, rather than staying within the busiest part of the valley itself.
If you are planning to enjoy tastings across multiple wineries, it is worth organising a designated driver or planning transport ahead of time. Kids, non-drinkers and designated drivers also receive free entry, making the event an easy option for mixed groups.
Image credit: Yarra Valley Small Wineries
