WITH over 20 years of experience as a comedian and an affinity for fine wine, Australian radio host and television personality Merrick Watts has combined his two great loves into Grapes of Mirth.
With six sold-out shows since it began in 2017, Merrick has found a sweet spot in the market and will open the 2019 calendar in the Limestone Coast.
Penola Racecourse will set the scene for the January 19 event, bringing an international calibre of comedy to the vineyards in support of the district’s wine region.
Merrick will be joined by Dave Thornton, Nath Valvo, Dilruk Jayasinha, Fiona O’Loughlin and Cal Wilson.
Punters will be treated to a full afternoon of comedy, music, wine and food, all from the comfort of a giant air-conditioned marquee.
“We have tried to have a great balance of comedians with different performance styles that compliment each other well,” Merrick said.
“They each have a 20 to 25 minute set which aims to give a strong sharp showcase of their style.
“I think it’s a great mix of performers – like a mixed six pack of wine.”
Two comedians will perform in each set with intermissions in-between.
“It’s a nice relaxing vibe,” Merrick said.
“We do not want people to feel rushed getting back to their seats or chatting to their friends.
“We have got DJ Pedro from Adelaide playing some great music and creating a positive mood.”
Merrick believes the success of Grapes of Mirth comes from the perfect combination of wine and comedy.
“As long as I can remember people have been sharing wines and sharing humour,” he said.
“You do not get the same kind of feeling sharing a vodka redbull.
“But with wine its very convivial – you laugh a lot and just have a relaxing time with your mates.”
In true Coonawarra community spirit, the event will be the first of its kind to offer wine from more than one producer.
A total of 12 Penola and Coonawarra wineries have stepped up to the plate to enhance the event’s atmosphere.
They include Balnaves of Coonawarra, The Blok Coonawarra, Brand’s Laira of Coonawarra, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Hollick Estates, Koonara Wines, Majella Wines, Patrick of Coonawarra, Penley Estate, Raidis Estate, Whistle Post and Rymill Coonawarra.
Merrick said he was blown away with the support shown from the wine region.
“I live in Sydney and you’d be hard pressed to see this kind of togetherness around there,” he said.
“In modern times you do not see such a strong sense of community like you do in Penola and Coonawarra.
“We have only ever had one producer putting on our events so for 12 to get together and say ‘hey, let’s do this together’ really bucks the trend.”
Merrick hosted the first Grapes of Mirth event in McLaren Vale and believes South Australia has one of the best wine industries in the country, if not the world.
“There’s obviously the bigger regions like McLaren Vale and the Barossa,” he said.
“But Coonawarra is really up there with the best – from the beginning I also knew I wanted to bring the show to the region, but I did not realise how quickly it would happen.
“I’m so happy to be coming back to South Australia as it truly has some spectacular wine regions.
“Any variety of wine you can find across the globe you can find in South Australia.”
Although a world away in Sydney, Merrick said when out for dinner and he noticed a Coonawarra cabernet on the menu, it is always his first choice.
“I have spent quite a bit of time in Coonawarra over the years,” he said.
“The wine coming out of the region is just amazing.
“Last time I was in town I tried a sparkling red and was taken back by it.
“I think the innovation behind a lot of the wines in Coonawarra is what’s going to really cement its status.”
Visit www.grapesofmirth.com.au to purchase tickets to the Coonawarra event.
