Watts to uncork Grapes of Mirth at Mount Duneed

A huge comedy event is set for Mt Duneed Estate next month, when the hilarious Merrick Watts brings Grapes of Mirth to Geelong.

On February 4, Watts, the show’s founder and head clown, will host a huge lineup of Australian comedians comprising Peter Helliar, Denise Scott, Melanie Bracewell from The Cheap Seats and Have you Been Paying Attention?, Mel Buttle, and Fox FM host Nick Cody, giving the community six hours of laughs and entertainment.

After a successful performance of his show An Idiot’s Guide to Wine at Mt Duneed Estate in 2022, Watts said he couldn’t wait to bring comedy back to the local community.

“This year we’ve locked in a great little lineup and can’t wait to be heading to Geetroit!” Watts said.

“Peter Helliar is one of my longest mates, Nick Cody is a gun, and of course there’s the incomparable Denise Scott who is just a dream and such a killer comedian.

“We’ve also got Mel Bracewell who is a fantastic Kiwi performer; I think it’s her first time definitely to Mt Duneed but maybe even Geelong.

“The comedians love doing this gig, which is really important – the experience for them is like the experience for the audience.”

Watts said the wine and comedy match made in heaven was developed five years ago as he sat in wineries across the country thinking of the endless opportunities of laughs, wines and music.

“I was in a winery one day and I thought ‘I love wine and I love wineries so why don’t I do gigs at some?”

“Grapes of Mirth has been running for about five years, and we were lucky during the pandemic to continue to book some shows and stay alive.

“Since lockdowns ended, Grapes of Mirth has just been thriving and building.”

The Australian comedian said the team recognised the high quality of the Geelong area, citing its surf culture, agriculture and diverse makeup.

“These subregions of Australia [The Bellarine and Geelong] are really high quality, make great wines and consist of great people,” Watts said.

“An Idiot’s Guide to Wine sold out really quickly last year and people in Geetroit loved it.

“People obviously in the area were looking for something different and that’s what Grapes of Mirth is too.

“People just want to have a laugh and enjoy.”

In between comedic sets, Grapes of Mirth resident DJ Pedro Moshman will have everyone dancing and getting in the relaxed and fun mood.

Grapes of Mirth has toured across the country, including Newcastle, Orange, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Launceston and there are plans to go to Western Australia in 2023.

Tickets for the Mt Duneed Estate show can be purchased at bit.ly/GoMTNG2023