Lunchtime in the Yarra Valley

Sandi, Jo, Jasmine and Jaimee relax at Boat O’Craig 194896 Picture: GREG CARRICK

By Jed Lanyon

The Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries invited diners to join them for the Shortest Lunch on 22 to 23 June to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

The event celebrated the shortest weekend of the year with a moving feast of entree-sized meals, and provided the perfect way to meander around the Yarra Valley’s boutique wineries and savour great food, wine and music, without the hustle and bustle.

Diners received a souvenir wine glass at their first winery visit, which allowed them to taste and enjoy the wines at all the participating wineries that they visited over the two days.

John D’Aloisio owner of Seville Hill Wines said that this year’s Shortest Lunch was ‘another success’.

Although it is too early to tell the exact results from the event, he said the 14 wineries involved were happy with the numbers they had coming for the weekend.

Mr D’Aloisio said that the event was busy and that despite the dismal weather, people weren’t scared away.

The net proceeds of the Shortest Lunch entry fee will go to local CFA brigades.

Since 2009 the Shortest Lunch has raised more than $75,000 for local CFA brigades and SES.