The three-day festival, presented by Merrick Watts’ production company Grapes Of Mirth, features an impressive line-up of comedy connoisseurs from here and abroad – and foodies can indulge in a culinary extravaganza led by renowned pit master Adam Roberts and celebrated Irish chef Colin Fassnidge.

There’ll also be a Mini Wine Marathon, a run spanning five kilometres through stunning vineyards for wine tastings. If running isn’t your thing, you can unwind at the Rosé And Relaxation Day Spa.

The creative types can wander through the Mitchelton Gallery Of Aboriginal Art, or partake in Collage Party: Create Your Own Label. . . All before enjoying a closing performance from Australian musical icon Tim Rogers on Sunday.

The laughs are headlined by an Australian exclusive appearance from the UK’s Jen Brister, known for her explosive energy and razor-sharp wit.

Jen has become one of the most in-demand comedians in the world – she's a regular performer on the UK and international comedy circuits, has an Amazon Prime comedy show 'Meaningless', and a comedy memoir called 'The Other Mother'.

Before Jen heads to Victoria for Comedy In The Vines, we spoke to her.

You’re heading here to perform EXCLUSIVELY at Comedy In The Vines! First of all, what can you tell us about your style of comedy?
My comedy is observational stories and anecdotes from my life. Don’t expect quick puns cause I don’t have any, what I do have is an aggressive take on every aspect of being a middle-aged woman with young children. Something for everyone, but mainly middle-aged women with young children.

What are you most looking forward to about playing Comedy In The Vines?
Wine. Aussie wine is the best and annoyingly for us Brits you don’t like exporting the good stuff. So, I’ll be spending the weekend doing my best impression of a wine taster whose forgotten you’re not supposed to swallow.

What’s something about Australian audiences that makes us stand out from other crowds?
It’s been a while since I’ve performed in Australia but from past experience I’ve always been blown away at how friendly Aussie audiences are. It’s like they’ve left the house to see comedy because they want to have a good time, rather than having to convince them that laughing is fun, which is what I have to do back home, "Guys, honestly if you let go you might enjoy this thing called ‘laughing’."

When did you get into the world of stand-up, and what drew you to it?
24 years ago, and I probably started due to some kind of emotional instability.

Which three acts in the comedy world, dead or alive, would you love to dine with. . . And why those choices?
Oh god that sounds horrendous. I’ll go for dinner with Hannah Gadsby, Kerry Godliman and Zoe Lyons as they’re my mates and we’d have a lovely time.

Why is comedy such a powerful tool, in your opinion? What’s its greatest power?
The beauty of being a comedian is that you’re not part of the establishment, or at least you shouldn’t be. This means you can say whatever the hell you like about whatever you want, and no one can censor you. I’m saying that with the understanding that you’re not a massive bellend whose intention is to offend anyone. But I do think comedy can be used to highlight the ridiculous aspects of our lives or the injustice or inequality of our societal systems in a way that people might be prepared to listen to because it doesn’t feel like a lecture. It’s also a collective experience so it has the power to bring people together in a shared experience. I’ve also heard it’s the best medicine, but I can honestly say I’ve never laughed my way out of a cold, so it’s definitely got its limitations.

You put out a memoir a few years ago. What inspired you to write this?
Money.

What was the biggest thing you learned from writing a memoir?
It doesn’t make you money.

What’s next for you?
A brand-new show and a brand-new tour in 2025/26.

Comedy In The Vines takes place at Mitchelton Wines (Victoria) 8-10 November.

Comedy In The Vines 2024 Line-Up

Jen Brister
Joel Creasey
Mel Buttle
Dave Thornton
Melanie Bracewell
Gillian Cosgriff
Rove
Merrick Watts
Nick Cody
Alex Ward
Lou Wall
Luke Heggie
Brett Blake
Lloyd Langford
+ more