The Winter Solstice has passed and we are officially on our way to Spring (though my hunt for the best seasonally-appropriate mulled wine in Melbourne continues – nay tips, do share). In Solstice celebration I travelled to the Yarra Valley for The Shortest Lunch last weekend. An annual event, I can’t believe I haven’t been before; though in a former life as a quasi-local I had frequented its warm weather counterpart the Grape Grazing festival (before it got too tipsy).

While I didn’t fall in love with any of the wines this time, the food was worth it; duck and haloumi savoury pancakes at Seville Estate, beef burgers at Brumfield, yet more fluffy pancakes (sweet Canadian style this time) at Five Oaks.

The best part of the adventure may have been the reward for a “hard” day’s tasting; the sunset over Five Oaks Vineyard.