On a delightful sunny autumn afternoon in Adelaide with the temperature sitting around 28 degrees, nothing could beat a wine tasting of some of Australia’s finest wines. Add in the knowledge and hilarious comedy of Merrick Watts and you have the perfect afternoon.

Many of us fell in love with Watts’ comedy from his work on the radio. His story-telling approach to comedy takes you on a journey before landing a punchline that often has you barrelled over with laughter (a wine barrel nonetheless!). What does surprise many people is that Watts is a fully trained sommelier, and regularly attends wine shows as a judge. His wine knowledge is extensive and as an audience member you leave feeling like you’ve learnt something new about the wine industry.

In An Idiot’s Guide to Wine: Volume 3, audiences are guided by Watts through a wine flight featuring six of Australia’s best wines, most of which are not as common as your shiraz, cabernet or chardonnay. Three whites and three reds are on offer, and they are all exceptional. Watts guides us through each wine with fact tidbits, including quizzing the audience on what each variety might be. He also interweaves his incredible story-telling comedy.

This is an absolute winning formula and the perfect start to your Fringe day. With shows at 12.30pm or 3pm, it’s the perfect lead-in to your day out at this year’s Fringe.

This is quickly becoming a Fringe staple. With only a few shows left this coming weekend, make sure you spend some time with one of Australia’s greatest comedians and sommeliers. A match made in heaven!