Drinking and comedy combine in An idiot’s guide to wine

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Merrick Watts, comedian, SAS Australia champion and now wine expert presented his show An idiot’s guide to wine at Adelaide Cabaret Festival on Sunday afternoon (and evening).

The Adelaide Festival Centre Banquet Room was filled with tables topped with the 6 glass wine flight, though which Merrick would guide us that afternoon. Rather than a snobby, intimidating wine tasting, in Merrick’s hands it turned into a hilarious, fun-filled afternoon.

We’re still not sure how a comedy show about wine (without any music) falls into the Cabaret category (broad as cabaret is) but we’re very glad that it was included in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival program.

Throughout the 70 minutes, Merrick Watts alternated between sharing facts about wine and telling jokes and just like a fine wine, it was the perfect balance. He also shared with the audience his qualifications in wine (WSET 3, qualified wine judge, and qualified Barossa Master) and also as an idiot (having failed year 11 twice at a school where his mum was a teacher). Merrick weaved tales of his time on the reality TV show SAS Australia throughout the afternoon.

We were guided through a tasting of six wines starting with two whites, followed by a rosato and ending with three reds. Merrick had personally chosen the wines we tasted, and he chose well with something for all tastes. He spoke of maligned varietals such as chardonnay and how a lot of men won’t drink rosé.

Merrick displayed impressive knowledge of South Australia making jokes about demographics from certain Adelaide suburbs, and of course Snowtown. There were no holds barred – vegans, marathon runners and public servants were all fair game.

In An idiot’s guide to wine, bold claims were made by Merrick: “Don’t trust a man who doesn’t like Riesling”, and interesting pairings shared: an expensive chardonnay with chicken twisties.

An idiot’s guide to wine was a perfect way to share a Sunday afternoon. Merrick Watt’s tours the show and if you like wine (even if you don’t know much about it) and comedy, we recommend you go along.