Dark Cellars
About The Event
Dark Cellars
31 October | Old Geelong Gaol
You're being held at Dark Cellars. One day, no parole.
On Halloween this year, the cells of the Old Geelong Gaol swing open, not for prisoners, but for you. Twenty of the region's best winemakers, distillers, brewers and artisan producers are locked in the cell blocks, waiting to pour you their best.
When: Saturday 31 October 2026, 1:30pm to 8pm
Where: Old Geelong Gaol, 202 Myers St, Geelong
Age restriction: Strictly 18+
Your ticket includes:
A tote bag and tasting glass to keep
Full access to every producer tasting across both levels of the gaol
Entry to masterclasses hosted by our Wine Warden
Music and entertainment
Mugshots
Free shuttle from Geelong Station
Additional Extras:
Mano Deli's elite interpretation of a gourmet prison-ration pack- fit for Meat-eaters, Vego's and Vegans
What you'll do
Grab your mugshot on arrival, then roam freely from cell to cell across both levels of the Gaol, tasting your way through 20+ local wines, beers, spirits and produce at your own pace. Catch themed masterclasses hosted by our Warden, settle in for a gourmet prison pack by the phenoms at Mano Deli at your allocated dining slot, get inked at the temporary tattoo station, a Rocky Horror soundtrack carries you between cells as you discover all things epicurious.
On the day
1:30pm — Doors open, check in
1:30pm to 4:30pm — Session One tastings
4:30pm to 5:00pm — Changeover
5:00pm to 8:00pm — Session Two tastings
Masterclasses, live entertainment and gourmet prison dining run throughout
This is a genuine celebration of Geelong's food and wine culture, delivered somewhere no other wine event in Victoria could pull off.
Come thirsty, come curious, and dress for the occasion.
Lineup
Winemakers & Producers (A–Z)
70 Greenhills
Anther Distilling
Austins Wine
Barwon Ridge
Bellarine Estate
Blackmans Brewery
Bryne Wines
Circulus Wine
Hounds of the Vine
Kilgour Wines
Leura Park
Maluka Estate
McGlashan Estate
Mulline
Oakdene
Provenance Wines
Scotchmans Hill
Terindah Estate
Yayoi Wines
Other Exhibitors:
Geelong Animal Rescue
Manu Deli
Ocean Road Chocolate
Geelong Animal Rescue -
Sponsors:
Crowne Plaza
Bay FM
Epic Taste Adventures
GB Foods
FAQs
- How to the Geelong Gaol?
Getting to the Gaol
The Old Geelong Gaol sits at 202 Myers St, right in Central Geelong, a little over an hour from Melbourne by car or train.
By train: Geelong Station is a short trip from Melbourne, and Dark Cellars runs a free shuttle straight from the station to the gaol and back. No car, no problem.
By car: Metered and paid parking is available around Central Geelong. We'll always suggest getting the shuttle if you're planning on tasting your way through the afternoon.
Making a day of it: Central Geelong's bars, restaurants and waterfront are a five-minute walk away, so there's no reason to rush off once you're released.
- Is there an age limit?
Yes, Dark Cellars is strictly 18+.
- Is there parking at the venue?
Metered and paid parking is available in Central Geelong, a short walk from the gaol.
- Getting there: do I need a car?
No. A free shuttle runs between Geelong Station and the venue throughout the event. Trains from Melbourne take a little over an hour, and the shuttle picks up directly from the station.
- Is the venue accessible?
The ground floor is accessible via entry ramps. Upper-level access is via approximately 150 steps (top floor) due to the heritage nature of the building and cannot be modified. Companion Cards are accepted.
- How do I become a sponsor or exhibitor?
Get in touch at info@winegeelong.com.au.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
