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 (2 Sessions)
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 and Vego's
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)
Anther Distilling
Austins Wine
Barwon Ridge
Bellarine Estate
Blackmans Brewery
Bryne Wines
Circulus Wine
Hounds of the Vine
Kilgour Wines
Leura Park
McGlashan Estate
Mulline
Oakdene
Provenance Wines
Scotchmans Hill
Three Horns Meadery
Terindah Estate
Yayoi Wines
Other Exhibitors:
Geelong Animal Rescue
Mano Deli
The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road
Sponsors:
Crowne Plaza
Cellar Door App
K rock 95.5
Epic Taste Adventures
GB Foods
Go Solar Go Green
Fleetwood Printing Group
Chaos Bar - Halloween Afterparty
FREE SHUTTLE BUS
A free mini bus will run between Geelong Station and the Gaol, and it’s included with your ticket. Seats are limited on each run, so get in early.
Where to catch it: Geelong Station, at the taxi pick-up bay outside the main brick station building, next to the blue bus shelter.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kV23HToUj2v2qVkM9
The bus runs in loops rather than to a fixed timetable, so the times below are a guide.
Session 1 guests
Getting there: The first bus leaves Geelong Station at 1:00pm. It comes back for a second pick-up at around 1:30pm. If you catch the second bus, you might miss the first 15 minutes or so of your sesssion.
Heading home: Buses loop from the Gaol from 3:45pm until around 6:00pm.
Session 2 guests
Getting there: Buses loop from Geelong Station from around 4:00pm to get you in for the 5:00pm start.
Heading home: Buses loop from the Gaol from 7:30pm until around 8:30pm.
The return route is Gaol, then Chaos Bar (12 to 14 Union St), then Geelong Station. That means you can hop off at the afterparty or ride all the way back to the train.
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.
- Shuttle Bus Info
FREE SHUTTLE BUS
A free mini bus will run between Geelong Station and the Gaol, and it’s included with your ticket. Seats are limited on each run, so get in early.
Where to catch it: Geelong Station, at the taxi pick-up bay outside the main brick station building, next to the blue bus shelter.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kV23HToUj2v2qVkM9The bus runs in loops rather than to a fixed timetable, so the times below are a guide.
Session 1 guests
Getting there: The first bus leaves Geelong Station at 1:00pm. It comes back for a second pick-up at around 1:30pm. If you catch the second bus, you might miss the first 15 minutes or so of your sesssion.
Heading home: Buses loop from the Gaol from 3:45pm until around 6:00pm.Session 2 guests
Getting there: Buses loop from Geelong Station from around 4:00pm to get you in for the 5:00pm start.
Heading home: Buses loop from the Gaol from 7:30pm until around 8:30pm.The return route is Gaol, then Chaos Bar (12 to 14 Union St), then Geelong Station. That means you can hop off at the afterparty or ride all the way back to the train.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
