Get ready to toast to more good times – Rochford Wines, the Yarra Valley’s undisputed home of live music, is turning up the volume and adding extra dates to its much-loved Saturday Night Live Music Series at Il Vigneto. And yep, the gigs are still totally free.
Kicking off this May and rolling all the way through to the start of spring, Rochford’s teaming up once again with Music Victoria to bring another ten nights of live music magic to the valley. We’re talking homegrown Melbourne talent – from soulful singer-songwriters to genre-hopping bands – lighting up the winery’s intimate indoor stage.
Lucky you; we’re running a giveaway for Forte readers to win a $250 voucher to enjoy a dinner and drinks on us, enter here!
View this post on Instagram
Sure, Rochford’s hosted some pretty huge names over the years on its outdoor stages, but this series is all about shining a spotlight on our own local legends and future stars. The lineup is as vibrant as a glass of pinot – featuring youth, original artists, and talent from the LGBTQIA+ and Indigenous music scenes. Basically, if you love live music and a solid community vibe, you’re going to feel right at home.
And speaking of home, Il Vigneto – Rochford’s stunning Italian-inspired restaurant – is the perfect setting for a night of wine, dine and rhythm. Think handmade pastas, crispy woodfired pizzas, fresh local seafood, and meats cooked to perfection. It’s all served up in a warm, rustic space with jaw-dropping vineyard views and a dreamy lakeside patio. Whether you’re out with the fam, a date, or your whole crew, it’s the kind of place where the wine flows, the music hums, and the stress melts away.
Here’s a run down of the full schedule, kicking off this weekend:
May 10, 2025 – Georgia Page
Georgia Page is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter whose emotive voice and heartfelt lyrics blend soul, pop, and acoustic elements to create a sound that is both raw and relatable.
May 17, 2025 – Archer
A largely self-taught indigenous, country and blues music artist with a unique and captivating voice – Archer is a folk musician and a country blues crooner poet.
May 24 – Dave Diprose & Darryl Thompson
Dave Diprose and Darryl Thompson’s music seamlessly weaves together the rich traditions of Bluegrass, Folk, and Singer Songwriter genres, with distinctive touches of Australiana.
June 7 – Ben Strong
Australian folk singer/songwriter Ben Strong loves music, words, and connecting with his fellow humans.
June 21 – Corn Nut Creek
Corn Nut Creek (USA/AU) are storytellers with moving songs that weave traditions of Appalachian music with a unique chamber-folk style.
July 5, 2025 – Michale Arvanitakis
Michael Arvanitakis is a multi-instrumentalist crossing many genres, including reggae, jazz, rock and world music.
July 12, 2025 – Sadie Mustoe
Sadie Mustoe, a contemporary pop-indie-folk storyteller delivers visceral, imaginative lyricism combined with twisting melodies that immerse audiences in the world of a Melbourne-based young adult.
July 26, 2025 – Claire & Sam
Claire Garvey is a proud Wurundjeri Woman who was born & raised in Healesville and has been playing with Sam, a Guitarist, Singer & Music Teacher, for almost two years.
August 16 – Szara Fox & Andrew Darling
Szara Fox is an exotic Dutch songstress, whose utterly unique songwriting style is infused with Flamenco and Balkan Gypsy music. Trumpet player Andrew Darling’s impassioned, evocative and fire-thrown playing weaves rich melodic lines and fiery improvisations throughout the music.
September 6, 2025 – Rufous Whistler
Hailing from Northeast Victoria (Wiradjuri Country), Rufous Whistler combines raw, heartfelt storytelling with modern arrangements, warm, commanding vocals, and virtuosic musicianship.
So mark your calendar, book a table, and make a night of it. From now until September, your Saturday nights just got a whole lot tastier – and a whole lot groovier – at Rochford Wines.
