ver the last few summers, Melburnians have been offered a growing number of alfresco cinemas to choose from. This year, Rochford Wines gets in on the action with Movies in the Vineyard – a very classy take on the Victorian summer staple.

Set in Rochford Wines’ Yarra Valley winery, the MITV program is eclectic. Ranging from summer blockbusters like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Moneyball to more arty fair like We Need to Talk About Kevin and Melancholia, there’s a fine selection for all tastes.

What really makes Movies in the Vineyard stand out however – other than the chance to watch the sun set over some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, glass of fine wine in hand – is their program of special pre-release event screenings.

Opening this weekend with a first look at Margret Thatcher biopic The Iron Lady, MITV also offers sneak-peaks of Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo, Clint Eastwood’s highly anticipated J. Edgar, and the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation, Rum Diary, starring Johnny Depp.

Tickets include food and wine, and there’s a cellar-full of options to choose from. Basic admission ($24 adult/$21 concession) includes a gourmet pie and crisp sauvignon blanc, while Vintage admission ($38/$35) includes a wider selection of food accompanied by your choice of a cabernet merlot or chardonnay to start and a cab franc/merlot to follow.

If it’s a really luxurious night you’re after though, it’s got to be the Grand Cru Experience, which, at $59.50 per person (sold in pairs), gets you a reserved table and an epicurean hamper containing a bottle of Rochford wine (red or white) and a selection of sweet and savoury treats.

If you like your films a little fancy, Movies in the Vineyard at Rochford Wines will be well worth the drive.

Runs nightly from tonight (December 16) through the January holiday period, then until Easter on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays.

cinemanova.com.au/MITV/