With each ticket providing access to the festival village with plenty to eat, drink and do, The Grampians Grape Escape is the festival you will want to be a part of.
Founded in 1992, the Grampians Grape Escape festival is a natural oasis, attended by around 10,000 people each year who graze their way through some of the region’s finest wines, fine food and produce. A ‘must-attend’ event, here’s some things to pop on your to-do list:
REGIONAL BEVVIES
Some of Australia’s most distinguished winemakers are active in the Grampians region. Experimenting with techniques and pushing boundaries, these wineries will bring award-winning and newly discovered wines. Being legends, they also cater for those who aren’t wine drinkers with boutique beer, cider and other distillery delights.
PADDOCK TO PLATE
Continue the romance wine has with food and feast from the variety of festival food trucks and taste your way around producer samples. With variety to satisfy all members of your party, devour an Angus beef burger, demolish Spanish Paella or try a festival favourite, Forge Pizza. Finish up with a delightfully naughty Danish donut, cheese plate or a coffee inspired bespoke dessert to get you through the day… after all, this food frenzy is hard work.
GUEST CHEFS
This year, GGE are teaming up with chef and host of the popular TV series River Cottage Australia, Paul West, PLUS one of MasterChef AU’s most loved contestants and friendly face of channel 10’s TV hit, The Cooks Pantry, Matt Sinclair for masterclasses and cooking demonstrations using the finest local and seasonal produce. This one is sure to be a hit with festival attendees so don’t miss out.
LIVE MUSIC
A deliciously talented line-up and a glass of wine will warm festival goers up. Dance to the beats of banjo-wielding, blues-loving bands or relax with a picnic possie on the lawn to romantic folk tunes. Uncover your new favourite artist or sing with your mates to a well-known cover. These good vibes will make for the perfect accompaniment to a chilled festival weekend. On Saturday May 5, you can enjoy the sweet sounds from Coby Grant, Nick Charles, Stringybark McDowell & Mollycoddle, Wanderers, Madhouse and The Settlement, while Sunday on May 6 you can kick back to the sounds of Alice Skye, Grim Fawkner, Mitch King, The Kite Machine and Orange Whip.
LITTLE FOODIES
This event is family-friendly with plenty of mess and outdoor fun for your little foodies. While mums and dads enjoy the wine and beats, kids can pet native animals, play in the kitchen, or become pros at potting herbs. Sunday is fun day with extra little foodie kids’ activities including a rock-climbing wall and pasta making.
THE STUNNING LOCATION
Well, of course this is a highlight! Well removed from the hustle and bustle of city locations, Grampians Grape Escape takes place at the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve, surrounded by the majestic mountain ranges of the Grampians. With stunning views, nature and wildlife a plenty, getting there is half the fun so round up the crew for a road-trip!
MASTERCLASSES & TICKETED WORKSHOPS
From blind ice-cream tasting to composting 101, or the one pot wonder of Tagine to the dos and dont’s of wine… get the most of your festival experience, sit back and learn from the expert exhibitors. Masterclasses are free for all to attend, but for an intimate educational experience, add on a workshop such as the Chocolate and Wine pairing, Beer and Meat pairing, Duck Terrine with guest chef, Matt Sinclair and DIY Natural Skincare with Rebecca Sullivan.
OK, NOW ALL YOU NEED IS TICKETS
Each ticket to this iconic festival provides access to the festival village with plenty to eat, drink and do. Tasting tickets come with a souvenir glass, enviro bag and free tastings until 4pm each day. They start from just $55 per day and General admission is also available. Both are available as a day or weekend ticket and there’s also the option of accommodation and ticket packages available via the website. Check it all out at grampiansgrapeescape.com.au/buy-tickets//.
When & Where: Halls Gap Recreation Reserve, Halls Gap – May 5 & 6.