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    EXHIBITORS: Black and Ginger Wines at Great Western will be one of the many local exhibitors to feature at this year’s Grampians Grape Escape on May 2 to 4. Pictured are Darcy Naunton and Hadyn Black.  

Grampians Grape Escape Festival a timely celebration

19 March 2025

With the region still recovering from a fire-affected summer, the Grampians Grape Escape will play a more important role than ever in helping many businesses back on their feet.

The Grape Escape, one of Australia’s longest-running food and wine festivals, returns to Halls Gap from May 2 to 4.

A weekend of exceptional food, world-class wines and vibrant entertainment will feature more than 90 exhibitors.

Guests can enjoy masterclasses, live cooking demonstrations, and an impressive music line-up. 



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With small businesses having suffered income loss and fewer visitors due to the fires, the festival will provide an economic boost. 

Festival director Kate Kirkpatrick said the festival was about more than just food and wine. 

“It’s a celebration of community and resilience,” she said.

“After the continuing challenges of the Pomonal and national park bushfires, we’re grateful to offer an event that brings people together, supports local businesses, and showcases the best of the region.” 

Feedback has shown that 75 per cent of festival attendees say they plan to return to the region after the festival, inspired to visit cellar doors and local attractions. 

This year’s festival highlights include a wine lovers’ paradise, where people can sample wines from more than 30 local wineries.

The barrique auction returns in 2025, blended by award-winning winemaker Jacob Parton, from Best’s Wines. 

There will be three days of live music performances, including Grampians artist Bel Kil, Warrnambool’s Flynn Gurry, plus blues and roots rockers Smoke Stack Rhino. 

Masterclasses and demonstrations will feature cooking demonstrations from Dean Sibthorp, of Mount William Station, alongside Masterchef alumni Justine Schofield and Dani Venn, hosted by food writer Hilary McNevin. 

There will also be hands-on sessions including a pickling ‘Acid Heads’ masterclass with The Pickle Project and Anthony Kumnick, of Grampians Vinegar.

There will also be plenty of regional producers on hand, and family fun with rock-climbing and creative activities.

Feel-Good Friday will kick-start the festival on May 3, celebrating the resilience and spirit of the Grampians region.

Friday night will feature live music from The Settlement and The DooDads. 

Grampians residents can access 2-for-1 tickets to Feel-Good Friday, bringing the community together and supporting local wineries impacted by the fires. 

Tickets are now available at www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au. 

There are various options available including general admission, tasting tickets, and three-day passes. 

The entire March 19, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!