Grampians winemakers and tourism leaders are looking forward to a two-day wine and produce event to showcase their products and attract visitors to the region.    

Wine and produce representative body Grampians Winemakers will host an inaugural Grampians Wine Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Event organisers believe the weekend will create a platform for regional winemakers and producers to showcase their products after Grampians Grape Escape organisers cancelled their 2021 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In past years, Grampians Grape Escape attracted more than 9000 patrons and up to 120 stallholders over two days in early May. 

Tourism leaders estimated the event was worth between $3-million and $4-million to the Grampians economy annually. 

Grampians Winemakers president Damien Sheehan said people across Victoria would have an opportunity to meet regional winemakers and producers on both days of the newly established wine weekend.

He said it was critical to reward the loyalty of wine lovers with an event to continue the tradition of the grape escape.

“The GGE event was a fantastic event that supported wine tourism in the Grampians region,” Mr Sheehan said.

“Wine lovers all over the state have come to Halls Gap over the past 20 years to experience the fantastic wines of our region.  

“The Grampians Wine Weekend continues the wine and food event tradition begun in 1993.

“While COVID has unfortunately cancelled this year’s Grampians Grape Escape, Grampians winemakers have got together and organised their own events – a Saturday pop-up on the Halls Gap Oval and winery events on the Sunday.”  

Wineries will be also offering wine tastings and sales by the glass.

Regional cellar doors will have a range of ‘special events’ across the whole weekend. 

Mr Sheehan said Grampians Wine Weekend would be a perfect opportunity for people to gain an ‘authentic experience’ of the wine region, which was home to some of the world’s oldest vines. 

“The Grampians wine region is known world-wide for its cool climate peppery shiraz. This upcoming weekend is the perfect opportunity for everyone to experience all that is great about the region,” he said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for wine and food enthusiasts to visit our region once again and discover the magnificence of our food and wine.”

People can visit www.visitgrampians.com.au/see-do/events/grampians-wine-weekend for more information.

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The entire April 28, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser and AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!