Clear your schedules and start planning a journey to the heart of Halls Gap for a festival of regional wine, food and music at this year's Grampians Grape Escape.
Held over the 2nd and 3rd of May, food, wine and nature lovers will find the Grampians at its' beautiful best during the Grape Escape with local produce in abundance, stunning lookouts to discover and starlit skies that fill the night.
From spicy shiraz and small-batch cider to sticky loukoumades and cheesy arancini, there will be something to tantalise all palates in a village of over 100 exhibitors. Festival goers can also take their time to meet the maker, learn from the producer and support local business with a festival shop-up.
Masterclasses and cooking demonstrations are free to get involved in and this year's music stage will feature everything from rockgrass and Americana blues to heavy flamenco and trop-pop. Some of Australia's most talented chefs and foodies will also be on show, plus there will be plenty of free activities for kids including grape stomping…and all of this happens at the foothills of the Grampians ranges.
So get ready to awaken your inner food and wine adventurer at the 2020 Grampians Grape Escape.
Masterclass, workshop and demonstration highlights from this year's program include, but are certainly not limited to:
o LYNTON TAPP (all weekend) "man of the land", farmers' advocate and celebrity chef – cooking demonstrations over both days.
o MELISSA LEONG (Saturday Only) food media figurehead and new host judge of MasterChef AU – MC and cooking demonstration.
o PETER RUSSELL-CLARKE (Sunday only) iconic Australian Chef – cooking demonstration and photo opportunity.
o PETER HILCKE (Sunday only) internationally acclaimed seafood Chef – presenting with Jason Meehan about inland fish species available in the Grampians followed by a portable cooking segment by Peter.
o BREAD MAKING perfect your home-baked loaf with Great Western Granary.
o THE NAKED FARMER (Ben Brooksby) together with Provenir and Schultz Organic Dairy, to talk about their farming movements.
o WINERY MASTERCLASSES a workshop for wine enthusiasts of every level.
o BARRIQUE AUCTION a highlight of the festival since 1992 – a collection of local winemakers join forces to create a unique blend with the region's finest grapes. Proceeds go towards promoting the Grampians Wine Region.
o CURRY WITH EAST INDIA TRADING CO. learn how to use aromatic spices to create delicious dishes.
o WHISKY & COOPERING discover what it takes to make the perfect barrel-aged whisky with Timboon Railway Shed Distillery.
o BEES, GOOD BUGS & INSECT HOTELS with bug expert Denis Crawford, presented by David O Jones Mitre 10
Little Foodies
In addition to the food and entertainment, Grampians Grape Escape is the perfect destination for family fun. A weekend ticket provides access to the festival village where children of all ages will be kept well entertained with activities and craft workshops while parents can relax and enjoy a local drop.
Date and Time: Saturday 2nd of May 2020: 10:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday 3rd of May 2020: 10:00am – 5:00pm
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