
Tags: grampians, Halls Gap, food and wine, Food Festival, Festival, Wine

One of Australia's longest-running food and wine festivals, Grampians Grape Escape returns to Halls Gap from May 2–4, 2025, for a weekend of exceptional food, world-class wines, and vibrant entertainment.
Nestled in the foothills of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, the festival features close to 100 exhibitors, including the region's finest wines, produce, craft beer, distillery creations and artisanal goods. Guests can enjoy masterclasses, live cooking demonstrations and a stellar music line-up starting with all local talent on opening night – Feel Good Friday.
Festival Highlights
- Wine Lovers' Paradise – Sample wines from over 30 local wineries, from Mount Langi Ghiran to boutique labels like Clayfield Wines and new-wave makers Black & Ginger. Taste award-winning Sparkling and Shiraz from the Western Victorian Wine Challenge. The Barrique Auction returns in 2025 with a 2023 Shiraz blended by award-winning Winemaker, Jacob Parton from Best's Wines.
- Live Music – Enjoy three days of live performances, including Bel Kil who originally hails from Northern Grampians (Saturday), Warrnambool's Flynn Gurry (Saturday), plus, blues and roots rockers Smoke Stack Rhino (Sunday).
- Masterclasses & Demonstrations – Cooking demonstrations from local talent Dean Sibthorp (Mount William Station), alongside Masterchef alumni Justine Schofield and Dani Venn, hosted by food writer Hilary McNevin. Hands on sessions include a pickling 'Acid Heads' Masterclass with local producer Anthony Kumnick from Grampians Vinegar and Adam Porter from The Pickle Project.
- Regional Producers – Taste local favourites like new business Grampians Vinegar, Grampians Olive Co, Kerrie's Kreations and Wimmera Grain Store, alongside western district stars including Tim Bones Toasties and Schulz Dairy.
- Family Fun – From rock climbing to creative activities in the Little Adventurer's Precinct, there's something for all ages, plus, candle making and potted plants ready to spoil mum on Mother's Day.
- Feel-Good Friday – May 3 - A special event celebrating the resilience and spirit of the Grampians region, featuring live music from The Settlement and The DooDads. Grampians locals can access 2-for-1 tickets to Feel-Good Friday, bringing the community together and supporting local wineries impacted by the summer bushfires.
The Role of Events in Regional Recovery
Regional events like Grampians Grape Escape are crucial for communities recovering from natural disasters, including the recent bushfires in the Grampians National Park. With small businesses facing income losses and fewer visitors to the region over the summer period, festivals provide an essential economic boost.
Festival Director Kate Kirkpatrick says, “Grampians Grape Escape is about more than just food and wine. It's a celebration of community and resilience. After the continuing challenges of the Pomonal and Grampians National Park bushfires, we're grateful to offer an event that brings people together, supports local businesses and showcases the best of the region.” Seventy-five percent of attendees say they plan to return to the region after the festival, inspired to visit cellar doors and local attractions whilst supporting accommodation businesses.
Tickets Now Available
Tickets for Grampians Grape Escape 2025 are on sale now at www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au. Options include general admission, tasting tickets and three-day passes along with local shuttle buses. Whether you're a foodie, wine lover, or looking for a weekend escape, Grampians Grape Escape is the perfect opportunity to indulge, explore and connect- while supporting the businesses that make this region so special.
***END RELEASE***
Access Image Dropbox : LINK HERE