Whether you’re an avid foodie, wine-lover, or just need to let loose a little, Halls Gap’s much-loved wine and food festival, Grampians Grape Escape, is the ultimate getaway and is set to return, May 4 and 5, 2019.
After a sell out on the Saturday and record Sunday sales in 2018, the festival is preparing for another big year, welcoming talented chefs to its line-up, Colin Fassnidge and Sarah Glover.
Irish-born Fassnidge is a restaurateur and television personality on Channel 7’s My Kitchen Rules, where he has featured as a guest judge and mentor for the past six seasons.
Known for his nose to tail cooking philosophy, the cheeky and outspoken chef firmly believes the secret to cooking a great dish is planning and “having a bit of love for the food”.
Tasmanian-native Sarah Glover has made a career as a chef and pastry chef in her home state, Sydney and New York, however, these days the great outdoors is where she now applies her trade.
Glover runs cookie company Bondi Bikkies, and has just released her first cookbook, WILD, which was inspired by and shot at more than 17 locations along Australia’s east coast.
Fassnidge and Glover will be hosting demonstrations across the festival weekend, celebrating local produce with themes around sustainability and road trip cooking.
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Grampians, the festival draws thousands of people to the region each year to discover the cool climate wines, boutique producers and local creatives that make the area so special.
There is no better event that showcases regional diversity with 120 stalls offering award winning wines and produce, plus beer, cider, arts and handmade goods, not to mention fantastic food truck eats. All of this is available to uncover with the stunning Grampians as the backdrop.
The real stars of the show however are some of Australia’s most distinguished winemakers from the Grampians, Pyrenees and Henty regions, and the festival provides opportunities to meet these winemakers, including masterclasses.
Two days of live bands will be the highlight for many and parents can enjoy a glass, or two, knowing their mini festival goers will be kept well entertained with plenty of activities for the kids.
“Grampians Grape Escape is a true celebration of not only the incredible wine, produce and arts this region has to offer but also everything else that makes this majestic part of the world so special to many, ” festival organiser Vanessa Briody says.
“The growers and makers of the Grampians are passionate about what they do, and the first weekend each May gives them the opportunity to share that passion to thousands of people.
“It is a real community event that brings everyone together.”
Next year will mark 28 years for the not-for-profit festival, which has operated thanks to a dedicated team of organisers and volunteers whose love for the region and the event help propel the weekend to new heights each year.
Tickets for the Grampians Grape Escape are on sale now. All festival goers receive an enviro bag to fill up with goodies and pre-sold ticket holders will have free access to the cloakroom and winestore service.
So gather the tribe for a weekend of mouth-watering food, wines to savour and memories to be made.
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