The Grampians Grape Escape is back and bigger than ever this May as a village of more than 120 stalls moves in boasting exquisite wine, fabulous food and the opportunity to bring home a piece some of the regions renowned artisanal goods. The festival will provide opportunities to learn trade secrets from guest chefs, taste award-winning wines, participate in masterclasses and keep the little foodies amused.

Presented by Neoen’s Bulgana Green Power Hub, the 2019 program is looking exceptional with demonstrations and workshops from some of the country’s best including chef, restaurateur and My Kitchen Rules judge, Colin Fassnidge, wildlife chef and author Sarah Glover and TV presenter and lifehack aficionado, Emmylou MacCarthy.

Nestled amongst one of the country’s most picturesque regions, Grampians Grape Escape attendees will have the opportunity to meet the winemaker, learn from the producer, support the family owner all while tasting the best wine and food the Grampians has to offer.

With live music all weekend, festival goers will have the chance to truly let their hair down, take in the fresh air and marvel at the mountainous surrounds. The region boasts some of Australia’s most exceptional accommodation and visitors are encouraged to stay for as long as possible to experience life the Grampians way.

Masterclass, workshops and demonstrations highlights from this year’s program include, but are certainly not limited to:

o   WINE DECANTERED with Loic Le Calvez from Winetruth.

o   TASTES OF TIMBOON with Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Shultz Organic Dairy

o   HOW TO THROW A DAMN GOOD PARTY with Emmylou MacCarthy

o   THE OLIVE BRANCH with Red Rock Olives, Grampians Olive Co and Mount Zero Olives

o   COSTA’S DIGS Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia talks Vegetables & Hens

o   MAKING RECYCLING EASY with the Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group

o   EAT TRULY LOCAL founder of Warndu Rebecca Sullivan talks Native Foods.

o   ROCKSTARTS OF RED with local Grampians and Pyrenees winemakers

o   SUNDAE SCHOOL with dirtgirl and Timboon Fine Ice Cream

o   PORTABLE COOKING adventure cooking with Sarah Glover

o   FROM BOUTIQUE TO BARRIQUE a workshop for serious wine drinkers and collectors

o   RUB SHOULDERS rubs, sauces & marinades for meat with Colin Fassnidge

o   DAVID O JONES MITRE 10 LITTLE FOODIES TENT a fully-supervised arts, crafts and food exploration for the kids

o   KIDS YOGA supervised yoga classes for kids

o   ROCK CLIMBING supervised rock climbing for kids

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The Grape Escape does not stop at beautiful wines and delightful local produce, the festival will also showcase some of the best musical talent of varying genres.

The line up includes performances from: One Conexion Aboriginal Dance Group, Charlotte Harwood, A Whale Called Phoenix, Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheel, Little Georgia, Sugar Fed Leopards, Purple Revolution Band, 19-Twenty, Orange Whip, and The Baker Boys.

Sunday ticket holders are in for a treat with a set from lyrical visionary Lloyd Spiegel, who was recently awarded the four of the highest accolades at the 2019 Australian Blues Music Awards including Best Artist, Best Album and Best Song.

“The Grampians Grape Escape have raised the bar again with its culinary, music and kids entertainment offerings at this year’s festival, alongside its partnership with renewable energy provider, NEOEN Australia,” said Marc Sleeman, CEO of Grampians Tourism.

“NEOEN is proud to partner with the Grampians Grape Escape in 2019. This regional festival has a profound impact on the region and marks the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship between Neoen and the wider Grampians community,” said Frank Woitiez, Managing Director of Neoen Australia.

“We’re excited to celebrate the region’s famed food and wines, talented musicians and the incredibly beautiful landscape.”

Tickets for Grampians Grape Escape are on sale now and are pre-sold from $30 for Sunday general admission to $110 for the complete weekend tasting ticket.

Tickets to Grampians Grape Escape

Kids 0-5 years: free

Kids 5-17 years: $15.00

Adults from $30.00

Ticket and Accommodation Packages: from $410.00

All festival goers receive an enviro bag to fill up with goodies and Tasting Ticket holders can taste their way around the village with a souvenir polycarbonate tumbler and free access to the wine store service.

Children up to the age of 5 are free with kids under the age of 18 only $15 for the weekend. So, gather the tribe for a weekend of mouth-watering food and exquisite wines to savour and memories to be made.

For more information, to buy tickets and receive updates on program announcements visit: grampiansgrapeescape.com.au/

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