More than 7,500 festivalgoers flocked to Halls Gap over the weekend to celebrate the 2025 Grampians Grape Escape – reaffirming the region’s resilience and appeal following a challenging summer of bushfires.
Feel Good Friday saw a 20% increase in attendance compared to 2024, setting the tone for a vibrant weekend of food, wine and live music. The event featured headline acts including Flynn Gurry, Jason Singh and No Plans Band, with three days of full-stage programming and crowd-pleasing performances.
The festival also launched its new Pour It Forward initiative, raising over $10,500 for local wineries by encouraging attendees to ‘drink for good’ with every glass poured. This new campaign was introduced to further support regional producers following the 2024–25 fire season.
The Masterclass Marquee was a major drawcard across the weekend. Justine Schofield wowed guests with her Potato Gnocchi with Duck Ragu, while Dani Venn served a vibrant Grampians High Tea featuring fresh, regional ingredients. Guests also enjoyed party food tips from Dean Sibthorp and the popular Corks & Curds cheese and wine pairing with Simon Freeman and Olivia Sutton.
The Great Grape Games brought fresh energy to the weekend, offering lighthearted team challenges that drew festivalgoers into the action, while the Grampians Winemakers’ Barrique Auction once again delivered a successful result for the region’s producers.
Guest chef Dani Venn said: “The Grampians Grape Escape exceeded all expectations. I was absolutely blown away by the community spirit and joy in every moment, whether it was enjoying a drop of local wine, a tasty bite to eat, or dancing to local music. For me, it was one of the best festivals I’ve been part of, and everyone should put it in their calendar for next year. It’s truly a special event and one I’m proud to be part of.”
Exhibitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many producers reporting record sales across the weekend, some even restocking mid-festival to meet demand.
Festival Director Kate Kirkpatrick added: “After a tough summer, it was incredibly moving to see thousands of people showing up to support our region. The response from both exhibitors and guests shows that GGE continues to be one of Victoria’s most loved food and wine festivals – and we’re so grateful to our community and partners for helping us make it happen.”
Grampians Grape Escape is proudly supported by its 2025 Festival Partners, including Visit Victoria, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, Northern Grampians Shire, and local event partners A3 Event Hire, Pure Vibe, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Grampians Wine, G.J. Gardner Homes Ararat, Stawell Gold Mines, Tivey & Holland Nevett Lawyers, David O. Jones, Mitre 10, Unicraft Joinery, GWM Water and Fenn’s Haulage. Their support makes the event possible each year.
