Special Guests, Coal Cooking and 100+ Wines Await
It’s here.
The 2026 Grampians Grape Escape program has officially dropped and it’s our boldest, most flavour-packed lineup yet.
From 1–3 May 2026, we return to Halls Gap for three unforgettable days of wine, food and music in the heart of the Grampians Gariwerd National Park.
Over 100 exhibitors. Iconic regional wineries. Coal-led cooking experiences. Live music across the weekend. And a lineup of special guests that brings serious culinary and wine credentials to the mountains.
Let’s dive in.
Special Guest Chef Analiese Gregory Leads the Lineup
Leading the 2026 culinary program is acclaimed Tasmanian chef Analiese Gregory.
With experience spanning Le Meurice in Paris and Quay in Sydney, her produce driven, elemental style feels right at home in the Grampians landscape.
She’s joined by an incredible lineup of regional talent:
• Tom Ballinger, Coal Catering, Grampians
• Dean Sibthorp, Black & Cleaver
• Cat Clarke, Dimboola
Together they’ll celebrate seasonal Western District produce through bold, honest cooking and immersive masterclasses across the weekend.
The Coal Pit Has Arrived
New for 2026, The Coal Pit is an immersive outdoor cooking space where glowing coals and seasonal produce take centre stage.
This is up-close cooking. Real technique. Real flavour.
Expect:
• Low and slow coal cooking
• Ash roasted vegetables
• Burying and ember techniques
• Whole cuts and seasonal produce meeting hot coals
You’ll see it. Smell it. Ask questions. Taste the results.
Headline sessions include:
• Coal Mastery with Tom Ballinger – Saturday 2 May, 10.30am
• Earth to Plate with Analiese Gregory – Saturday 2 May, 11.30am
• Sip & Savour with Cat Clarke – Sunday 3 May, 11.45am
100+ Wines and Festival Favourites
Wine remains at the heart of GGE.
Meet and taste from more than 30 iconic wine producers from the Grampians and surrounding regions including:
• Best’s Wines
• Seppelt Great Western
• Taltarni Vineyards
• Grampians Estate
• Black & Ginger Wines
• Clayfield Wines
• Mount Stapylton Wines
Acclaimed wine critic Shanteh Wale joins the program across the weekend, sharing her industry expertise and helping festival goers explore what’s in the glass with confidence.
Festival favourites return too:
• The Grampians Winemakers’ Shiraz Barrique Auction
• The much-loved Grape Stomping Competition
• Complimentary masterclasses in the Masterclass Marquee
Feel Good Friday From $40
We’re kicking off with Feel Good Friday.
A high-energy opening night led by Malcura and The Settlement, bringing indie, alt-folk and alternative rock to the mountains.
Mountains. Live music. Good vibes from just $40.
Gather your crew. Lock it in.
Music, Local Spirits and Family Fun
Across Saturday and Sunday the full festival village comes alive with:
• Two days of original Australian live music
• Global dancefloor favourites closing out the weekend
• Western District distillers and regional breweries
• Local producers including Grampians Olive Co, Kerrie’s Kreations, Long Paddock Cheese and Schulz Organic Dairy
• Family-friendly activities including rock climbing and creative, nature-based workshops on Sunday
This is a weekend built for food lovers, wine explorers, music fans and families alike.
Plan Ahead and Join Us
Three-day Festival Passes are limited. Accommodation in Halls Gap fills fast.
Early bird pricing is available until 10 April 2026.
The program has dropped. The special guests are locked in. The Coal Pit is ready.
Now it’s your turn to plan the weekend.
We’ll see you in the mountains! ✌🏼
