Grampians Grape Escape 2023

In need of a wine, food and music getaway? Nestled in one of Australia's most beautiful natural backdrops, the Grampians Grape Escape in Halls Gap is a weekend of wine, food and music you simply cannot miss! 

Held over three days, from Friday the 5th of May to Sunday the 7th of May, in 2023 the festival will celebrate 30 years of showcasing the best producers and makers from Western Victoria. And it's going to be huge!  

Each day will offer something different to see, eat, drink, and enjoy. The celebrations kick off with Feel-Good Friday, where fun-seekers can begin the end of vintage celebrations dancing to 60's classics from Shell Yeah, a Beach Boys cover band, crowd favourite 19-Twenty and Madhouse, a cover band who never fail to bring the 'house' down. Better still, festival-goers can enjoy fifteen live bands across the three days. 

The full festival village will open up on Saturday and Sunday with more than 100 stalls for festival-goers to explore, from wine and whiskey to calamari and candles. In addition, Saturday and Sunday will also serve up a diverse range of exhibitor masterclasses, cooking demonstrations, free kid's activities, and the prestigious Grampians Winemakers Barrique Auction.

This year's guests include the hilarious Miguel Maestre, Dylan Lewis as the live music stage emcee and MasterChef alumni, Khanh Ong, who will entertain crowds on Saturday. 

On Sunday, Grampians Grape Escape will also host comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts as he takes centre stage with his smash hit show - An Idiot's Guide to Wine. A ticketed experience for just $65pp, Merrick will take epicurean adventurists through an insightful and hilarious journey of the wonderful world of wine as they taste six local drops.

So whether it's your first time or you've been coming for years (maybe even 30!), the journey to the Grampians in the first weekend of May will be one to remember. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a cap on tickets? 

Yes there is, and we are anticipating high demand for our 30th celebrations. Tasting Tickets and Merrick Watt's 'An Idiot's Guide to Wine' show are also limited in capacity. 

Is the 'An Idiot's Guide to Wine' Show on Sunday a seperate ticket?

Yes. This experience is hosted by Grapes Of Mirth with the support of Grampians Grape Escape. For just $65pp, festival-goers can enjoy comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts when he takes centre stage in cooking demonstration marquee with his smash hit show 'An Idiot's Guide to Wine', where you will tastes six local wines while being taken through an insightful and hilarious journey of the wonderful world of wine.

Can I buy tickets / upgrade at the gate?

We anticipate Saturday and Sunday tickets will sell out prior, but if not, they will be available at the gate, as will Feel-Good Friday tickets. However, there will be an increase in the ticket price, so we suggest pre-purchasing online to guarantee your Grape Escape. 

Upgrades to tasting tickets at the gate is NOT available in 2023. Should you wish to change within 14 days before the festival, please email director@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au to see whether we have any allocation of Tasting Tickets remaining.

Can I get a refund?

Grampians Grape Escape does not offer refunds or exchanges because you have changed your mind or due to a change in your circumstances. Grampians Grape Escape is an all-weather event and will take place rain, hail or shine (unless Grampians Grape Escape determines otherwise in its absolute discretion). Please read our Festival Terms before purchasing. 

What is the difference between the General Admission and Tasting Tickets?

TASTING TICKETS – Include a souvenir polycarbonate stemless tumbler and complimentary wine, beer & cider tastings until 3pm (Sat & Sun only) so you can try before you buy. Think of them like a cellar door experience. Tasting Ticket holders also get free access to the Cloakroom and Wine Store service, which is otherwise $5.

Note: Tasting Tickets are not available for Feel-Good Friday as there are no wineries on this day of the festival. But never fear, local drops will be available at the festival ran bar.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS – DO NOT receive complimentary wine, beer & cider tastings. They are ideal for designated drivers or people who know what type of beverage they’d like to buy by the glass or bottle.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

CAN - 

• While we provide occasional furniture throughout the site, festival-goers are encouraged to bring a table (no bigger than a card table), a folding chair and or picnic blanket, a well as a reusable water bottle.

CAN'T - 

• For safety reasons, festival-goers cannot bring a tent, market umbrella or marquee to the festival.
• So we can support our family owned food trucks and exhibitors, festival-goers cannot BYO food and drink. Water stations are available on site, and we encourage festival-goers to bring empty reusable water bottles and coffee cups from home. Note: Bags will be checked by Security upon arrival.
• Whilst we love our furry friends, we ask that you leave your pooch or any animals at home. There are special considerations only for certified assistance/service animals. Assistance animals are not pets or a ‘companion’ dog.
• For more details on what you can't bring to the festival please see our Festival Terms. 

Will there be Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options?

Yup. Many of our exhibitors offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. There will also be a zero% drinks supplier. Should you have more specific dietary requirements and have concerns, please contact hello@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.

What are the festival dates and opening hours?

Friday 5th May 2023 - 4.00pm to 8:30pm 

Saturday 6th May 2023 - 10.00am to 5.00pm 

Sunday 7th May 2023 - 10.00am to 5.00pm