Grampians Grape Escape set for 1st to 3rd May 2026 in Halls Gap
Grampians Grape Escape will return to Halls Gap from 1st to 3rd May 2026, bringing together more than 100 exhibitors across wine, food and regional produce. The three-day program unfolds against the Grampians Gariwerd National Park and features winemakers, distillers, brewers and artisans from across the region. In addition, organisers have confirmed an expanded culinary lineup for 2026.
The festival remains one of Australia’s longest-running food and wine events. This year, it will present a program spanning live music, masterclasses and hands-on demonstrations. Furthermore, the weekend will highlight producers from the Western District alongside established Grampians wineries.
Acclaimed Tasmanian chef Analiese Gregory will lead the culinary program. Gregory, formerly of Le Meurice and Quay, will present Earth to Plate on Saturday, 2nd May at 11.30am. Meanwhile, Tom Ballinger of Coal Catering will host Coal Mastery on Saturda,y 2nd May at 10.30am, and Cat Clarke of Dimboola Golf Club will present Sip and Savour on Sunday, 3rd May at 11.45am. Dean Sibthorp from Pomonal Estate Cellar Door Restaurant by Block and Cleaver also joins the 2026 lineup.
Program highlights across the weekend
A new feature for 2026 is The Coal Pit, an outdoor cooking activation focused on live fire techniques. Here, chefs will demonstrate low and slow cooking, ash roasting and burying methods while guiding audiences through each stage. As a result, attendees will experience an up-close tasting format centred on seasonal produce.
The wine program will also expand. Critic Shanteh Wale will contribute across the weekend, sharing industry expertise developed over more than a decade. Additionally, the Grampians Winemakers’ Shiraz Barrique Auction will take place on Saturday at 2.15pm, bringing together winemakers for a one-off blend and rare lots supporting the region. The Grape Stomping Competition will also return in 2026 following a brief hiatus.
From Saturday, 2nd May and Sunday, 3rd May, the full festival village will operate across Halls Gap. More than 30 local wine producers from the Grampians and surrounding regions will participate, including Best’s Wines, Seppelt Great Western, Taltarni Vineyards, Grampians Estate, Black and Ginger Wines, Clayfield Wines and Mount Stapylton Wines. Moreover, Western District distillers and breweries such as Timboon Distillery and Red Duck Beer will join local producers including Grampians Olive Co, Kerrie’s Kreations, Long Paddock Cheese and Schulz Organic Dairy.
Live music will run across both days, spanning blues, indie, folk and alternative rock, before concluding with dancefloor acts. Artists scheduled include This Way North, Gusto Gusto, Rhiannon Simpson, Smoke Stack Rhino, Travelley and Hot Lemons. In contrast, Sunday will feature family activities, including rock climbing and creative workshops.
The weekend will begin with Feel Good Friday on 1st May, a ticketed opening night led by Malcura and The Settlement. Accessible tickets start from $40 per person.
Tickets for Grampians Grape Escape 2026 are on sale, with early bird pricing available until 10th April 2026. Three-day festival passes are limited.
Event Details
Location: Halls Gap, Victoria
Dates: 1st to 3rd May 2026
Tickets: www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
