Major Grampians wine festival Grape Escape has received state government backing as it prepares to celebrates its 26th installment this year.
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The festival celebrates the best vintages and food from Grampians, Pyrenees and Henty growers.
Grampians Estate owner, and festival life member, Tom Guthrie said the state government’s support would help Grape Escape to continue to grow and prosper.
“In our own backyard, it is an event where more than 50 per cent of people who come are from Melbourne,” he said.
“You are bringing people to our backyard to see where the food and wine is grown, and the beauty of the Grampians National Park.
“It fosters tourism, because people want to come back and visit the area, they spend money locally, they stay in Halls Gap, so it is win-win for wineries, tourism and jobs in our region.”
Mr Guthrie said the event was the longest running food and wine festival in the state.
“It started 25 years ago as a small tiny event,” he said.
“Because of its success it is rated highly by the government and that is why it attracts the support.
“As one of the small wineries in this region it has been of enormous value to give those small wineries the promotion you need to grow into bigger businesses.
“This festival is critical to the promotion of the Grampians as a premium food and wine destination.”
More than 6800 people attended last year’s festival, hosted at a makeshift village at the base of Mount William.
The Grape Escape will be funded through the government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Major Events Danielle Green made the announcement at the inaugural Grampians Music Festival on Saturday.
“A month of fantastic food and wine in the beautiful Grampians – what’s not to love?” she said.
“The Grape Escape is a great way to bring people together and attract visitors to the region, which means more jobs and a boost to local business.”
The festival will feature more than 100 exhibitors including cooking demonstrations, sample tables and wine appreciation panels showcasing Grampians produce.
The festival will run from May 6-7. Tickets and the program can be found at the festival website at grampiansgrapeescape.com.au