Grampians Grape Escape facts for kids
Grampians Grape Escape is a super fun food and wine festival in Australia. It's one of the oldest and most famous events in Victoria! The festival started way back in 1992.
Every year, during the first weekend of May, the festival takes place in the beautiful Grampians National Park at Halls Gap. You can find over 100 local food and drink makers there. There's also live music and lots of entertainment for families. It's a great way to explore the Grampians region!
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Discover Grampians Wine
The festival is famous for its amazing Grampians_(wine). Some of the grapevines here are among the oldest in the world! People first started making wine in this area in 1862. A French winemaker named Charles Pierlot planted the first grapes.
Each year, wineries that take part in the festival choose a special batch of wine from their harvest. This wine becomes the unique Grampians Reserve Shiraz. It is then sold at a special event only at the festival.
The History of Wine in Grampians
The Grampians region has a long history of winemaking. The first grapes were planted in 1862. This makes the area home to some very old vines. These old vines help make the wine taste special and unique.
Fun Grape Stomping
One of the most exciting parts of the festival is the traditional grape stomping competition! Local vineyards donate a huge amount of grapes each year. School students even help pick them. Then, everyone gets to stomp on the grapes, just like they did in old times. It's a messy but fun activity!
Festival History and Growth
The Grampians Grape Escape began in 1992. Back then, it was called the Halls Gap Gourmet Weekend. In 2002, it got its new name, Grampians Grape Escape.
The festival has grown a lot over the years. By 2012, it was celebrating its 21st year. It now attracts up to 10,000 visitors from all over the world. Many famous chefs and entertainers have also visited the festival. Some of these include Manu Feildel and Poh Ling Yeow.
The festival did not happen in 2020 and 2021. But it returned in 2022, celebrating its 29th year!
Why the Festival is Special
The Grampians Grape Escape is a very well-known event. Australian Traveller magazine even named it one of Australia’s top 30 wine and beer festivals. This shows how important and popular the festival is. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves good food, great wine, and fun times!
