Lifestyle & Entertainment
9 May, 2026
Grape Escape delivers boost to regional economy
GRAMPIANS Grape Escape has wrapped a massive three days in Halls Gap, with more 7,500 people through the gates across last weekend. Despite unpredictable weather, attendance was on par with previous years, signalling another strong growth year for the region’s iconic food and wine event with no sign of it slowing down.
The tourism impact was felt strongly across the region with operators reporting a noticeable uplift in trade over the weekend.
Accommodation bookings were up 10% year-on-year, with local spending also rising by 12% compared to the same period last year.
One of the biggest shifts has been the rise in multi-day visitation, with three-day ticket sales up almost 20% year-on-year.
Visitors are choosing to experience the festival across the entire weekend, allowing more time to discover the region and back local accommodation providers, wineries and hospitality businesses.
Accommodation across Halls Gap and the wider region sat at or
near capacity across the weekend, delivering a welcome economic boost and reinforcing strong demand for regional events of this scale.
Across the festival grounds, over 100 wineries, food producers and artisan businesses poured, plated and showcased the very best of the area.
“What a fantastic weekend. To see so many people travelling to our region and embracing everything the Grampians has to offer is incredibly special,” said Festival Director Kate Kirkpatrick.
“The support for our winemakers, producers and local businesses has been phenomenal, and it’s a powerful reminder of the role events like this play in driving regional tourism. We’re already looking ahead to 2027,” she said.
Read More: Halls Gap