WINE TASTING: Debbie Murphy, Zoe Murphy and Janlyn Fontana of Creswick with John Carruthers, of Dalwhinne Wines, at last year's festival. Picture: SAMANTHA CAMARRI
ONE hundred and fifty years of winemaking will be the focus of this year's Grampians Grape Escape on May 4 and 5.
Festival director David Wheaton said the two-day food and wine festival at Halls Gap would celebrate the heritage and history of Grampians winemakers.
He said memorabilia, such as old wine presses and harvesters, would be on display during the festival.
"We hope people can appreciate that we have been producing wine in the region longer than almost anyone else in the country."
He said premium wines would also be auctioned off at a dinner on the Saturday night.
This year's event will be headlined by MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow.
Mr Wheaton said having Yeow come to the festival had generated much interest and excitement.
"We are delighted to have her come along," he said.
Mr Wheaton said Yeow would host cooking demonstrations twice a day.
"She will also be jumping into a wine barrel to squish grapes as part of our Celebrity Stomp Off," he said.
Mr Wheaton said the competition would feature Yeow and other local identities trying to squeeze as much juice as possible in five minutes.
He said another highlight would be the popular Scarecrows in the Vineyard competition at Montara Winery.
He said Yeow would help a panel of judges choose a winner.
"Lots of local artists and schools will put together a scarecrow that will go in the vineyard," he said.
Last year's festival included more live music than before and Mr Wheaton said visitors could expect the same this year.
"We are still putting the finishing touches to the program and we will be making announcements about the line-up in the next few weeks," he said. "We are really excited to provide a great atmosphere that goes with food and wine."
Twelve new exhibitors would feature this year, including the Forge Pizzeria, Darriwell Farm and Roxburgh House catering.
Mr Wheaton said the event was a great day out for the whole family.
"There are food options for everyone and Sunday is known as family day," he said.
"We think that if the children are happy, mum and dad will be happy too."
Mr Wheaton said children's tickets could be pre-purchased online for $5 or for $15 at the gate.
The Grampians Grape Escape would officially be launched at Montara Winery on Anzac Day.
Lead-up events will be hosted across the region next month.
Mr Wheaton said more information was available at grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.