Grampians Grape Escape 2018 showcases a spectacular variety of locally produced food and wine | Gallery

Hundreds of people flocked from across the state for Victoria’s longest running food and wine festival.

Now in its 27^th year, the event gives people a chance to try a variety of regionally produced food and wine among the majestic beauty of the Grampians National Park.

Festival co-director Kate Kirkpatrick said the weekend had been a resounding success.

We’ve had a bumper weekend and the crowd has been the biggest on record,” she said.

“We think there were about 8000 people through the gates.

“The produces have been really happy with the number of sales and the crowds have just been exceptional.”

She said this year’s event had been a year in the making.

“We have been marketing and campaigning for the event for a year, and planning is already underway for next year,” she said.

“It’s a way to showcase local producers and the region; we’re so lucky to have a premium event of the caliber in our backyard. It has a really nice, relaxing vibe to it.

“I’d like to thank everyone – the volunteers to the producers – who have made this event possible.”

Local producers such as Halls Gap Estate winery, Great Western’s Seppelt winery and Pomonal’s Red Rock Olives were joined by stallholders from all around Victoria, selling everything from homemade soaps to artisan chocolate.

Live music was provided by a range of eclectic artists such as The Settlement, Alice Skye, Grim Fawkner, Orange Whip, The Kite Machine, Nick Charles and Coby Grant.

Visitors were treated to a range of live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs Paul West – of River Cottage Australia fame – and Matt Sinclair – a former Masterchef contestant.

Masterclasses were also held on a range of other subjects.

Festival goers had the chance to learn about how chickpeas and lentils can be used for health benefits from Rupanyup Living and The Wimmera Grain Store, while Wimmera Hills Winery taught attendees how to create the perfect mulled wine.

Grampians Central West Waste Resource Recovery Group taught people how to be sustainable with their food scraps in its My Compost Rules workshop.

Children weren’t left out of having a great weekend either, with activities including herb planting, pasta necklace making, chef hat decorating and play area stations throughout the festival village keeping the little ones busy.

Minister for Tourism John Eren said the long-event was a staple on the state’s calendar.

“This wonderful event showcases the region’s world class wine crafted from some of Victoria’s oldest vines as well as the best of local produce framed by the stunning backdrop of the Grampians National Park,” he said.

“Last year’s event saw 8000 visitors joining in for the festival’s masterclasses, tastings, entertainment and family activities.”