The 2014 event will celebrate the perfect marriage between food and romance with new festival theme 'Love is...' from the love of a glass of wine or bright stars on a clear night to the love of enjoying good food in the company of family and friends.

For the first time the Grampians Grape Escape will replace its customary formal dining Saturday night event with a new hawker-style market and carnival on the Saturday evening, transforming the Festival Village into a thriving event with live music and roving entertainment.

"As one of Victoria's premier food and wine events, we want to introduce a fresh and more relaxed approach to our evening program in order to herald the exceptional quality of our celebrated producers," Mr David Wheaton said.

A new festival ambassador was also announced in the highly regarded comedian and writer Rachel Berger, who will host the region's top chefs and winemakers as they take to the main stage.

"I'm a food-floozy - I'll eat anywhere, anytime, with anyone! The opportunity to be ambassador for the Grampians Grape Escape where thousands of people drink and eat is...tongue tottering!! Oh and let's not forget the head-spinning beauty of the Grampians." Ms Berger said.

The Grampians Grape Escape is expected to see thousands of foodies and families visit Halls Gap to drink and graze their way through an indulgent culinary weekend surrounded by the spectacular Grampians National Park.

There are over 125 food, wine, beer and cider artisans to discover, plus the culinary secrets of guest celebrity chefs as they demonstrate entertaining recipes using fresh and local ingredients.

Wine connoisseurs and regular Grape Escapees will be able to try their luck in the hotly contested Barrique Auction for a blend of the best shiraz from Grampians Winemakers.

The little foodies will love all-day family fun with live music, roving entertainment and free activities such as rock climbing wall, face painting and grape stomping!

Ticket packages are available, such as the VIP lounge package including festival entry, free wine tasting on both days and entry to the VIP lounge situated in the heart of Festival Village, available for $85.00 pre-sale or $100.00 at the gate per person.

All festival entry tickets include access to cooking demonstrations, live music and the free kid's activities. For more information or to pre-purchase tickets visit http://www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au