Grampians Grape Escape 2017 food and wine festival sees 20 per cent higher gate ticket sales

The Halls Gap festival has also been good for surrounding towns as accommodation was booked out and some of the 8000 visitors made use of shuttle buses to explore the region.

The food and wine event had up to 4000 visitors per day during the weekend, with overall ticket sales up 20 per cent at the gate from last year.

Festival director Kate Kirkpatrick said the event had been able to build on its previous success.

“We’re really rapt. Numbers have exceeded past years and we have made a few changes to the layout and program that have been well received,” she said.

“Pasta making, cupcakes and herb planting have been a real hit for kids.

“Our entertainment lineup had Australian artists every hour.”

Ms Kirkpatrick said a lot of people from outside the region had enjoyed the festival and spent time and money in the surrounding towns.