Grampians Grape escape

Local producers around the district gathered at Halls Gap oval with a stunning mountain backdrop for the annual Grampians Grape Escape. A fantastic day which was MCd by Dominic Brine Ballarats ABC breakfast program presenter. Music complemented the day very nicely and we munched on chilli beef sausages, sweet corn, paella and beef sandwiches followed up by ice cream and waffles.

Quite an interesting concept we shelled out $25 for unlimited tasting however at that time unbeknown to us you could actually buy bottles of wine from any vendor however apparently you needed a glass to do so.

It was indeed a fantastic social event educating the public on the local delicacies. Thomas the tank engine ride were an absolute hit with the young ones and the Seppelts Clydesdale's were an appropriate addition.

At 2pm I couldnt pass up on the Grampians Winemakers Barrique Auction. The wine was produced with the participation of a number of local winemakers who provided wine. I purchased a 2 and then a dozen. The two to drink and the dozen to lay down.

Ararat Farmers Market

Today was the Ararat farmer market and we set of from Greenvale around 10:30. Just out of the gate and not 100 meters onto the Willaura-Wickliffe road and we encountered 6 of our heifers grazing on the side of the road. They had been put into the paddock next to the road which didn’t contain alot of feed as they were on the heavy side and needed to loose a pound or two . The grass wasn’t actually greener on the other side of the fence but there was a lot more of it which was appealing the cattle. We herded them back up, 5 made a run for it and hurdled the fence back into their paddock and we escorted the other through the gate.

We got to the Ararat market, parked at the football ground and wandered into the very pleasant Alexandra Gardens. There were approximately 20 or so stalls selling everything from home made jams, garments, herbs and spices, vegetables and a butchers selling magnificent sausages which we had for lunch. In the background was live jazz and all by the gardens lake.

There was a vendor selling pistachio nuts and she had some unprocessed which you had to first peel the husk then remove the shell and then take out the nut which was a lot softer and I think more tastier than the processed variety.

Today was the day my father also decided to loose his keys at the market. We searched around for them and made some enquires but to no avail. It didn’t help that there were no contact details on them. He also took two trips back to his house to try to locate a spare set, the first trip returning with my brother spare set. Resigned to the fact that he was going to have to wait until Tuesday, Monday being a public holiday he made a chance trip to the police station where low and behold they had been handed in. Lessons learnt; a. join the RACV (AAA) and, b. put a phone number on your keys.

Willaura Hospital Outdoor Market

Today we ventured off to the Willarua Hospital outdoor market the proceeds of which were raising money for the Willaura Auxiliary East Grampians Health Service. There were around 30-40 stalls selling fresh produce, art & craft, fine food, bric a brac, a couple of wineries were represented and lots more. There was a kids bouncy castle that was a spiderman theme and the obligatory sausage sizzle. The biggest hit though had to be the ice cream truck. Not only did Ben devour his soft serve ice cream but took turns between Amandas and my ice cream also.
The State Emergency Services were out in force donning the orange uniform recruiting for volunteers. My only disappointment was that apart from a couple of honey producers there weren’t really any food producers selling there wares.
A successful day, I came away with 2 nectarine trees, a couple of rosemary bushes, a mint shrub a couple boysenberry vines, some brussel sprout and pea seeds, some mulberry and plum jam and some plum sauce.