Celebrating you and the region

Apple and Grape Young Ambassadors, Sophie Day, Breanna Harrison and Anna Henderson, along with festival president Russell Wantling and current Festival Ambassador Jordan Cassidy meet with local businessman Ced Wise from Ced Wise AB Service, whilst on one of their many industry tours around the region. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

I often hear that the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is perceived as only catering to tourists, but that’s far from the truth. While it does attract tens of thousands of visitors, bolstering our local economy, every decision we make is guided by our commitment to the local community. The Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is a cherished tradition fueled by the passion of our residents.

Our festival is a celebration of you and everything that defines our region.

Let’s start with our mid-week activities. Local chefs will be sharing their culinary secrets, guiding you to make the most of the exceptional products the Granite Belt has to offer. Additionally, farm tours offer glimpses into the remarkable developments in our agriculture scene, spanning vineyards to orchards. You may live here, but this is your chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at the sector that keeps our region growing from strength to strength.

For those inclined towards the arts, the Dalveen Film Night awaits. Following the success of the Inaugural Dalveen International Film Festival in 2023, The Dalveen Film Society will host its second ORION International Film Festival on Saturday, February 24, 2024—an extravaganza celebrating film, food, and wine.

If the seamless blend of art and wine appeals to you, consider joining the first ever Apple and Grape ‘Bubbles and Brushes’. Get creative while savouring some of the finest local wines. What a great way to spend a Thursday night.

For sports enthusiasts, our Golf Days are tailor-made for showcasing your skills and connecting with fellow locals. Not content with just one day, we’re collaborating with the Stanthorpe Golf Club to present three days of golf.

For those seeking a challenge, look no further than the Mt Marlay challenge. Conquer the climb to our picturesque lookout and then unwind at the final day of the Wine and Food Fiesta in Weeroona Park, featuring entertainment, food, and, of course, our wine.

The pinnacle of our festival is the Apple and Grape Gala Ball—a special night where we honour three exceptional young women who volunteered to represent our community. They’ve diligently promoted the event and our region. To top it off, enjoy a two-course meal by the Queensland College of Wine Tourism & Varias Restaurant.

This festival wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable contributions of our incredible community. We invite you to volunteer your time and energy to make this event truly unforgettable. Whether you excel at organising, have a flair for creativity, or simply want to be part of something extraordinary, your assistance is priceless.

So, let’s celebrate our remarkable community and the harvest that makes our region distinctive. Whether you’re attending an event or volunteering, rest assured that everything is centred around our local community.

See you there!