Le Grape Escape

Overview

Every summer, So Frenchy So Chic is known for bringing the charm of provincial France to Melbourne with an outdoor music-and-picnic festival. In the lull before the city bursts back into bloom, the team is turning our attention to life's finest pleasures — or as the French say, l'art de vivre. And from silky Burgundies to elegant Chablis, there are few things finer than French wine.

For two days only, St Kilda Town Hall becomes Le Grape Escape — a wine tasting playground. Upon arrival, guests are given a wine glass and five hours to browse the library of 110 French wines. Sommelier Pierre Stock of PS Wines has gathered the best vinos from 13 French regions, with vintage stand-outs like a rare 2015 Vin Jaune from the mountainous Jura region, an underrated wine region tucked between bigger regions like Bordeaux and Champagne. It's a balanced mix, with classic vinos showcasing natural French terroirs and minimal-intervention picks repping modern winemaking techniques.

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No wine festival is complete without food. Local artisans will be peddling a spread of French-inspired bites to match anything in your glass. There's charcuterie, cheese and fresh oysters, alongside sweets like Basque cheesecake and macarons. If you're after something meatier (or drinking a heavy red), Entrecôte is serving mitraillette — a baguette loaded with steak frites and a herby butter sauce.

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