Mt Barker's Grapes & Gallops - where wine meets equine

MORE than 2000 people are expected to enjoy fine wine, fashion and racing at the Mount Barker Cooperative Mt Barker Grapes & Gallops at Frost Park in Western Australia on Sunday, January 20, 2013.

Grapes & Gallops is the biggest event on the Mount Barker Turf Club's calendar. This exciting race day features a 9-race program and includes the Great Southern's richest race, the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint over 1000 metres.

Grapes & Gallops chairperson Kim Tyrer said the event was a celebration of the region's premium wine, gourmet food, combined with fashion and horse racing.

“It is a fantastic community event with the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned country race day,” Ms Tyrer said.

Under the big tent, racegoers will be able to sample wines from nine Mt Barker producers including Arcadia, Galafrey, Gilberts, West Cape Howe, Three Drops, Plantagenet Wines, Hawkers Ridge and Chatsfield. These wines will also be the perfect accompaniment to a gala three-course luncheon.

A highlight of the day will be the annual fashions on the field with prizes awarded to the best dressed filly and colt. Families will also been catered for with entertainment provided for children.

A range of regional produce will be available including fresh cherries and strawberries, French pastries, local cheeses, stuffed spuds, gourmet pizzas and freshly shucked Albany oysters.

“Get dressed up, find a fabulous hat, come along and try a glass of award-winning wine, some delicious gourmet food and enjoy a great day of country horse racing,” she said.

Action on the day starts at noon until 8pm at Frost Park, McDonald Avenue, Mt Barker. Entry is $20 for adults and $10 concession with children under 18 free. While this is a family event it is also a licensed area and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Mungrup Stud is the State’s biggest thoroughbred stud with a large annual draft of well credentialed yearlings offered at the Magic Millions Sale at Belmont in February. Situated south of Mt Barker, Mungrup Stud is owned and managed by Gray and Jan Williamson whose family has a long history of involvement in racing and breeding industry in Western Australia.

The Mount Barker Cooperative Mount Barker Grapes & Gallops event is a joint venture with Mount Barker Turf Club and Mount Barker Wine Producers.

Bookings are currently being taken for the luncheon, and table and chairs for the day. Corporate tents are also available. Busses are available between Albany and Mt Barker contact Busy Blue Bus for details on (08) 9846 4757.

For more information go to www.grapesandgallops.com. For bookings and enquiries phone 0481 112 559 or email info@grapesandgallops.com

Media Enquiries: Grapes & Gallops chairperson Kim Tyrer is available for interview on 0418 941 551.

High resolution images are available upon request.