Orange doesn’t have the same deep history as other wine-producing regions. They’ve only been bottling vino here since the mid-80s and it has only been a recognised region for a little over 20 years. That gives the winemakers here room to experiment, and experimentation is what the whole place is all about.
The vineyards here are, after all, higher up than almost anywhere else in Australia. The conditions make it perfect for light, flavoursome, cool-region wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris which are considered some of the best in the country. With more than 60 wineries to choose from, we’ve selected the must-sees for your visit. Looking for somewhere to stay? Head over here.
Bloodwood Wines
231 Griffin Road, Orange
A small farmhouse with stunning views, Bloodwood is quintessential Orange so it only makes sense to start here. After all, Rhonda and Stephen Doyle started it all by planting the very first commercial vineyard in the region in 1983.
Their wines still win awards to this day—expect very drinkable, premium stuff designed to enhance good meals with good friends. They do excellent big, bold reds in a region not known for the style and are a must-try.
Rowlee Wines
19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale
Image credit: Rowlee | Destination NSW
Nik and Deonne Samodol brought over old-world winemaking tradition and heritage from their native Croatia to the highlands of Orange where they blend it with new-world styles.
It’s a tradition carried on by their daughter who now runs Rowlee Wines producing Arneis, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir varieties that are packed with flavour. Warm and modern tasting room with stunning views of the vineyards, particularly at sunset.
De Salis Wines
Lofty Vineyard 125 Mount Lofty Road Nashdale, Orange
Image credit: De Salis Wines | Destination NSW
De Salis is a small winery situated in an old barn on the northern slopes of Mount Canobolas that makes for perfect scenery-soaking sunset tastings. In recent years they’ve focused on interesting, fruity sparklings as well as Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Their sparklings are natural ferments and all their stock is low sulphite, unfiltered, and vegan. Enjoy on their big shady deck with one of the farm dogs lazing at your feet.
Logan Orange Cellar Door
432 Cargo Road, Orange
This recent addition to the Orange wine-tasting trail is sleek and modern, offering guided sips of all of Logan's multi-award-winning wines produced from premium Orange fruit. Cosy up inside or pull up a seat around the manicured gardens outside to soak up some crisp country air and vineyard scenery.
Tastings cover off the best of the Logan range, including Ridge of Tears and the newer, slightly more experimental Logan Lab range (our personal favourite). Pair yours with a cheese and charcuterie board heaped with local produce and while away the afternoon.
Borrodell Estate
298 Lake Canobolas Road, Orange
Image credit: Borrodell | Destination NSW
Borry and Gaye Gartrell do it right up at Borrodell. Native conservation and sustainability are the name of the game and they boast a cellar door with views over their lush vineyards.
It’s a place with an emphasis on the finer things, which is evidenced by the fact they grow their own truffles, and you can sample said truffles in the award-winning Sisters Rock restaurant. Try their Gewürztraminer (say it with us: ge-voort-stra-meen-er), an excellent example of a variety getting a tonne of attention in recent years.
Heifer Station
1034 The Escort Way, Orange
Image credit: Heifer Station | Destination NSW
If you’re heading out on a guided tour of the region's finest, Heifer Station will be your typical starting point—and it's not hard to see why. The place is so named because it’s an actual farm with big shaggy cows you can get up close and personal with at the on-site petting zoo (there are also friendly llamas).
Tastings happen in and around the ramshackle sheds where you can watch the local not-so-wildlife and then head inside for a cheese toastie around the fire. A bigger spot but very relaxed and enough going on to keep you entertained for a few hours.
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Nashdale Lane Wines
125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale
Image credit: Nashdale Lane | Destination NSW
The first thing to hit you about Nashdale is that it’s bloody gorgeous. It’s a slanted tin shed surrounded by rugged bush scenery and perfect views of Mount Canobolas.
This is a young winery run by an upbeat young family that has already turned a lot of heads with their "social", "colours", and "legacy" ranges. They do a bit of everything here across the red and white spectrum that you can curl up by their fire and work your way through.
Philip Shaw Wines
100 Shiralee Road, Orange
It wasn’t until Philip Shaw began producing wine in Orange that people really began to sit up and take notice of what the region was doing.
The charismatic salesman is a bit of a local legend and has over 40 years of experience in the business. The vineyard is now run by his sons who are equally passionate about top quality wines and produce award-winning shiraz, merlot, and viognier. Worth a stop if you’re after a bit of history with your tasting.
Printhie Wines
208 Nancarrow Lane, Nashdale
Image credit: Printhie | Instagram
Brothers Ed and Dave Swift started Printhie Wines here in 2004 and quickly established themselves as some of the best producers in the region.
They own four vineyards, one of which is the highest and coldest in Orange and, as a result, produce some of Australia’s best sparkling wines. Fans of Champagne will be happy here as their style mimics the original French in both taste and production. Sip a glass or two while overlooking the vineyards at their cellar door. The Sauvignon Blanc is also particularly good.
Ross Hill
134 Wallace Lane, Orange
People rave about Ross Hill and it's easy to see why. Now in its second generation of family ownership, the winery sells smooth, crisp chardonnay, and light, airy pinot noir direct to independent bottle shops and fine dining restaurants in Sydney.
They were also Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery and put a lot of effort into being as sustainable as possible. Combine with modern Aussie outdoor seating in the heart of the vineyard and you’re onto a winner.
Stockman's Ridge Wines
21 Boree Lane, Lidster
If you’re planning a summer trip, Stockman’s is the prime spot you want to be in when the sun is beating down. Excellent outdoor setup under the shade of enormous trees with fire pits for the cooler evenings.
Owners Jonathan and Valerie Hambrook do some awesome things with shiraz and chardonnay using sustainable, biodiverse farming methods. Their sweet dessert wine, the "campfire ratafia", is perfect for pairing with a cheeseboard.
Cargo Road Wines
1064 Cargo Road Lidster, Orange
Cargo Road is one of the oldest vineyards in the region, set on the slopes of Canobolas with (yet another) jaw-dropping view.
Winemaker James Sweetapple takes a holistic, sustainable approach to grape-growing, and his dedication to the soil, the grapes, and the natural way of the land results in some damn fine wine. His Zinfandel might be one of the tastiest reds we’ve ever had, just quietly.
Header image credit: De Salis | Destination NSW