Orange Wine Region

The Orange wine region of NSW features some of Australia’s highest-elevation vineyard sites, and so produces a diverse range of wines that suit cool-temperature climates. Orange Country has become a hot spot for food and wine tourism. There is a wide range of red and white grapes being grown in the wine region. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are its most well-known wines, but there's also sparkling wine too. In the Orange wine region, you have the chance to try wine styles famous across the world but produced locally. With its unique geographical features and a rich soil composition, Orange Wine Region is the perfect place to create the delicious wines we recommend.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Orange Wine Region

Where is the Orange Wine Region

Orange wine region is centered on the city of Orange, about 3.5 hours west of Sydney, Australia.

History of Orange Wine Region

The Orange region has a long history of grape growing and was first gazetted in 1846. Grape varieties were a big part of the early Delaware settlements. The Mudgee and Bathurst regions were developed at around the same time, and by 1925-6 they had grown over 180ha of table grapes in Mt Canobolas, Nashdale and Borenore areas. Later on a number of Italian families also came to the district to become orchardists and grape growers. The wines they produced were sold locally as well as the D’Aquino family who still continue this line of work since 1955.

Terrior of Orange

The climate is largely dependent on altitude. Generally, mild to warm midsummer mean temps averaged around 32°C , are offset by cool nights during the growing season. The main time to worry about water is during the winter and spring. Wind can have a positive or negative impact. It can reduce the risk of spring frosts but it also interferes with. Aside from a few late-winter frosts and fluctuations such as an early-December light snow, the major threat is from birds, which love the grapes. There are four different types of soil and this depends on the geological strata rock within which it falls. There are two types of soil in which are deep red-brown clay loam and a type of basalt. The first soil group is rich in minerals and promote vigorous growth, while the basalt one does not have as much nutrients. The third layer includes clay loam, which is a type of soil with medium vigour and a clay and shale base. It also has gravel in it for better drainage, as well as the brown colour it inherits from the terra rossa around it.

Orange Wine Characteristics 

Orange has a noticeably colder climate than its neighboring wine regions, Mudgee and Cowra, which is why it's more reliable with rain and has different winemaking styles. There are top varieties grown in Orange wine region- Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon, Shiraz and Sauvignon blanc.

Chardonnay is a superstar wine of the region, grown at elevation or not. It provides a wide variety of styles such as crisp and elegant to robust and full-flavored. Shiraz grape variety is Orange’s most planted and well-known for producing full-flavored, vibrant red wines with flavors of cherry, plum and chocolate. Cabernet sauvignon is chilled, red wine with a deep taste of cherry and blackberry. These wines can be drunk as soon as they are served or can be aged for many years. Cabernet is often blended with Merlot. Sauvignon blanc produced in Orange are well known for their citric and tropical flavours, which are typical of white wine.

Food to pair with Orange Wine

1. Continental Roll

The "continental roll" is an Australian sandwich with Italian roots. This sandwich typically consists of cheese and a variety of other high-quality cold cuts—mortadella, salami and coppa—and comes served in a crusty bread roll. Typical Australian ingredients such as grated carrots and beetroots are a favourite among Australians, who also enjoy pickled eggplants and sun-dried tomatoes on sandwiches. It goes well with Orange wines.

2. Carpetbag Steak

Raw oysters offer a delicate, briny flavor that pairs well with the more robust tastes of quality boneless beef steak. The oysters here go on the steak instead of being put on top. This allows for a really good sear to develop and gives the oysters more flavour that way. Once the stuffing has been added, the steak is then ready to be pan-fried or grilled. It should be either rare or well done for best results. Carpetbag steak gained an iconic status in the 1950s, specifically Sydney. The dish's popularity with Aussie diners is likely to have given it a prominent position in Australian cuisine. It pairs perfect with Orange wines.

3. Tasmanian Scallop Pie

Dating back to the 19th century, scallop pie is savoury dish that consists of fresh scallops in a curry sauce, which is filling inside croissant pastry. It's best when it's baked. This pie has been a traditional favorite in the state's seaside bakeries. It uses scallops that are fresh and grown on the East Coast of Tasmania, where it resides. The curry sauce contains a lot of vegetables like carrots, onions, potatoes, and corn kernels that are all finely diced and seasoned with a variety of spices. These include the cumin, coriander and fenugreek. Spoon through a piping scallop pie with a side of chips, salad, and a glass of tasty Tasmanian ale. This seafood dish is only available in cafes and restaurants in the state during the scallop season, but it can be found in bakeries throughout the whole year. This pie is super tasty and pairs well with Orange wines.

Places to visit near Orange

1. Orange Regional Museum

Orange Regional Museum is an award-s recipient museum that offers engaging exhibitions and diverse programs with exhibitions open to all ages. The museum's current exhibit explores local history through unusual objects. Living in a striking, purpose-built building within the vibrant Orange cultural precinct, this museum is unique. It attracts visitors and locals alike. Orange Regional Museum showcases both long-term and temporary exhibitions. All topics are represented here including history, science, technology and culture.

2. Orange Botanic Gardens

Orange Botanic Gardens is a great place to get some peace and quiet while you enjoy the landscape views. This location is also perfect for bird watching and family picnics. These gardens display the grandeur that is synonymous with the four seasons of Orange. The Orange Botanic Gardens are open daily from 7.30am until dusk and admission is free. You can also use their handy BBQ facilities and playground at the nearby Orange Adventure Playground.

Frequently asked questions about Orange Wine Region