If someone said to you, “let’s go on a road trip to Orange?” – my first thought was … we going fruit and veg shopping at the markets??
It’s about three to three and a half hours west of Sydney. Whether you are looking for a quiet and relaxing break in a stunning part of rural New South Wales or your here for the food and wine scene. For a first timer, I was told many great things and it lived up to the expectations and also disappointed I didn’t get to see some places. With the current restrictions there were a few restaurants and bars that were closed or quite hard to make a booking.
Tour the wineries
The wineries is why people visit Orange and there’s something for everyone, from well-known brands to small family run businesses. I easily spent two days of driving from vineyard to vineyard and stopping at places to grab a bite
Some wineries offer various tasting options: from just wines, to small food paring, to enjoying a long lunch and you buy your wines.
Colmar Estate
A mixture of red and white varietals since 2000 (planted in 1991). The cooler climate produces some elegant pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay. The founders are Bill and Jane Shrapnel (parents of Sarah Shrapnel, whom I’ve met with other travel bloggers). The winemakers are Chris Derrez and Lucy Maddox. Every grape is picked by hand and with such attention to detail during every stage of production.
Highlights: 2019 Colmar Estate Le Moche, 2019 Colmar Estate Pinot Rose, 2018 Colmar Estate Block 1 Pinot Noir
Offers*: From AUD $10 wine tasting, 1 hour.
790 Pinnacle Rd, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
T: +61 419 977 270 | E: contact@colmarestate.com.au
Ross Hill
Did you know that this winery is the first NCOS certified carbon neutral winery at Wallace Lane. Vineyards are planted in mature basalt soils, at a high altitude that carries through into the iconic wine range of whites including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, and the BIG red styles of Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Be sure to check out the custom designed cooking school, Barrel and Larder. Local chefs, producers and businesses are invited to host the Barrel and Larder cooking classes for intimate group of 12 people.
Highlights: Pinnacle Series Chardonnay, Pinnacle Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Family Series ‘Jessica’ Rose, Ross Hill’s The Griffin
Offers*: From AUD $10 wine tasting, 1hr; free wine tour available prior to wine tasting, 90mins; from AUD $65 Saturday lunch, 2hrs
134 Wallace Lane, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
T: +61 2 6365 3223 | E: admin@rosshillwines.com.au
Printhie Wines
The quest of two brothers, Ed and Dave Swift, to showcase cool climate craftsmanship and champion wine made with altitude. Set amongst vineyards and a heritage apple orchard, they have created a unique tasting experience in The Packing Shed where you can enjoy Printhie’s award winning wines created.
Highlights: 2018 Swift NV Cuvee, 2019 Topography Riesling, 2019 Topography Pinot Meunier, 2017 Mountain Range Shiraz
Offers*: from AUD $10 wine tasting, from AUD $20 flagship tasting experience
298 Nancroow Lane, Nashdale NSW 2800
t: +61 2 6366 8422 | E: hello@printhiewines.com.au
Philip Shaw
Pioneers of unconventional tradition. Hand crafted wines of elegance and varietal distinction. Planted in 1989, Koomooloo vineyard is one of the highest and coolest in Australia. With over 100 years combined wine making experience, they are always looking to tomorrow to improve on what they’ve done today. Nadja Wallington is a force and winemaker for Philip Shaw, is known for being part of the Future Leaders 2019, coordinated by Wine Australia and supported by Australian Grape and Wine, to help be the catalyst for change in the industry.
Highlights: No11 Chardonnay, 2018 No89 Shiraz, 2019 No8 Pinot Noir, The Idiot Shiraz
Offers*: From AUD $20 Koomoolo Taste & Plate, 1hr; from AUD $65 Winemakers Pairing – wine & food tasting, 90mins; from AUD $150 Meet the maker Winery Tour & Tasting, 2hrs.
100 Shiralee Rd, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
T: +61 2 6362 0710 | E: cellardoor@philipshaw.com.au
Places to pick up a drink and eat
Orange is know for its incredible local wine, but the produce is pretty amazing. With a number of dining options and local bars, it’s hard to choose where to go. From the up-and-coming cafes, eclectic interiors and honest homestead cooking. As much as I tried to find a place to go eat, most of the places were either closed or booked out for a couple of weeks. However, I did visit a couple of places to fill my empty esky.
Lane Cellars
This is not just another bottle shop. It’s Orange’s premier bottle shop, with a carefully curated selection of local wines, beer and ciders complemented with a selection of craft beers, spirits and wines from some of the best producers in Australia. They regularly host tastings and information sessions with local winemakers and brewers, offering customers a unique opportunity to Meet the Maker and to learn the story behind their product.
Picked up: curated local 6 mixed wines; Garage Project Beer, Batch Brewing Beer, Pioneer Brewing Co
Shop 26, The Orange Arcade, 142-146 Summer Street, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
E: hello@thelanecellars.com
Agrestic Grocer
It’s part restaurant and bar, part local fresh produce grocer and bottle-shop. Badlands Brewery, The Second Mouse Cheese Co and Pig in The House wines utilise Agrestic as their cellar door and main retail outlet. Tastings, meals and drinks feature their amazing produce alongside a selection of the regions best.
Weekends use to come to life with live music in the courtyard. Whether it’s to pick up your groceries, have a custom hamper made or just hang out in a unique cafe with the company of passionate hosts, The Agrestic Grocer has it covered.
426 Mitchell Highway, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
T: +61 2 6360 4604
*all offers may change, always best to check the cellar door website for updated contact and opening hours.
