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The Orange Wine Region of New South Wales is awash with rolling hills to explore on winding country roads. It’s one of the latest Australian wine areas recognised for excellence in wine production.
Thanks to the ancient activities of the now extinct Mount Canoblas which towers over the scene in this verdant area, the entire landscape’s covered in fertile, mineral-rich soil. An elevated altitude and favourable weather are the final factors related to Orange wineries’ success in the wine-making industry.
The region has a long association with outstanding, vibrant food culture and is home to celebrated restaurants, quaint café’s, excellent craft beers and ciders as well as acclaimed artisan producers.
A range of top-class wineries only adds to the enjoyments you’ll find amongst this abundance.
How To Get There
The Orange Region deserves a place on the list of every wine lover in search of exciting wineries in New South Wales. It nestles in the hinterland off the coast of Sydney and is easily reached by means of conventional transportation.
Driving
Depart from Sydney on a scenic 3.5-hour drive over the Blue Mountains to reach your destination. Along the way, you can refuel at several restaurants and cafés or stop off in Leura to indulge in some boutique or antique shopping.
If you’re leaving from Canberra, you’re in for a leisurely 3-hour drive via the city of Cowra and Canowindra village. There are plenty of opportunities for some retail therapy on the road at these destinations, as well as historic buildings and museums to admire.
Travellers from Newcastle enjoy a double whammy of driving past the Hunter Valley Vineyards during the 5-hour trip to reach their destination.
Flights to Orange
If road tripping isn’t your style, you can fly into the Orange Airport and hire a car from there. Orange Regional airport services about 25 commercial flights from Sydney every week and is a scenic place to start your trip just 15 minutes outside of the city.
You can also fly direct from Melbourne and Brisbane.
Alternatively, you can charter a helicopter or a private jet from any Australian airport for a luxurious start to your explorations.
Take the Train to Orange
The Dubbo XPT travels from Sydney Central Station every day at 7 am and returns daily just before 4 pm.
Buses to Orange
A luxury bus service operates between Sydney and Orange every day.
Unless you’re flying there, you’ll need more than a day to make the most of your trip to experience the best Orange wineries. So, book your accommodation and make the most of the region’s 40 cellars and 60 vineyards.
If you’re having difficulty deciding where to start, keep reading for a snapshot of the top-rated Orange Wineries and what they have to offer.
Heifer Station Wines, Orange
This recently opened winery produces excellent Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay wines. It’s located on the slopes of Mt Canobolas and boasts the ideal terroir and altitude for wine growing.
Owners, Phillip and Michelle Stivens, started producing wine in 2009, but only opened their cellar door, in 2016. Here you can sip on their award-winning creations in a repurposed milking shed, while the children keep themselves amused around the farm.
These Orange vineyards were once part of a large change station for the horse teams of Cobb & Co. divided into several small lots over the years. The Stivens have retained the original name of the farm in the hope of keeping a small part of this history alive.
Apart from brilliant wines, visitors to Heifer Station rave about the cheese platters on offer here as well as the beautiful views and relaxed family atmosphere.
Heifer Station Wines Reviews
4.5 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 299 reviews
4.3 ⭐️ Google rating from 113 reviews
Phillip Shaw Wines, Orange
This well-established winery has a 30-year history of fine winemaking and they’ve just added a brand new cellar door to their offering. Owner, Phillip Shaw is a previous winner of the prestigious Winemaker of the Year Award so you know you’re in for a treat when you visit Phillip Shaw Wines.
Pop in for lunch on winery Wednesdays to experience some of the food that everyone’s raving about or visit any day of the week to sip and savour a delectable range of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and more.
Reviews of Phillip Shaw Wines
4.0 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 221 reviews
4.0 ⭐️ Google rating from 150 reviews
De Salis Wines, Nashdale
Beautiful views from the tasting deck and handcrafted wines of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Meuniere variety are what draw the crowds to De Salis.
De Salis is a small, quirky family winery on the northern slopes of Mt Canobolas. The owners, Charlie and Loretta Svenson purchased this beautiful property at the turn of the century. However, the renowned horticulturalist, David Gartrell planted these Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards several years before that.
You can enjoy wine tastings seven days a week or join in the fun at their regular sunset Bubble parties.
De Salis Wines Reviews
4.5 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 157 reviews
4.7 ⭐️ Google rating from 178 reviews
Rowlee Wines, Orange
At Rowlee Wines, Skilled workers harvest the grapes by hand and owners, Nik and Deonne Samodol, create the wines in small batches to ensure delicious drinkable wine that appeals to most palates. You can sample their Cabernet, Syrah, Riesling and Cuveé as well as Italian-inspired Pinot Gris, Arneis, and Gewurztraminer every day from 11 am.
The estate also offers cheese and wine or charcuterie and wine pairings as well as behind-the-scenes tours to find out more about the creative process.
If you’d like to immerse yourself in these lovely surroundings for more than a day, the estate also has some of the best Orange wineries accommodation you’ll find. The plush guesthouse is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway with all the bells and whistles.
Reviews of Rowlee Wines
5.0 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 192 reviews
4.5 ⭐️ Google rating from 89 reviews
Stockman’s Ridge Wines
Venture down a stunning tree-lined driveway to find an intimate Cellar Door with a large range of Unique Wines and so much more. At Stockman’s Ridge Wines, one can relax in the gardens with a delicious Grazing Board or Book a BBQ or Firepit and enjoy Live Music Saturdays and extended opening hours. With no time limits on bookings, a Jumping Castle for kids and expansive grounds to explore, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Be sure to check out their events page with creative events happening almost every month, there is something for everyone!
Reviews
4.5 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 62 reviews
4.9 ⭐️ Google rating from 107 reviews
Orange Mountain Wines, Borenore
At Orange Mountain Wines, owners Terry and Julie Dolle keep things simple. Their focus is on producing extremely high-quality wines in small batches.
They craft their Voignier, Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc wines using traditional methods and are open daily to share their bounty with you.
Special events at this top class winery include movie nights, food and wine pairings, and more but the main attraction here is the charming, friendly service you get from the moment you arrive. An added bonus is that their products are vegan-friendly too.
Reviews of Orange Mountain Wines
5.0 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 142 reviews
4.9 ⭐️ Google rating from 54 reviews
Ross Hill Wines, Orange
Peter and Terri Robson bought Ross Hill Farm in 1994 and were among the first people to plant vineyards in the Orange area.
Today, Ross Hill Wines is Australia’s only carbon-neutral winery. Their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are all made with the environment in mind.
Each of the vines among the 18 ha of vineyards receives individual care to ensure outstanding flavour and quality.
Visit them from 10 am daily for the chance to find out more about their eco-friendly initiatives and sample their wonderful range of wines. If you’re lucky, you could also get to try some of the cherries and olives that grow here too.
Other events at Ross Hill Wines include long table lunches held twice annually, food and wine pairings as well as cellar tours.
Ross Hill Wines Reviews
4.5 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 109 reviews
4.7 ⭐️ Google rating from 95 reviews
Mortimer’s Wines Cellar Door, Orange
Mortimer’s Wines is a family-owned and run Cellar Door producing Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Chestnut Garth property in Orange.
You can try out their handiwork at the historic Old March School House on weekends and public holidays from 11 am or book an appointment for a midweek visit.
While you’re there you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer inside this quaint venue, at the function room, or while watching your children enjoy the onsite playground. There are coffee and cake available for teetotallers, or you can order a cheese and fruit platter to share.
There’s also a selection of local art for sales as well as gift baskets for the wine lovers in your life. Singles and small groups get to enjoy a free wine tasting on request.
Reviews of Mortimer’s Wines Cellar Door
5.0 ⭐️ TripAdvisor rating from 112 reviews
4.9 ⭐️ Google rating from 114 reviews
Our Other Popular Things to Do Around Orange
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the Orange Wineries in this part of the world, you’ll find plenty of other things to keep you amused.
Some of the top attractions and events in the area include:
- The fortnightly Orange Farmers Market
- Orange F.O.O.D Week during Autumn every year
- Cooking Classes at the Barrel and Larder School of Cookery which is located at Ross Hill Wines
- Orange Winery tours everywhere
- Bushwalking on Mt Canobolas
- Truffle hunts during winter at Borrodell Estate
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