Orange, New South Wales

Orange

Orange ranks among Australia’s top cool-climate wine areas, yielding a variety of styles from its high-altitude locations. In addition to its lively, sophisticated wines, it serves as a center for gourmet cuisine, featuring excellent restaurants, quality produce, and events integrated into the experience

About Orange, New South Wales

Orange, in New South Wales, is a charming regional city best known for its cool-climate wines, fresh local produce, striking seasonal beauty, and rich colonial and Indigenous history. Nestled in the Central Tablelands, about 3.5 hours’ drive from Sydney, Orange is an increasingly popular getaway for foodies, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that new south wales wine tours, especially in the Orange wine region, are becoming a bucket-list experience.

Orange, NSW: High and Cool

Orange Wineries

The Orange wine region in NSW features some of the highest vineyard locations in the country, creating a variety of lively, cool-climate wines. The wineries near Orange NSW are certainly an appeal, yet they are not the sole attraction in this tranquil location. Orange’s vibrant culinary landscape pairs flawlessly with the wine, establishing it as a perfect spot for a lavish getaway — following a wine tour Orange visitors love, showcasing exceptional chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, unique reds, and blends, the delightful town and its acclaimed Orange winery restaurants, bars, and food shops are ready to explore.

Traveling from Sydney to Orange takes three and a half hours by car or 40 minutes by plane. Residents of Canberra can access the area by car, and there are direct flights from both Melbourne and Brisbane. The rest of the nation can reach their destination through connecting flights from Sydney.

Become a member of Halliday Wine Club now and savor some of the finest Australian wines, featuring selections from the famous Orange region and other highly acclaimed wine areas throughout the nation.

The History of Wine in Orange

Best Wineries in Orange

Orange in NSW has a nearly 200-year history of fruit production — yet it’s not famous for its oranges! In reality, it’s among Australia’s top producers of apples and cherries. Along with the thriving Orange vineyards, the region’s fertile soils, elevated altitude, and cool climate have been ideal for cultivating wine grapes.

The wine narrative of the region started in the 1940s with the creation of an experimental vineyard station. However, it was not until the inaugural commercial vines were established at Bloodwood Wines in 1983 that Orange genuinely appeared on Australia’s wine map. Since that time, wine production has flourished in the area, now featuring nearly 60 Orange wineries, many of which are small and family-operated, like Heifer Station and Ross Hill Wines.

Climate and Soils in Orange

Producers in the Orange wine region of NSW gain advantages from a cooler climate and vineyard locations at elevations ranging from 600 to 1100 metres — some of the highest in Australia. James Halliday notes that it is “controlled by Mount Canobolas, offering the elevated slopes and therefore the cool climate; the volcanic basalt from which the soils have developed, along with the stunning panoramic views that numerous vineyards experience.”

In Orange, the climate is typically mild to moderate, with temperatures rarely exceeding 32°C during peak summer, and the heat relieved by cool nights throughout the growing season and refreshing breezes in spring.

Leading Wine Styles in Orange

Best Wines in Orange

Orange is famous for creating elegant, subtly flavored varieties ranging from sparkling to red wines. Explore standout varieties, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and shiraz, all staples on orange wine tours.

Chardonnay

The leading white variety thrives exceptionally at different altitudes. According to James, Orange’s cool-climate styles are known for their “ultra-fine, slowly developing style of citrus and cashew.” Top picks often include bottles from Philip Shaw Wines.

Sauvignon Blanc

The environment in Orange allows sauvignon blanc to flourish. When cultivated above 750 meters, it exhibits a distinct tropical style, with a herbaceous quality that enhances the fruit notes.

Shiraz

Standing out as the most cultivated grape type, shiraz in Orange combines exotic dark berries with lingering spices, yielding exceptional, refined varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Often paired, these create medium-bodied wines with delicate tannins and earthy, herbal notes that balance dark berry sweetness.

Pinot Gris

Small amounts are produced, favoring light-bodied, fragrant styles with cherry fruit notes.

Things to Do in Orange

In addition to its orange wine tasting options, Orange stands out as a top spot for food, featuring excellent restaurants and cafes, produce stores, farm-gate activities, and one of the nation’s best food festivals, Orange F.O.O.D Week. After your orange winery tours, exceptional dining, drinks, and lodging await.

All citations and information in this guide are sourced from James Halliday’s Wine Atlas of Australia. Whether you’re mapping out new south wales wine tours, discovering orange wineries, or visiting the best wineries in Orange NSW, this region promises a memorable wine escape surrounded by cool-climate beauty.