Ripe for the picking
The burgeoning wine region of Orange offers much more than world-class drops. KARLIE VERKERK explores with glass in hand.
When it comes to picturesque wine regions, Australia is blessed. Emerging among them quietly but confidently is Orange in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. Home to an impressive number of boutique and family-owned wineries, breweries and acclaimed restaurants, the historic town and surrounding wine region is cementing its status as a must-visit food and wine destination.
Set at more than 600 metres above sea level, the region’s high elevation and rich volcanic soils make it perfect for producing cool-climate wines, with shiraz, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon the most common varietals. There are also small pockets of newer varieties, such as arneis, sangiovese, barbera and tempranillo, proving the region’s grape-growing versatility.
Orange experiences four very distinct seasons throughout the year, although spring, with its warm days and crisp nights, is an ideal time to plan a rural escape. Also on the calendar at this time of year is the annual Orange Wine Festival, which highlights the region’s wines at a series of events throughout October. There are more than 40 cellar doors to choose from in Orange, but here’s our pick of the bunch…
Nashdale Lane Wines
Situated at the foot of Mount Canobolas is Nashdale Lane Wines, a perfectly manicured vineyard run by affable husband and wife team Tanya Ryan-Segger and Nick Segger. The pair moved to Orange from Sydney in 2001 with dreams of building an ethical winery to produce premium wines. The spacious cellar door – a 60-year old converted apple packing shed – boasts panoramic views of the manicured vineyard. It’s a cosy spot to sample their New World wines, including a bright and juicy rouge and crisp fumé blanc, accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie platter. If you plan to savour more than a glass, you can book to stay the night at one of the vineyard’s luxury glamping cabins, complete with a wood fire, four-poster bed and sunken outdoor lounge. 125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale; nashdalelane.com
Hoosegg by Philip Shaw
Legendary winemaker Philip Shaw has been instrumental in putting Orange on the map. Shaw spent 11 years building his eponymous wine label Philip Shaw Wines, but recently handed it over to his sons so he could start his new brand: Hoosegg. Crucial to the Hoosegg venture is Shaw’s Koomooloo vineyard where he personally plucks, pinches and polishes the chosen grapes, and oversees every step of the winemaking process.
The property, which rises to an altitude of 900 metres, is also where Shaw lives and hosts private wine tasting sessions. Be sure to book in advance to sip top drops with one of Australia’s most-awarded wine producers.
45 Caldwell Lane, Borenore; hoosegg.com
Printhie Wines
If Australian sparkling is your wine of choice, this is the cellar door for you. Made to the traditional French method, Printhie Wines’ Swift sparkling range is considered one of Australia’s best, picking up 15 awards over the last two years. Owned and operated by brothers Ed and Dave Swift, Printhie comprises four vineyards at differing elevations. The winery’s new cellar door is located at the Millwood vineyard, which is set amidst a fully operational heritage apple orchard. On a crisp afternoon, set yourself next to the fire pit and watch the sun cast shadows over the dam.
208 Nancarrow Lane, Nashdale; printhie.com.au
Heifer Station Wines
Marked by a Morris Minor ute, Heifer Station Wines is situated on the North West slopes of Mt Canobolas on undulating terroir. The vineyard, which is located on an old Cobb & Co property, presents plenty of spaces indoors and out to sample the label’s elegant, cool-climate wines. If you’re with a group, opt for a table in the sprawling garden and order a tasting plate while you soak up the sunshine and sip award-winning shiraz. Alternatively, reserve a comfortable spot in the cellar door, which is located inside a charming 100-year-old converted woolshed. Book a vineyard tour or roaming tasting, then make friends with the winery’s resident pigs and goats.
1034 The Escort Way, Borenore; heiferstation.com
Ross Hill Wines
As Australia’s first and only certified carbon-neutral winery, Ross Hill Wines stands out among the crowd. In addition to sublime wines, the family-owned and run label produces limited-release olive oil pressed from hand-picked Spanish and Italian olive varieties grown on the estate. The winery’s cellar door, which offers sweeping views of the rolling property, is particularly delightful during the warmer months when the nearby cherry trees are bursting with plump fruit.
134 Wallace Ln, Orange; rosshillwines.com.au