Wine regions Australia - Orange

Orange   New South Wales

Orange is a high altitude region positioned on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, producing wines with elegant structures and refined and intense fruit characters. Chardonnay is particularly successful, with interest growing in Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Orange is the highest region in Australia , and one of the coolest with winter snows

The Orange region lies between the Cowra and Mudgee regions in the Central Ranges Zone. The region is the highest in Australia with vines growing up to 1100m.

The dominant feature of the area is the extinct volcano Mount Canobolas. Here lies the clue to the region's soils, they are basalt based and rich.

From the summit of Mt Canobolas at 1,400m (nothing higher to the west until Mozambique) to the lower slopes around 600m, the distinct seasons bring snow and frost in the winter, golden evenings in the spring and autumn and bright sun in the summer. Rainfall is good during the growing season October to April. The hilly landscape offers views and aspects for vineyards allowing for a range of “terroirs”. There are 40 brands of wine, 24 cellar doors that are regularly open and 55 vineyards.

The wines of the Orange region come from vineyards in a range of situations and microclimates influenced by the cool climate, slopes and sunlight. Orange is strong in its production of fruity and aromatic whites, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are distinctive, and Pinot Gris is showing promise. Amongst the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, and its blends with Merlot and Cabernet Franc are distinctive, and many good Shiraz are produced. Pinot Noir is used for both dry red and sparkling wines, and does well at higher altitudes. But Orange produces many other varieties well worth sampling: Gewurztraminer, Barbera, Viognier, Riesling, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. Aromatic rosés and smooth stickies are also available, and production of sparkling wines is starting.

The origin of Orange is gold. The first paying gold in Australia was discovered at Ophir in 1851 just 18km northeast of Orange. The villages of Millthorpe, Carcoar, Lucknow and Byng are a wonderful trip back in time with splendid historic buildings.

Orange is a relative new comer to the wine industry with most properties being established from the 1980s onwards.

The University of Sydney's Templer's Mill vineyard and Faculty of Rural Management (formerly Orange Agricultural College) are located in Orange.

The main centre is the city of Orange, pop 38,000, which is only 3 ½ hours from Sydney (3h. from Penrith) and 3 hours from Canberra. There are also 4 daily return flights between Orange and Sydney. The region is well serviced by the established cities of Orange and Blayney and the surrounding historic villages of Millthorpe, Carcoar, Molong, and Lucknow. These centres offer a full range of accommodation and dining establishments. Orange restaurateur Michael Manners of Selkirks has won the Sydney Morning Herald 2005 Award for Professional Excellence and has been awarded 2 Hats, whilst Lolli Redini in Orange and Tonic in Millthorpe have been awarded 1 Hat.

Orange also has an active Conservatorium of Music, a City Theatre which hosts major touring performances and a Regional Art Gallery. There are three golf clubs, one of which is regarded as the best in country NSW and a wide range of specialty shops and services. The fresh food retailed in Orange is high quality, local and good value, at the Farmers’ Market, local butchers and fruit and vegetable shops.

Orange knows how to celebrate its bounty. In April the annual F.O.O.D. week (Food Of the Orange District) takes place with wonderful local produce such as fruit, nuts, berries and game meat. In October enjoy the late spring warmth at the Orange: Reds and Whites were you spend the weekend tasting superb wines and eating special meals cooked by the local restaurants.

Harvest time: late March to early May

Orange Region Wine Show 2005 : Trophies and Awards

ELDERS MENZIES PECK & YELLAND TROPHY (Class 2: BEST CHARDONNAY OF THE SHOW)
Awarded to: Canobolas Smith 2001 Chardonnay

MADREZ WINE SERVICES TROPHY (Class 3: BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Word Of Mouth 2005 Sauvignon Blanc

SAMS AUTOMOTIVE TROPHY (Class 4: BEST AROMATIC WHITE WINE OF THE SHOW)
Awarded to: Canobolas Smith 2002 Riesling

HIGHLAND HERITAGE TROPHY (Class 5: BEST WHITE BLEND OR OTHER VARIETY OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Logan Wines 2005 Weemala Pinot Gris

BALDOCK STACY & NIVEN TROPHY (Class 8: BEST PINOT NOIR OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Word Of Mouth Wines 2004 Pinot Noir

CENTRAL WESTERN DAILY (Class 9: BEST MERLOT OF THE SHOW)
Awarded to: Cumulus Wines 2004 Climbing Merlot

VINESTAR PERPETUAL TROPHY (Class 10: BEST SHIRAZ OF THE SHOW)
Awarded to: Millamolong Estate 2004 Shiraz

GRANT FARM EQUIPMENT TROPHY (Class 11: BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Tamburlaine 2004 Orange Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

HARTS MACHINERY TROPHY (Class 12: BEST DRY RED BLEND OR OTHER VARIETY OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Jarretts Of Orange 2004 Finger & Thumb

THE CLEAR IMAGE TROPHY (Classes 2, 3, 4, and 5 BEST WHITE WINE OF THE SHOW)
Awarded to: Canobolas Smith 2001 Chardonnay

CABONNE SHIRE COUNCIL TROPHY (Classes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12: BEST RED WINE OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Millamolong Estate 2004 Shiraz

CHRIS GRILLIS REAL ESTATE TROPHY (Classes 2, 3, 4 and 5 Vintage 2002 and older BEST MATURE WHITE WINE OF SHOW)
Awarded to: Canobolas Smith 2001 Chardonnay

ORANGE CITY COUNCIL TROPHY (THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR OF THE SHOW)
Awarded to: Tamburlaine

ORANGE COOL STORES TROPHY (THE PERPETUAL “ORANGE PLUNGER” THE PANELS AWARD FOR THE BEST WINE THAT DID NOT RECEIVE A TROPHY)
Awarded to: Brangayne Of Orange 2002 Isolde Reserve Chardonnay

Orange Region Vignerons Association
10 November 2005