Wine regions - 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 has some of the finest
restaurants in country
New South Wales
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