{"id":215071,"date":"2020-07-20T15:12:31","date_gmt":"2020-07-20T05:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=215071"},"modified":"2023-02-17T11:54:16","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T00:54:16","slug":"the-best-wineries-and-cellar-doors-in-orange-nsw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/central-west\/orange\/the-best-wineries-and-cellar-doors-in-orange-nsw\/","title":{"rendered":"The best wineries and cellar doors in Orange, NSW"},"content":{"rendered":"
From vineyards with a view to Australia\u2019s only carbon-neutral winery, our pick of the spots not to miss in this boutique, cool-climate wine region.<\/h5>\n

Stretched out over the mineral-rich contours of extinct volcano Mt Canobolas, Orange<\/a> is Australia\u2019s highest-altitude wine region and these conditions create world-class cool-climate wines including pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. An independent and artisanal spirit underpins the often family-run operations here, which \u2013 when teamed with abundant local produce and idyllic country settings \u2013 makes for a NSW winery experience like no other. Here\u2019s our pick of wineries and cellar doors not to miss.<\/p>\n

Borrodell Estate<\/h2>\n

Set a lofty 1000 metres above sea level on the slopes of extinct volcano Mt Canobolas, Borrodell Estate<\/a> is one of the most picturesque spots to sip on a sauvignon blanc, pinot noir or heritage apple cider. It\u2019s home to a vineyard, cellar door, restaurant and on-site accommodation, as well as a cherry, plum and heritage apple orchard and trufferie. Don\u2019t miss lunch on the balcony at award-winning Sister\u2019s Rock where you can sample dolmades made from the pinot noir vines growing metres from your table. Borrodell Estate is owned and lovingly cultivated by Borry Gartrell and Gaye Stuart-Nairne; Borry is the fifth generation of the Borrodell Family to live on and around the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"Borrodell

Scenic country views across Borrodell Vineyard. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Rowlee Wines<\/h2>\n

A few minutes\u2019 drive from Borrodell, Rowlee Wines<\/a> has its roots in the Dalmatian wine country on the Adriatic coast of Croatia \u2013 where the family tradition of grape growing and winemaking began. Today, its wine combines European heritage with new-world practices and is showcased in a contemporary cellar door. Enjoy a tasting experience and then buy a bottle of wine and gourmet picnic hamper to enjoy in the property\u2019s grounds in the verdant foothills of Mt Canobolas. You can also opt to stay the night in Rowlee\u2019s private, luxury guesthouse.<\/p>\n

\"Picnic

Picnic in the vines experiences at Rowlee Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Nashdale Lane<\/h2>\n

A 10-minute drive out of town in the fruit-growing hub of Nashdale, you\u2019ll find Nashdale Lane<\/a>: a boutique vineyard and winery with on-site glamping run by Nick and Tanya Segger. Their cellar door is based in an old apple-packing shed and, through their preservation of corrugated iron and well-worn concrete floors, the duo have let the history of the region shine through. Warmed with eclectic rugs and furnishings, it\u2019s rustic yet strikes a contemporary tone in harmony with their vibrant collection of award-winning, single-vineyard wines. Sample the whole colour wheel from the crisp and delicate 2018 Colour Series Chardonnay to the 2019 Colour Series Tempranillo with earthy tannins and notes of black cherry and wild strawberries.<\/p>\n

\"Nashdale

Scenic country views over Nashdale Lane Vineyard. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

De Salis Wines<\/h2>\n

Pull up a pew at De Salis Wines<\/a> for one of the best tasting experiences in the region. This family-operated winery is located at an altitude of 1050 metres on the northern slope of Mt Canobolas, on the appropriately named Lofty Vineyard. Its cellar door has stunning views over the valley and its tasting room in a galvanised tin shed is dressed to eclectic effect with stage scenery. Head to this authentic, down to earth and downright funky spot to get a unique insight into its makers wines and minimalist philosophy.<\/p>\n

\"De

The sun setting over De Salis Wines at Lofty Vineyard. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Heifer Station Wines<\/h2>\n

Located in a spot conducive to producing excellent chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris, merlot and shiraz, Heifer Station Wines<\/a> runs its cellar door out of an old woolshed. A proud family business, it plays a big role in the local community \u2013 hosting the annual drought-relief lunch Feast for Farmers and the Orange region\u2019s first iteration of the popular winery concert series A Day on the Green. Heifer Station is set up for parents and children to have fun alike, and includes a petting zoo and farm that\u2019s home to a small herd of alpacas, highland cattle, goats and Tilly the mini Shetland pony.<\/p>\n

\"Cow

Spot highland cows grazing at Heifer Station. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Small Acres Cyder<\/h2>\n

Orange is a major apple-growing area \u2013 it grows more, in fact, than Tasmania \u2013 and so it would be remiss not to sample some hand-crafted cider while you\u2019re here. Small Acres Cyder<\/a> in Nashdale produces traditional orchard-to-bottle varieties, which you can sample at its cellar door, open weekends for tasting and sales. The range includes the signature The Cat\u2019s Pyjamas, a M\u00e9thode Traditionnelle sparkling cider and Somerset Still, \u2018For the more serious cider drinkers and homesick Poms\u2019. A fridge packed with local produce is available to avail yourself of; create your own local produce board to enjoy on site or at the nearby lake for a picnic.<\/p>\n

\"Crates

Sample hand-crafted cider from Small Acres Cyder. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Canobolas-Smith Wines<\/h2>\n

Pioneers of Orange winemaking, Canobolas-Smith Wines<\/a> was established by Murray Smith and his family between 1986 and 1988 with the planting of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, pinot noir and shiraz blocks. A proudly artisanal approach is applied to winemaking here: all the vines are unirrigated, hand pruned and hand-picked to produce singular cool-climate wines. With a cellar door open Saturdays or by appointment, ask to try the flagship red blend Alchemy \u2013 a combination of the very best barrels of cab sauv, cab franc and shiraz and considered by many the<\/em> red wine of the Orange district.<\/p>\n

Philip Shaw Wines<\/h2>\n

Another Orange original, Philip Shaw Wines<\/a> set the benchmark for the region\u2019s unconventional traditions when it planted its vineyard Koomooloo, one of Australia\u2019s highest and coolest, in 1988-89. Located just outside Orange, the property is based around an old bluestone barn with contemporary architectural additions and landscaped gardens. Today you can tour the winery and vineyard, taste at the cellar door and go a step beyond with a wine and food tasting experience. The Winemakers Pairing combines nine wines from Philip Shaw\u2019s Number series \u2013 which represents the best wines from the vineyard and the best years \u2013 with carefully matched morsels; meanwhile the Koomooloo Taste & Plate combines four wines from the same series with a grazing plate featuring locally made cheese and accompaniments.<\/p>\n

\"Philip

Walk around the scenic grounds of Philip Shaw. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ross Hill Wines<\/h2>\n

A six-minute drive from Philip Shaw Wines, Ross Hill Wines<\/a> is Australia’s only carbon-neutral winery and vineyards (NCOS certified) \u2013 a sustainable family-run operation that\u2019s been in business since 1994. Set off for this idyllic spot where an expanded cellar door, with its modern take on country style, offers tasting experiences matched with a local tasting plate of olives, hazelnuts, cheese and cured meats. The cellar door also now houses the Barrel & Larder School of Wine and Food \u2013 which runs cooking classes of all persuasion: book ahead to learn how to make everything from paella to Sri Lankan curry to smoked meats and Japanese cuisine.<\/p>\n

\"Rose

The picturesque views at Ross Hill Wines Vineyard. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Swinging Bridge Wines<\/h2>\n

A canopy of flowers adorn the wooden beams above the entrance to the Swinging Bridge Wines<\/a> petite cellar door.\u00a0 The family-owned estate is the perfect place to sit and watch the sun go down at the end of the day as you enjoy a selection of Orange\u2019s finest light- to medium-bodied wines. Passionate viticulturist and winemaker Tom Ward produces a small but exceptional range of handcrafted cool-climate wines that showcase the premium pinot noir and chardonnay grapes grown on his vineyard.<\/p>\n

\"Swinging

Inside the Swinging Bridge Wines cellar door in Orange. (Image: Katie Carlin)<\/p><\/div>\n

Standouts in The Winemaker Series (each named after members of Tom Ward\u2019s family) include the 2019 William J Shiraz and the 2018 M.A.W Pinot Noir, while the 2018 #006 Tempinot from the Hashtag Series blends tempranillo and pinot noir grapes into a beautifully balanced drop that showcases the innovation behind the brand. And for a special occasion, purchase the 2017 Hill Park Chardonnay from the Single Vineyard Series.<\/p>\n

\"Swinging

Swinging Bridge wine tasting. (Image: Katie Carlin)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ferment the Orange Wine Centre<\/h2>\n

Ferment the Orange Wine Centre<\/a> is a bright and characterful wine bar in a heritage building in central Orange that acts as a great introduction to the cool-climate wines of the NSW Central Ranges and beyond. It\u2019s also the official cellar door for 19 wines from the Orange region including Cargo Cult Wines, Cumulus Wines and Tallwood Wines. Settle in for a wine tasting or a glass or two \u2013 state-of-the-art Enomatic wine dispensers let you try before you buy \u2013 and a cheese board to match.<\/p>\n

\"Ferment

Wide range of local wines available for tasting at Ferment The Orange Wine Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From vineyards with a view to Australia\u2019s only carbon-neutral winery, our pick of the spots not to miss in this boutique, cool-climate wine region. Stretched out over the mineral-rich contours of extinct volcano Mt Canobolas, Orange is Australia\u2019s highest-altitude wine region and these conditions create world-class cool-climate wines including pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. 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