Whether you're a fan of shiraz or chardonnay, prosecco or pinot noir, you will find it in the Orange wine region. It's made with a focus on quality at wineries offering wonderful cellar door experiences, fabulous restaurants and inspiring views.
On yer trike
Some people are nervous before they step aboard a German-made Boom Mustang trike, but they're soon all smiles when they realise how comfy and safe these mean machines are. What does take a bit of getting used to is all the stares and waves you get as you cruise the streets of Orange before heading out to arrive at wineries in jaw-dropping style. On a half-day wine-tasting tour for two with Orange Trike Tours you'll visit three wineries for tastings, and have a cheese platter along the way. Itineraries vary depending on the day. Just make sure you practise your wave beforehand.
Orange Trike Tours, Orange - Credit: Orange Trike Tours
Hit the trail
With Country Food Trails, you set the route. On a private tour (you can even take your dog), you can choose from a half-day or full-day experience – the latter includes lunch, which might be anything from a cafe meal to a winery degustation. You can also join a small-group afternoon tour on which guests’ preferences are used to set the schedule.
Country Food Trails, Orange
Take to the skies
It's always exciting arriving at a winery you've never visited before. Imagine arriving by helicopter! Orange Helicopters can create the ultimate wine tasting by air. You choose what wines you want to taste and where you want to taste them, then make a suitable dramatic entrance as you land on the lawn. You'll also get to take in spectacular views of the countryside from above as you travel.
Printhie Wines Cellar Door, Orange
Pop the cork
Uncork Orange offers a winning combination of small groups, insider knowledge from a wine industry expert guide and some fab local food. On a morning or afternoon tour you'll visit top wineries with a picnic basket in tow – think scones, cheeses, fruits and nuts. Meanwhile, on a full-day tour you might find yourself enjoying delicious homemade soup and rolls, too.
Uncork Orange Wine Tours, Orange - Credit: Uncork Orange Wine Tours
Toast the farmers
Taste wine and do good at the same time. With Shiraz Tours, $5 from every tour is donated to the Rural Aid Buy a Bale campaign, helping farmers who are doing it tough. Nice to know you're making a change, as you relax into a half-day or full-day tour of boutique wineries, with pick-up at your accommodation, and everything planned and booked on your behalf.
Heifer Station, Orange
Hook, line & sinker
There are days out in Orange. And then there's the Printhie Wines private fly fishing experience. This is no ordinary line cast out: you learn the art of fly fishing with a professional in the morning, then spend the afternoon savouring a five-course degustation at Printhie Dining, replete with matching wines. The team here also offers a sparkling masterclass, should you with to linger, uncovering the complexities behind making method traditionelle sparkling… with plenty of bubbles to sip throughout your journey.
Printhie Wines, Orange
Meet the maker
The team at Orange Wine Tours nurtures long-lasting connections across the region. And it’s this intimate knowledge that makes their full-day VIP experience so special. Let your in-the-know host plot your course throughout the day, or make your own suggestions, then ease into hours of wine tasting, lunch and touring vineyards in the company of top vintners.
Orange Wine Tours, Orange
Throw out a rug
The private Moroccan-style picnics at Heifer Station Wines never fail to impress. But you can take your lunch to new heights – literally – when you sign up for 'The Ultimate Wine Tasting'. This experience sees you enjoy a scenic flight over Mount Canobolas, before you land to enjoy a wine flight and indulgent feast amid the vines (in summer) or by the fireplace (in winter). It's a win-win, either way.
Heifer Station, Orange
Follow the Pinnacle Path
Many of Orange's best wineries are clustered around a mountain peak known as The Pinnacle. It's home to some of the region's highest vineyards and the cool climate and volcanic soil create a unique terroir that produces some seriously good grapes. Join Book Regional Wine Tours for a journey around the Pinnacle Path, visiting wineries like De Salis, Rowlee Wines, Byrne Farm and Macquariedale Organic Wines.
Pinnacle Path, Orange - Credit: Book Regional
Slow down and cycle
Who says a wine tour has to be done in a day? Hop on your bike and spend six days slowly exploring the Orange region, stopping at wineries, restaurants and local attractions along the way. Bespoke Cycle Tours offers both self-guided and supported rides travelling in a 320-kilometre loop from Orange, visiting places like Blayney, Carcoar, Cowra and Canowindra. The tours include accommodation, some meals, tastings, detailed tour notes and a support vehicle for supported rides.
Orange Regional Discovery Tour, Orange - Credit: Colin Bransgrove
