Ripe For The Picking

The burgeoning wine region of Orange offers much more than world-class drops. Karlie Verkerk explores with glass in hand.

- Karlie Verkerk

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