Must-visit Orange cellar doors

Best wineries in Orange

Just a 40-minute plane ride from Sydney, the New South Wales wine region of Orange is home to close to 60 wineries. As well as making vibrant wines, Orange is a mecca for fine food, produce and events.

Below, we spoke to three producers from Orange: Canobolas Wines, Swinging Bridge and Highland Heritage. They provide some local knowledge, and let us in on their favourite spots – whether they be wine bars or local lakes. We also found out which wine of theirs you need to try.

Get to know the three wineries below.  

Canobolas Wines

Canobolas Wines vigneron Jonathon Mattick says: Our small patch of land is planted high on the slopes of Mount Canobolas within the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people. Canobolas Wines (formerly Canobolas-Smith) is the third oldest vineyard and one of the most significant producers of premium wine in the Orange region. The vineyard and winery were established by the Smith family in 1985.

They chose the site after a lengthy search for an ideal combination of climate, soil and aspect to be able to create great wine. The part of the mountain that we are situated on is the remnants of an extinct volcanic complex that erupted in several phases between 11–13 million years ago, making it a relatively recent geological feature. The basalt rock that was created by the lava flows has broken up over millions of years, forming the deep, rich, red soils that are excellent for grapegrowing and wine production. The resulting soils are known as Red Ferrosols (Krasnozems).

The Mattick family took ownership of the property in 2021, with the introduction of regenerative farming and organic practices being central to their new philosophy. The wines from the 2022, 2023 and 2024 vintages received outstanding reviews and awards, reaffirming the site’s ability to produce fruit of exceptional quality.

H. What do you love about making wine in Orange?
JM. The climate and soils in Orange are really unique in Australia, high altitude, continental, cool climate and influenced by the monolith that is Mount Canobolas. The soils of the region are varied and complex. The resulting wines grown on different soils amplify the terroir of each site. Those grown on the deep, rich, red volcanic soils produce wine of extraordinary fruit depth and power. Those grown on the older, leaner soils lean to more savoury and spice-driven wines. It makes the region endlessly complex and fascinating to work in.

H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
JM. Our beautiful cellar door is situated at the heart of our vineyard, perched high on the slopes of Mount Canobolas. Our tasting focuses on the estate and our wine production. All guests will be guided through our vision and processes for our style of winemaking. Every wine is grown and made exclusively from our estate, allowing each tasting to reflect the character of the land and the season in which it was grown.

Favourite local spot: Early in summer on a still afternoon, when the temperature is in the mid 20s there are not many more pure experiences than a swim in the crisp spring waters of Lake Canobolas. Paddle out into the middle and admire the majesty of the mountain towering above. Take a moment to savour the beauty and isolation of the surrounds. Then return to shore and open a bottle of Orange Chardonnay and again savour the beauty of the moment.

Wine to try

2023 Canobolas Wines Chardonnay, Orange

Sourced from deep red ferrosol soils. Some wines require time and the peace and serenity of place to hear their voice. This is such a wine. It is not shouting for attention, instead, it's telling an age-old story of the trickling river streams, deep iron oxide soils and the under-vine make-up of a special place. Fresh linen, lotus flower and grapefruit pulp. An earthy celeriac and artichoke pull towards the crystalline salinity of quartz and scallop shell. Full mlf has tamed its natural quivering acidity and allowed for a horchata creaminess. A wine that might be passed by but, for those that revere wines of earthly spirit and finesse, this is utterly glorious. – Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion, 97 points

Best enjoyed: This chardonnay is a hedonistic and meditative experience that you could savour on its own. For food, I would opt for some Coquilles Saint-Jacques – this recipe combines sweet, tender sea scallops bathed in a lemony cream sauce topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs.

RRP $65 | Drink to 2038 | canobolaswines.com.au | Shop this wine

Swinging Bridge

Swinging Bridge vigneron Tom Ward says: Swinging Bridge is a leading producer of chardonnay and pinot noir in Orange. We specialise in high-altitude vineyards, with fruit sourced from sites at 900m on the volcanic slopes of Gaanha Bula (Mount Canobolas). Our focus is on expressing these unique sites through careful, detail-driven farming and winemaking. The wines are distinctly of place and aim to showcase Orange on the world stage. 

H. What do you love about making wine in the Orange?
TW. We’re lucky to farm some exceptional vineyard sites, but what really stands out is the community. The food and wine culture here is woven into everyday life. It’s not unusual to wander into town on a Monday night and enjoy a great local wine with a beautifully prepared meal and genuinely warm, world-class service. For us, it’s hard to think of a more complete regional experience anywhere in Australia.

H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
TW. As a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, we focus on delivering thoughtful, educational tasting experiences that go beyond the standard cellar door visit. From our signature wine and food pairing through to a tour exploring the region and our vineyards, culminating in a five-course degustation with matched wines, each experience is designed to give guests a deeper understanding of the region. And of course, all of this is set against the stunning backdrop of Gaanha Bula (Mount Canobolas).

Favourite local spot: The region’s strength lies in its food and wine. A visit to any of the local restaurants or wine bars is worthwhile, with favourites including The Union Bank, The Summer Street Wine Room, Hey Rosey and Lucetta Dining. And of course, don’t miss a trip to the summit of Gaanha Bula (Mount Canobolas); it’s the best way to understand just how high altitude this region really is.

Wine to try

2023 Swinging Bridge Caldwell Lane Chardonnay, Orange

Best enjoyed: Fresh seafood is a natural fit, particularly oysters with a white peach mignonette or seared scallops with beurre noisette. A quick 30-minute decant helps the wine open up, then serve at around 10°C in a Burgundy glass.

RRP $70 | Drink to 2035 | swingingbridge.com.au | Shop this wine

Highland Heritage

Highland Heritage general manager/winemaker Rex D'Aquino says: The D'Aquino family has been making wine in Orange since 1946 and has the wealth of experience to deliver the best the region can produce. As a family business established in 1985, Highland Heritage vineyard and cellar door is an award-winning genuine cool-climate vineyard. We are located 3 kilometres east of the city, on 125 hectares and 890 metres above sea level. The vineyard is currently planted with chardonnay, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, merlot, riesling, shiraz, prosecco and cabernet franc, with harvest of our grapes usually starting in mid/late March to late April. 

H. What do you love about making wine in the Orange?
RDA. I was born in Orange and love showing how good the regional wines are.

H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
RDA. Highland Heritage vineyard is nestled in the undulating hills on the eastern side of Orange NSW at 890 metres above sea level (one of the highest altitude vineyards in Orange). This altitude has a profound effect on the resultant wines, producing sophisticated and alluring reds and elegant, well-structured whites. The country air of the Orange region is cool, fresh and clean. Our connection with the environment is evident as you will often see abundant wildlife including kangaroos, ducks, various birds and white cockatoos. Also, say hello to our pet alpacas (always hiding in the long grass).

Favourite local spot: My favourite spot is Nile St Cafe for breakfast on a Sunday morning with my puppies. Great coffee in the courtyard.

Wine to try

NV Highland Heritage PRO-SEC-CO, Orange

Best enjoyed: Crisp and sophisticated, this wine is very versatile for food pairing. It is excellent with antipasto or with fine cuisine such as freshly shucked oysters and fresh seafood. Pad Thai is another great pairing. We suggest you serve it chilled to 5°C.  

RRP $12 | Drink to 2028 | highlandheritage.com.au | Shop this wine

Top image credit: Highland Heritage