Travel

The grape escapeThe Orange Wine Month runs for the month of October. Here’s what to eat, drink and enjoy in one of Australia’s most beautiful towns

PrinthieCellarDoorOrangeNSW

A road trip is quintessentially Australian. There’s nothing like driving along almost-deserted roads that are fringed by a slowly changing landscape to make you realise just how enormous and magnificent, our country is.

If you’re looking to spend some time in the vast Australian countryside drinking awardwinning wines and eating organic, locallygrown meals created by Michelin-starred chef, then some time spent exploring Orange is a treat for your senses. The car journey to Orange from the Gold Coast is long – around 11 hours – but fascinating. There’s the must-do pitstop at Tamworth, to visit the World’s Largest Guitar, plus a wander along its Main Street, with the array of bustling restaurants and boutiques. Or entertain the kids at the Big Banana if you take the coast road before turning west. Either way, the theme for your road journey towards Orange is ‘big,’ and for good reason. Your arrival in to the town of Orange brings with it big expectations: it’s famous for award-winning food and wine, as well as enchanting scenery. But will it live up to your expectations? In short, yes. For a small town—around 40,000 people— there’s so much to do here, you’ll need to extend your stay. There’s always something to celebrate: this month (October) is Orange Wine month, with a full 31 days of festivities planned to showcase the region. There’s wine-tasting masterclasses, art exhibitions, music, vintners tables, picnics and outdoor markets. For more information about what’s on, visit orange360.com.au

Where to drink wine

No matter the time of year you are visiting, take a drive through the outer roads of the town and you’ll come across numerous wineries offering tastings. The region is perfect for wine growing, with its cool climate, elevation and rich soils of Mount Canobolas, all combining to create excellent growing conditions for a variety of grapes. Sipping your selection of wine while enjoying the local hospitality and breathtaking surroundings is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon; gaze over the gently rolling hills while the sun sets and the soft clouds gather on the horizon. Heifer Station Wines – Heifer Station Wines is a small batch, boutique vineyard and cellar door set in a historic, turn-of-thecentury wool shed on the undulating slopes wof Mt Canobolas. heiferstation.com.au

Word of Mouth Wines – A small, family-run vineyard with a flourishing garden to enjoy samples. The vineyard employs sustainable winemaking methods free of fertilizers and insecticides and are certified organic. Enjoy the speciality – their Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling. wordofmouthwines.com.au

Groundstone

Philip Shaw Wines – Philip Shaw Wines is one of Orange’s most prominent wine makers, when Philip, in 1988, established the Koomooloo vineyard on the high-altitude slopes of Mt Canobola. Today, Philip’s son Daniel continues to deliver world-class cool-climate wines of elegance. The Cellar Door and tasting room extends off an 1870’s bluestone barn and is surrounded by exquisite gardens and tiered lawns. Byrne Farm Wines – newly-established but already making waves amongst the winemakers of Orange, owner Jeff Byrne tempts visitors with delicious Pinot Noir wines in their newly-built cellar door, perfectly set amongst the orchard and vines. byrnefarm.com.au

Where to eat

Charred – Sourcing the best local produce from the region and further afield, Chef Liam O’Brien uses the specially commissioned “Lucifer” wood and charcoal oven to impart a unique flavour on food, inspired by his world travels. charred.com.au

The Union Bank – Housed in a State Heritage listed building, The Union Bank is a feast for the tastebuds and the eyes. Rockpool trained head chef Dom Aboud consistently serves delicious, seasonal produce. theunionbank.com.au The Peacock Room – Fancy some cocktails? Then don’t miss The Peacock Room and Bela Vista Bar at The Oriana – a retro chic cocktail bar with a classic European dining menu. Printhie Dining – The new kids on the block, Printhie Dining is open for lunch only from Wednesday to Sunday. Set amongst the stunning vineyards of Mount Canobolas, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the seasonal fivecourse degustation menu.

BNB Made Easy Heifer Station Wines

Where to stay

The Quest in the centre of Orange is ideal for solo travellers, couples or families. It’s just off the main street, so you can park your car under the hotel then spend the rest of your time on foot exploring the nearby restaurants, bars and boutiques. The rooms are generously proportioned and selfcontained with a fully-equipped kitchen. Large, comfortable beds and separate living area means everyone has enough space to relax in after a day of food, wine and touring. If you’re visiting as a family ask for a connecting room – ideal for those who don’t need to have their teenagers directly underfoot. There’s no room service, but the downstairs restaurant, Ocean Project, delivers the freshest foods from the region. Don’t miss their fish and chips – the best we’ve ever had. If you don’t feel like making your own breakfast, head to Groundstone for their famous smashed avo or munch on an almond croissant at Racine bakery. The hotel also offers a grocery delivery service, so you can arrive at your hotel with a fully-stocked fridge and pantry. Now that’s service. All you have to do is assemble your cheese board and enjoy your local wine while enjoying the view from your terrace. questapartments.com.au If you’re planning a stop off in Tamworth along the way, book yourself into the welcoming Mercure Tamworth property. Perfectly situated next to the West Tamworth Leagues Club and just five minutes from Main Street, the spacious and fresh rooms are the ideal place to rest while on a long journey. There’s a gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and even the fantastic Scully Park for the kids to stretch their legs. To book: https://all.accor.com/.