Orange, New South Wales, stands out as a wine lover’s paradise thanks to its cool climate, high-altitude vineyards, and a landscape that produces some of Australia’s most distinctive wines. What makes Orange especially appealing is its focus on sustainable practices and boutique wineries. Among the many options, we’re particularly impressed by how each offers a different taste of the region—from immersive behind-the-scenes experiences to elegant tastings paired with local foods. For a deep dive into winemaking, the Ross Hill Winery Behind-the-Scenes Tour provides an insightful peek into how award-winning wines are crafted and includes a guided tasting.
If you’re short on time but want a quality tasting experience, the 1-hour Wine Tasting at Ross Hill Wines is perfect for sampling up to 7 cool climate wines at Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery. For those who love food and wine pairing, the Savour with Swinging Bridge – Wine & Canapé Tasting combines seven handcrafted wines with local canapés amid stunning vineyard views. Read on for a detailed look at each of these top picks to help you choose the best wine experience for your trip.
1. Orange NSW: Ross Hill Winery Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This behind-the-scenes tour at Ross Hill Winery offers a unique glimpse into what it takes to produce award-winning wines in Orange’s cooler climate. Spanning about 1.5 hours, the tour takes you through the winery’s inner workings, from grape to bottle, revealing details about their sustainable practices and certified carbon-neutral status. You’ll learn about the various stages of winemaking and see the machinery and processes in action—an excellent experience for those curious about wine production.
The highlight is the guided tasting, where you’ll sample a selection of wines crafted on-site. The passion of the staff and the meticulous attention to detail shine through in every sip, making this more than just a standard tasting. What sets this tour apart is the chance to understand how the winery’s commitment to sustainability influences their wines. Many visitors appreciate the intimate, small-group setting and the chance to ask detailed questions about the winemaking process.
Bottom line: If you want an immersive experience that combines education with tasting in a sustainable winery, this tour is hard to beat. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive understanding of how Orange wines are made.
2. Orange NSW: 1 hour Wine Tasting at Ross Hill Wines
For a shorter, focused experience, the 1-hour Wine Tasting at Ross Hill Wines is a perfect choice. This seated tasting takes place at Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery, emphasizing the region’s commitment to sustainability. During this session, a friendly Cellar Door team guides you through up to 7 different wines, mainly showcasing their cool climate varieties.
What makes this tasting stand out is the quality of the wines—each sip reflects the care taken in their production. It’s an excellent way to sample a variety of Ross Hill’s offerings without the longer commitment of a tour, making it suitable for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a quick, enjoyable introduction to Orange wines. The tasting room’s relaxed atmosphere allows for plenty of conversation and questions, making it a personal experience.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to taste multiple wines in one sitting. Since the winery is certified carbon neutral, you can feel good about supporting sustainable winemaking practices while enjoying your tasting.
Bottom line: If you’re after a high-quality, efficient introduction to Orange wines in a sustainable setting, this tasting is an excellent choice.
3. Orange: Savour with Swinging Bridge – Wine & Canapé Tasting
The Savour with Swinging Bridge – Wine & Canapé Tasting offers a delightful combination of seven handcrafted cool climate wines paired with carefully curated canapés created using locally sourced ingredients. Over one hour, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting led by a qualified Sommelier, who will walk you through the details of each wine and its pairing.
What makes this experience stand out is the pairing with on-site prepared canapés that highlight regional produce, elevating the tasting into a true culinary event. The stunning views of Swinging Bridge Hill Park Vineyard and nearby Mt Canobolas add to the experience, making it ideal for a relaxing afternoon. This tour also features Club Exclusive Single Vineyard releases, appealing to wine connoisseurs eager to sample rare vintages.
Reviews note the intimate group size—limited to six participants—creating a personal atmosphere where questions are encouraged. It’s perfect for those who appreciate food and wine pairings and want an elegant, leisurely experience. The focus on local ingredients makes this more than just a tasting; it’s a taste of Orange’s agricultural richness.
Bottom line: For a classy, food-friendly wine experience with beautiful scenery, this tour is hard to beat. It’s particularly suited for those looking to combine wine with local cuisine in a relaxed setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Orange Wine Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your priorities—are you eager to learn about winemaking processes, or do you prefer a quick tasting with a focus on quality wines? If you’re interested in immersive education, the Ross Hill Behind-the-Scenes Tour offers a detailed look at production methods. For a more casual exploration, the 1-hour tasting provides variety and ease. If you love food and wine pairings set in scenic surroundings, the Swinging Bridge experience is ideal.
Timing is also important—these tours run year-round, but booking early is recommended during peak tourist seasons in spring and autumn. Think about your wine preferences: if sustainability matters to you, Ross Hill’s certified carbon neutral status is a plus, while those seeking rare vintages will appreciate the exclusive canapés paired with Club wines.
Final Thoughts
Orange’s wine scene offers a range of experiences, from educational tours to gourmet tastings. The Ross Hill Behind-the-Scenes Tour is perfect for those wanting an in-depth look at winemaking, while the Ross Hill tasting suits travelers seeking a quick, high-quality sample. The Swinging Bridge Canapé Tasting stands out for its pairing and scenic setting.
If you’re visiting Orange, consider your interests and schedule when choosing your experience. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable wine adventures. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or just looking to enjoy regional flavors in a relaxed setting, Orange’s wineries have something to offer every traveler.