5 Top-Rated Orange New South Wales Tours & Experiences

Orange, New South Wales, stands out as a premier wine region with a vibrant food scene, picturesque vineyards, and top-notch local wineries. It’s not just about drinking wine; it’s about experiencing the care, craftsmanship, and scenic beauty that make Orange an exceptional destination for wine lovers. The Ross Hill Winery features prominently on our list with its sustainable approach and expert-guided tastings—ideal for visitors who appreciate authenticity and eco-consciousness. Meanwhile, Swinging Bridge offers a variety of immersive experiences, from guided vineyard tours to indulgent multi-course lunches, making it perfect for those wanting to combine wine tasting with gourmet cuisine.

If you’re looking for practical ways to enjoy Orange’s wine and food scene, you’ll find something tailored to your style here. Whether you prefer a quick tasting, a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking, or a luxurious lunch paired with local wines, these experiences highlight what makes Orange a special place to sip, savor, and learn.

1. Orange NSW: Ross Hill Winery Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ross Hill Winery, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass. This 1.5-hour experience offers an intimate glimpse into the craft behind their award-winning wines, all at a certified carbon neutral winery. Ross Hill is known for its passion for quality and sustainable practices, making it a standout for eco-conscious wine lovers. During the tour, you’ll discover how the grapes are selected, fermented, and aged, all while exploring the winery’s facilities. The guided tasting follows, featuring a selection of wines produced on-site, allowing you to savor the unique flavors developed through meticulous craftsmanship.

What makes this tour special is the focus on sustainability, with Ross Hill being Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery. The knowledgeable guides share their enthusiasm and insights, making it more than just a tasting—it’s an education in responsible winemaking. The reviews speak highly of the personalized experience and the clarity of explanations. This tour is perfect for those who want an in-depth understanding of winemaking paired with the chance to sample some truly impressive wines.

Bottom Line: If you’re keen to see the inner workings of a sustainable winery and enjoy personalized tastings, this behind-the-scenes tour offers great value and insight into Orange’s wine industry.

2. Orange NSW: 1 hour Wine Tasting at Ross Hill Wines

For those seeking a more casual, guided wine experience, the 1-hour wine tasting at Ross Hill Wines provides a seated tasting with friendly staff. This tour is ideal if you want a quick yet informative session at Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery. During this hour, you’ll sample up to 7 different wines, gaining insight into the cool-climate varieties that thrive in Orange. The tasting is led by the Cellar Door team, who share their knowledge about each wine’s character, the vineyard’s sustainable practices, and the region’s unique climate.

Most reviewers praise the approachable staff and quality of wines, noting that the experience is both relaxed and educational. The focus on sustainability adds a meaningful layer to the tasting, making it an eco-friendly choice. The tour is suited for travelers with limited time but who still want to enjoy top-quality wines and learn about the region’s specialty varieties.

Bottom Line: This short experience is perfect for visitors who want a quick, relaxed introduction to Ross Hill’s wines in a sustainable setting without sacrificing depth or quality.

3. Orange: Savour with Swinging Bridge – Wine & Canapé Tasting

Taste the synergy of food and wine at the Savour with Swinging Bridge experience, which combines a curated flight of seven handcrafted cool climate wines with locally sourced canapés prepared by Swinging Bridge’s in-house chef. Over the course of an hour, a qualified Sommelier guides you through the tasting, explaining the nuances of each wine and how they pair with the carefully selected bites.

What sets this experience apart is the combination of exceptional food and wine, along with stunning views of the vineyard and Mt Canobolas. It’s ideal for visitors who want an immersive, sensory experience in a relaxed setting—perfect for small groups or couples. The tasting includes Club Exclusive Single Vineyard releases, making it a treat for connoisseurs eager to explore rare wines. The setting is picturesque, and the expert guidance ensures you’ll learn more about wine pairing as you go.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a refined, interactive experience with exceptional local food and wines, this canape pairing at Swinging Bridge offers excellent value and memorable flavors.

4. Orange: Indulge with Swinging Bridge – 5-Course Lunch & Tour

At number 4, the Indulge with Swinging Bridge combines fine dining with a guided vineyard tour—perfect for travelers wanting an all-in-one experience. Over about 3 hours, you’ll enjoy a five-course degustation lunch paired with matching wines, showcasing Swinging Bridge’s best offerings. Before or after lunch, you’ll take a guided walking tour of the Hill Park Vineyard, learning about the vineyard’s history, sustainable practices, and grape varieties.

The highlight here is the luxury of pairing gourmet food with the region’s top wines in a beautiful setting with views of Mt Canobolas. The tour is led by a qualified Sommelier, ensuring you gain insight into each wine’s character and the vineyard’s production process. The experience offers great value for its length and quality, making it an excellent pick for food and wine enthusiasts looking for a leisurely, indulgent day. You’ll also enjoy the picturesque views, adding to the sense of occasion.

Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or groups who want a comprehensive, upscale experience combining excellent food, premium wines, and vineyard insights.

5. Orange: Explore with Swinging Bridge – Guided Tour & Tasting

Finally, the Explore with Swinging Bridge experience offers a guided tour of the Vineyard followed by a curated single vineyard tasting flight. This 1-hour experience emphasizes the stunning views of the vineyard and Mt Canobolas while providing an educational dive into Swinging Bridge’s wine-making philosophy.

Unlike the more elaborate options, this tour keeps it simple and focused, making it suitable for travelers short on time but eager to see the vineyards and taste the wines directly from the source. The curated flight showcases the best of Swinging Bridge’s estate wines, giving you a clear picture of their quality and regional style. Reviews note the beautiful setting and the informative tour, making it a well-rounded, accessible experience.

Bottom Line: For travelers looking for a quick, scenic wine experience with expert insights, this tour is a straightforward and enjoyable choice.

How to Choose Your Perfect Orange Wine Tour

Picking the right experience depends on your interests, time, and what you want to get out of your visit. If you’re passionate about sustainable winemaking, the Ross Hill Behind-the-Scenes Tour is hard to beat. For a quick introduction, the Ross Hill Wine Tasting offers a compact yet comprehensive look at their wines.

If you love food and wine pairing, the Savour with Swinging Bridge experience is perfect, while those seeking a luxury degustation should consider the Indulge with Swinging Bridge. For a short but scenic exploration, the Swinging Bridge Guided Tour & Tasting fits the bill.

Remember to book early, especially during peak season, as these experiences are popular and often fill up quickly. Consider your fitness level, as some tours involve walking or standing, and check if there’s a focus on eco-conscious practices or specific wine styles that appeal to you.

Final Thoughts

Orange offers a rich variety of wine experiences that cater to different interests and schedules. From behind-the-scenes visits to luxurious lunches, you’ll find options to suit almost every taste. For a deep dive into sustainable winemaking, Ross Hill is a stand-out. If you’re short on time but want quality, the quick tastings at Ross Hill or Swinging Bridge deliver without sacrificing depth.

Whether your goal is to learn, indulge, or simply enjoy beautiful scenery with a glass in hand, these tours showcase the best of Orange’s wine scene. Be sure to plan ahead and book early—these experiences are worth the effort for an authentic taste of New South Wales’ premier wine region.