The attached list is not necessarily the best wines in the Orange Region, or the most awarded. They are wines that have made a difference with either the winemaking in Orange, or the way the region has been seen as a premium winegrowing area. It is not an exhaustive list, and other wines could well be added.
ANGULLONG SAUVIGNON BLANC
When Sauvignon Blanc was King of the Whites, Angullong was the region's first to win a trophy at the prestigious Sydney Royal Wine Show, winning the Best Young White Wine. This was a line in the sand; a wine that made people take note of the region. Sauvignon Blanc developed into the 'hero' wine of Orange, a crown now owned by Chardonnay.
BLOODWOOD 'BIG MEN IN TIGHTS'
Bloodwood Wines was established in 1983 by Rhonda and Stephen Doyle. This wine, whilst not their flagship, embodied their approach to the region. It's all about breaking new ground, it's about quality, and it's irreverent. This is a go-to wine for all occasions.
CANOBOLAS ALCHEMY
As establishment winery in the region, with the 'Alchemy' proving the quality achievable. This is a wine of longevity, and wine that hides its age in blind tastings. Brought into existence by Murray Smith, it is now being given a new lease on life by winegrower Jonathon Mattick.
PHILIP SHAW 'THE IDIOT' SHIRAZ
Just having someone of Philip Shaw's wine experience in Orange is enough to include one of his wines in this list. However, the 2009 vintage of 'The Idiot' won 3 trophies at the Sydney Royal Wine Show. This raised the bar for good, affordable Shiraz in the region.
SWIFT VINTAGE BRUT
In 2009 Printhie Wines took the initiative to make sparkling wine. They set the benchmark with their methode traditionelle wines. The 2015 has been awarded multiple trophies at Australia's leading wine shows. Other winemakers are now following suit. As the region develops, Sparkling wines will be a key style.
SWINGING BRIDGE 'RESERVE' CHARDONNAY
Tom Ward is one of the region's hardest working vignerons. This is proven with his consistency of quality of his Reserve Chardonnays. He is student of the vine. This wine is all about single vineyard winegrowing, and single focus storytelling. It is all about refinement and varietal success.
HOOSEGG 'JADE MOON' CABERNET FRANC
The HOOSEGG brand embodied the past and the future. With 60 years winemaking experience, Philip Shaw is taking this winemaking quality to the next level. We've picked his Cabernet Franc as this is a variety that has a bright future in the region. Any of the wines within the range could be included.
CHALOU PINOT NOIR
This wine offers insight into Orange's future. With youthful vigour, attention to detail and a common-sense approach, ChaLou is making wines that restaurants and bottle shops are looking to support. 'Dark Horse Winemaker of the Year' at the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion is the perfect award.
Compiled by David Cumming
Image: Swinging Bridge Wines