The Phillip Shaw Wimes cellar door is a beautiful spot for a drink. Photo: Phillip Shaw/Instagram.
With wars causing global instability, rocketing fuel prices and air-route diversions, overseas holidays are looking dicey (at best). Many of us will be looking for alternative destinations closer to home, and I have an excellent foodie destination in mind: Orange.
This Central West town oozes gold-rush-era heritage charm, is surrounded by award-winning high-altitude wineries, boasts a thriving food scene and has excellent coffee (not always a guarantee in regional towns). And the town is stunning throughout the year: the main streets turn brilliant with autumn colours, there is often beautiful snow in winter, and in spring make sure you stop to smell the flowers in Cook Park’s Begonia House. Hiking on Mount Canobolas provides wonderful views of the region, with waterfalls and granite outcrops.
On the second Saturday of the month, drop into the local farmers’ market at the showgrounds. As well as offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, the Rotary-run market has stalls selling locally made miso and smallgoods. Depending on the season, you might find fresh hazelnuts, truffles and even saffron, all grown in the surrounding region.
Rotating seasonal dishes at Hey Rosey feature local ingredients, sometimes from the backyard of locals. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
In the past few years, Orange has attracted chefs from Sydney who come to the region to be closer to fresh produce and avoid Sydney rents. The result has been delicious: Union Bank Bar and Restaurant is in the old bank building, with a gorgeous courtyard for sunny afternoon cocktails, and a fireside snug for sipping big reds in winter.
Hey Rosey is a trendy (and teeny, tiny) bar in the main street. Pull up a stool at the bar to watch the magic happen: drinks are poured and seasonal plates are cooked in a tiny space as vinyls play all night. In summer, you might be served braised zucchini (fresh from the backyard of a regular) with house-made ricotta and dill-infused olive oil, or a stunning tomato salad. The staff really know their stuff about wine and cocktails, so don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation. There’s also a comprehensive list of tinned seafood if you’re just looking for a little sardine supper, perhaps with a local artisan cheese from Second Mouse Cheese Co.
Despite its name, Orange is actually apple country. And Small Acres Cyder is the place to see these apples really shine with award-winning, small-batch, artisan-made cider. The cider produced here is nuanced, carefully crafted, and made without artificial sweeteners. Visit the cellar door to taste barrel-aged still ciders, sparkling premium products more akin to champagne, fortified ciders and non-alcoholic ones.
Small Acres Cyder uses heritage cider apples to make its small-batch, artisan creations. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The vineyards and wineries surrounding Orange produce premium cool-climate wines thanks to the volcanic soils from Mount Canobolas and a high elevation. Phillip Shaw Wines is likely the best-known label in the region and its cellar door offers beautiful views from a heritage bluestone barn. The label is best known for its elegant Chardonnay and eccentric Shiraz.
Highland Heritage Cellar Door was named Cellar Door of the Year 2025 at the Orange Wine Show, and makes brilliantly zingy Riesling and a top-notch Prosecco. Chalou Wines is an up-and-coming winery with three labels — ChaLou Estate, The Somm & The Winemaker, and Dreaded Friend — each showcasing the diversity of winemaking styles employed by owners and vignerons Nadja Wallington and Steve Mobbs.
The coffee at Good Eddy stands up to big-city standards! Photo: Good Eddy/Instagram.
The coffee scene in Orange is buzzing and brunch options abound. Good Eddy could go cup-for-cup with any of the top cafes of Canberra or Melbourne with its excellent selection of single-origin and specialty roaster beans, served up in a minimalist aesthetic.
Byng Street Store is a local favourite for a takeaway from the window, or a long brunch under the eaves of the verandah of this old house-turned-bustling cafe. And Racine Bakery makes superb pastries, pies and proper artisan sourdough.
The surrounding towns of Carcoar, Blayney, Millthorpe and Molong also make excellent side trips, with heritage buildings and their own foodie scenes.
Would you take a foodie holiday to Orange?
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
