Frequently asked questions

What time of year is best, why should I take a tour, what do I wear?

Answers to all the burning questions before you decide to book an Uncork Orange wine tour. If you don't see answers to yours here, don't hesitate to contact us!

How many wineries are there in Orange, NSW?

There are over 60 vineyards and wineries scattered throughout the region! Planning your winery tour in Orange can be a daunting task. We can help you choose a tour that best suits your taste and preferences.

How do you get around the wineries in Orange?

The defining feature of Orange wineries is that they are all located on and around the slopes of the (now extinct) volcano Mt Canobolas. This is hilly country, rich volcanic soils and high altitude 600-950m. The wineries are quite spread out on the different sides of the mountain on a windy, narrow country road. To really understand and see this, a visit to the top of Mt Canobolas is highly recommended – at 1397m great views across the slopes and plains of the Central West.

Why should I book an Orange wine tour when I could visit the wineries myself?

Sure you could plan a tour yourself, but you'd miss out on so much! With our tours you'll learn about the wines and the winemakers, discover hidden gems, and hear amazing stories! You can meet new people, get up and close with the vines and the wineries, and have an excellent tasting experience with your own designated driver.

Plus, all costs are included in our tour fees. There are no hidden entry or tasting fees, and we'll pick you up and return you to your Orange accommodation at no extra cost. We even throw in a packed picnic!

Uncork Orange Wine Tours are a great way to celebrate a special event, and make an unforgettable gift. Our tours are also an excellent way to get to know people and make for a great networking or team-building exercise.

Are there any additional fees?

No - our tours are all-inclusive - meaning there are no entry fees, tasting fees, smelling fees, swirling fees, travel fees, or other hidden nasties.

What makes Orange wines so special?

The Orange wine region is unique in that it is the only wine region in the world that is defined by altitude. Wine from vineyards above an attitude of 600 metres and with a footprint surrounding the City of Orange, Cabonne and Blayney shires, make up the Orange wine region.

This high altitude affects the growing conditions for the vineyards in the Orange region because the weather pattern gives Orange warm, but not hot, summer days, cool nights and frosty, very cold winters. Autumns are normally dry, which allow for a long ripening period for the wines before harvesting. All these conditions classify Orange as a cool-climate wine growing region.

Wines from the Orange area are considered to have more European-style characteristics, the white wines are crisp, aromatic and expressive, while the red wines from Orange are more subtle, lighter-bodied with softer tannins. All wines grown from the area have natural high acidity and light, herbal complexity, and this is why Orange wines are special.

What time of year is best to book an Uncork Orange wine tour?

Anytime! Orange NSW has four distinct seasons - autumn can verge on the cooler side and winters are generally cold. Bring something warm and dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour.

What should I wear on an Orange wine tour?

Apart from dressing for the weather, there are a few things to consider when choosing an outfit for your tour. Most wineries in the Orange wine region are casual dress, and jeans or shorts and a nice shirt are totally acceptable. Be comfortable - again dressing in layers is advised as Orange weather can turn cold or hot in the space of a few hours.

A good tip is to dress in dark colours (the better to hide spills) and avoid dangling sleeves (so you don't cause any spills). And finally, don't wear fragrance - it seems obvious, but overpowering scents can ruin the tasting experience for everyone at an Orange winery tasting experience.

Can I bring my kids? Or my dog?

Uncork Orange Wine Tours are for adult (humans) only, sorry. Babies and furbabies miss out on the fun!