VISION, PASSION, HARDWORK AND DEVOTION
Explore milestones of the history of winemaking in Orange
where the cool climate opened up opportunity to transofrm the region and put it on the map as wine destination.
Wine Making In Orange
The history of wine making in Orange NSW
1887
Railway comes to Orange
Orange maybe one of the newest Australian wine regions, but its grape growing heritage stretches back to the 19th century. Vines have been planted alongside fruit orchards since its settlement, and with the coming of the railway in 1877 commercial crops of table grapes became viable. Such was the promise of those early vines that by 1925 over 450 acres of vineyards were planted.
From 1940s to 1980s
Humble Beginnings
Vines for wine, however, were slow to take off. An experimental station was established in the 1940s and in 1952 Jack Pryde and Harry Manuel planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz on Pryde’s farm near Molong.
The 1980s
It all takes off!
But it wasn’t until 1980 that the foundations for the modern Orange wine industry were laid. Between 1980 and 1981, Ted Fardell founded Nashdale Vineyard and Christopher Bourke Sons & Brothers in the sub-region of Millthorpe. They were soon joined by
John Swanson at Cargo Road Wines (which was established as Midas Tree) and Stephen Doyle at Bloodwood Wines.
1988
Philip Shaw
No history of Orange would be complete without mention of Phillip Shaw. The Rosemount Estate winemaker and double winner of the ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition (1986 and 2000) arrived in Orange in 1988. Like the Doyles, his arrival in Orange marked the end of a long search for the perfect site and having spotted the undulating terrain from a plane he purchased Koomooloo.
From late 1980s to Now
Orange becomes a well known wine region
Orange has come a long way in a very short space of time. In a little over three decades it has gone from having no industry whatsoever to having over 60 wineries planting 14 varieties – including emerging vines like Sangiovese, Arneis and Gewürztraminer - world-class Chardonnays and world-class winemaking talent. Its rise matters on a number of levels. It offers consumers a fresh, food-friendly way to enjoy Australian wine, it reveals to the world that Australia has even more glories to offer than its existing regions can afford and points to the future of an industry facing the challenges of climate change.
2014
Ferment Wine Centre Opens Its Doors
Ferment’s full selection showcases wines from the Central Ranges of NSW and beyond, inviting patrons to experience a wide range of local wines while exploring the heart of Orange. The township is an excellent place to start your wine tour, with Ferment’s wine list the perfect introduction to the region’s greatest drops.
Are you ready to taste wines from Orange (and beyond) region? Browse our collection, order online or via call and enjoy Orange wines delivered to your door!
