Orange and Mudgee wines to try

Orange and Mudgee make up two of the three wine regions within New South Wales’ Central Ranges zone. Despite the zone’s proximity to the Hunter Valley, and the fact that Mudgee (at least) has been producing wine continuously since the mid-19th century, it’s traditionally been overlooked in favour of its better-known counterparts. But recently, that’s begun to change.

Wines to try from Orange

Driving this increased awareness is the smaller and much younger region of Orange. While the region has a long history of agriculture (apples and cherries, mostly), it wasn’t until the 1940s that the idea to grow grapes was floated – and it took another 40 years after that for Bloodwood to plant the region’s first commercial vineyard. Since then, however, the wine industry in Orange has exploded, and around 60 producers call the region home today.      
 
What makes Orange unique is its elevation. Its 1100(ish)ha of vineyards, planted at between 600m and 1150m above sea level, are the highest in Australia. This altitude allows a range of cool-climate varieties to flourish. Where neighbouring regions are known for shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and semillon, Orange is producing world-class chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir and sparkling.
 
Behind these cool-climate wines are some of the country’s most exciting producers – three of which were shortlisted for Halliday’s Dark Horse 2025 award, including Amour, See Saw, and the winner, ChaLou. The region is also home to names like Philip Shaw and HOOSEGG, Ross Hill and Printhie. 

Steve Mobbs and Nadja Wallington from ChaLou Wines.

Wines to try from Mudgee

Mudgee may be behind Orange in the excitement stakes, but what it does have over its young neighbour is age, experience – and old vines. The region’s oldest vineyard and winery, Craigmoor, was established in 1858. Today it's owned by the Oatley family, of Robert Oatley Wines.
 
Mudgee is better known for red wines, such as shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, but while it’s not quite as high altitude as Orange, elevated sites between 450m and 600m allow for the production of cooler climate varieties including riesling, chardonnay and pinot grigio/gris. Like nearby Hunter Valley, it also makes exceptional semillon. 

There's a diverse range of producers based in Mudgee, from big names like Huntington Estate, Robert Stein and Logan Wines, to the more boutique Vinifera and Gilbert Family Wines.

Simon and Will Gilbert from Gilbert Family Wines in Mudgee.

Get to know both Orange and Mudgee through the 20 wines below.