CHANNEL ORANGE

Visual diary

How lucky I was to have spent three beautiful days, in the town of Orange, with my two lovely friends Kate and Nadia. (Technically, a “city” due to it’s population). But I’ll use town, for the ambience. Which you will see in the below. Think endless rows of tree’s adorned with scarlet leaves, crispy wine to pair, charcuterie boards with fresh fodder and running through rows of vine’s - pretending to know what the difference between each note is.. (Which, I’d like to think I know a little now, thanks to all of our amazing wine guides).

We spent the 3 days,  wining and dining with the best of the best, and quiet frankly- I didn’t have any expectations before this trip, and now I’m rethinking of when I’ll go to catch the next food and wine festival. I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you and your girlfriends. Make sure you bring your chicest, and most comfortable pants for all the extra sides and dessert.

To stay

My favorite way to do any country trip, is to book an Airbnb or stay in a shared house with girlfriends. It’s the most authentic way to experience a town, and all it’s perks. We were lucky enough to be hosted by The White Place, a shoppable 3 bedroom home, located on Byng Street - a walk away from all the local’s cafe’s and restaurants. Oh, and you won’t have to worry about car spots either.

Breakfast

Groundstone

Byng Street Cafe

Wine and Dine

Mr Lim’s: Getting a good Asian meal, in any rural town is always skeptical, but Mr Lim’s is a fusion of both Chinese and Korean. My favorites were the prawn dumplings & duck pancakes. A great way to break up Wineries, if you’re feeling peckish for Chinese. Also, according to the locals… Sam the owner knows how to throw a good Karaoke session late on Friday nights. Although, requests are not in his favor.

Racine Restaurant: I recommend booking a wine tasting at The Rowlee Winery first. They will give you an understanding of how they take care of their grapes. Racine, will then give you a Vine to table experience with wine from Rowlee, and food inspired by France and Australia.

Charred Kitchen Bar: We ate here the first night, if you’re after something a little fancy. Every meal is plated beautifully, and don’t leave without dessert.

Wineries

Ross Hill Wines : Our first Winery visit - and we all picked up a great Chardy. Also, I am pictured galavanting through their Vineyard in the above photo. Pretty sure, I had a great time.

Heifer Station Wines : Take a bike ride through the vineyards, and set up for a picnic just by the lake, with blankets, an open fire, your favorite Heifer wine, and Llama’s who may or may not come over and give you a sniff.

Swinging Bridge Estate: Some of my favorite wines as of late, have been; what my friends and I like to call - A Pet Natty, and a good old Orange. Newer wines that are made with less preservatives, and have a cloudy coloring. To my delight, I discovered that my usual Pet Nat preference, back home in Bondi - is made here.

Rowlee: A beautiful property, where you can actually stay on. They stock some of my favorite wines, and the owners tell a great story. We sat here on our last afternoon, learning about the smells of fruits and oaks. I’d love to have a meal here next time.

Shopping

Hawkes General Store

The Sonic

the wild

Federal falls: I love including some nature time, when I’m over-indulging. We didn’t make it far, because we underestimate the cool climate - but I’d love to hike the whole way through next time.