At this point, it’s safe to say that we won’t miss the back of winter. And with the arrival of Spring not only comes a flurry of newborn animals and the blooming of flora but the Orange Wine Festival for 2017.

Running from October 13 to 22, the annual vino celebration is just the excuse to taste your way around the producing district, which is three and a half hours outside of Sydney. There are 80 individual events taking part in this year’s festivities, showcasing the region’s vineyards and cellar doors, as well as its bounty of restaurants and produce.

The highlight of the festival is potentially the transport there – namely The Vino Express. It’s a non-stop drinking affair that departs Sydney’s Central Station on Friday, October 20 and returns Sunday evening. The Vino Express package includes access to premium festival experiences, two nights accommodation, a sparkling wine breakfast and behind the scenes wine tastings as well as the Wine in the Vines experience.  

Other highlights from the event include Wine in the Vines -a day-long wine discovery and roving lunch through vineyards and cellar doors and the Orange Wine Show with tastings and masterclasses on regional characteristics. There’s also the Wine and Food Night Market in Robertson Park, with more than 50 food and wine stallholders to eat and drink your way through, and quite a few family-friendly events with ways to entertain those not yet at drinking age.

But for those over 18, indulging in some of the region’s famed cold climate wines is a must. There are plenty of producers involved who are award-winning, including Ross Hill, Cooks Lot, Carillion Wines, Colmar Estate and Philip Shaw Wines, who were recently awarded five stars in the 2018 Halliday Wine Companion.

Head online for more information and to book tickets to the 2017 Orange Wine Festival.