Wine, fire-lit feasts, and cool-climate charm, this is your perfect escape to Orange, and timing your trip around Orange FOOD Week makes the case even stronger.
Just over three hours from Sydney, this Central Tablelands town has quietly become one of Australia’s most compelling food and wine destinations. Rolling vineyards, standout dining and a strong connection to local producers define the region year-round, but during FOOD Week, it all comes into sharper focus. Think long lunches, vineyard events and a calendar built entirely around eating and drinking well.
Whether you’re planning a weekend around the festival or using it as a starting point, here’s where to eat, sip, stay and switch off while you’re there.
Eat
Union Bank – The Schoolhouse Restaurant
Just off the main street, Union Bank is a go-to for any occasion, but it’s The Schoolhouse Restaurant that truly shines. Awarded a Chef’s Hat, this refined dining space serves up elevated shared plates designed to bring people together. Expect thoughtful, produce-driven dishes best enjoyed over a long lunch or relaxed dinner, while the courtyard and bar offer a more casual setting for cocktails and local wines.
Rowlee Wines Dining Room
Set within a picturesque vineyard estate, Rowlee Wines Dining Room is made for lingering. This is dining at its most relaxed—shared plates arriving just when you need them, conversation flowing and glasses topped with their single vineyard wines. As the sun dips behind the vines, settle in for a slow, memorable evening that captures the essence of Orange hospitality.
Fiorini’s
For something warm and nostalgic, Fiorini’s delivers old-school Italian charm in spades. Run by Kelly Fedeli, this open kitchen restaurant invites you to watch handmade pasta come to life. It’s the kind of place where long lunches feel like family gatherings—simple, generous and full of heart.
Groundstone
Another excellent daytime dining choice is Groundstone which has a more contemporary feel for the location. As with all Orange venues, the main aim is to support as many local producers and farmers as possible across the menu. Sweet favourites include the granola and waffles which are all made from scratch in-house, while savoury favourites are the halloumi fritters and shakshuka eggs.
Racine
Racine is your go-to for bakery goods and a quality brew. Tucked away on a side street, the place runs like a well-oiled machine with everything baked on-site daily using the best quality ingredients. You’ll be able to stock up and refuel on the essentials including organic sourdough, buttery croissants, cakes, and biscuits as well as savoury favourites like pies, sausage rolls, and sandwiches. The chefs also make take-home meals that are perfect for spending a night in by the fire. Butter chicken, lasagne, and beef & burgundy pie are just some of the options on rotation that are super nourishing and feel like a giant hug.
Photographer: Pip Farquason
Drink
Swinging Bridge
The family-owned winery is known for producing high-quality cool climate wines with a reputation for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a beautiful view of Mount Canobolas from the vineyard and cellar door, it’s the ideal location for a tasting experience. The ‘Savour with Swinging Bridge’ experience allows you to taste a selection of their best wines, all elegantly paired with canapes designed by the house chef and sommeliers for $50pp. The team at Swinging Bridge is equipped with a wealth of wine knowledge and expertise, ready to answer all your questions. Among them is a skilled sommelier who has transitioned from the renowned Quay restaurant in Sydney to share their wine expertise in this regional destination.
De Salis Wines
For more than two decades, De Salis Wines has passionately crafted exceptional wines, embracing a modern approach with minimal intervention. Nestled 100 meters above sea level, their vineyard benefits from the ideal conditions for producing exquisite sparkling wines. This means trying their Blanc de Blanc, Lofty Cuvée, and sparkling rosé are a must! While sipping on these delightful creations, soak in the sweeping views of the picturesque Orange region, and bask in the winter sun as you relax on the deck, surrounded by the wine barrels.
Parrot Distilling Co
Opened in 2018, this distillery swiftly established itself as a must-visit drinking destination in Orange. Step into The Aviary, their charming cellar door located in a beautifully converted brick warehouse, which invites you to taste their exquisite range of craft gin, rum, and whisky. They shake a selection of cocktails infused with their premium spirits and because no drinking session is complete without a snack, they have an ever-evolving pizza menu that are cooked in-house using the wood-fired pizza oven.
Play
There’s no doubt you’ll want to walk off the food on this trip! Pinnacle Lookout is a stunning walk that showcases the natural beauty of the region. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside including lush vineyards and rolling hills. The walk takes about 45 minutes return with a combination of well-maintained paths and gentle inclines, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
For those seeking a more extensive adventure, the Federal Falls bushwalk awaits. This 4km loop track commences and concludes at the idyllic Federal Falls campground, guiding you through enchanting snow gum forests and towering rock formations as you descend towards the stunning Federal Falls. If you visit after rainfall, be prepared for a picturesque sight of a cascading waterfall.
Orange is also home to a bunch of boutique fashion and homeware stores with one of our favourites being The White Place. Step into the stylish boutique which as the name suggests, showcases all things in a neutral palate. Find a curated selection of trending fashion, homewares, and lifestyle products with brands like McMullin & Co stocked.
Experience the ultimate blend of retail therapy and culinary delights at The Sonic. Located within a charmingly repurposed hall, this destination offers a delightful assortment of homewares, artworks from emerging artists, and fashionable women’s clothing. Take a moment to recharge at the in-store cafe, where you can enjoy expertly brewed coffee and seasonal plates like soup and sourdough, salad bowls, and toasties.
Stay
Yallungah Boutique Hotel
For a stay that blends heritage elegance with contemporary design, Yallungah Boutique Hotel is a standout. Set within a beautifully restored 1896 homestead, this refined retreat features 22 thoughtfully designed rooms, layered with local art and considered details. It’s the kind of place you’ll look forward to returning to after a day of wine tasting—equal parts stylish sanctuary and historic escape.
Basalt
Nestled within a cherry orchard, just a stone’s throw from Orange’s city center, Basalt offers an unparalleled retreat for those seeking pure relaxation. Set in a breathtaking rural estate, this new accommodation redefines luxury with its three meticulously designed studios. Featuring deep concrete bathrooms that swallow you whole, premium linen and beauty products, and a minibar stocked with fresh sourdough, Pepe Saya and beverages from around the region, every aspect has been carefully considered for your luxury. Bask in the warmth of the roaring fireplace by night and be delighted by the stunning sunrise over the Central Tablelands that shines through your window each morning.
Photographer: Pip Farquason
Don’t Miss: Orange FOOD Week
For 35 years, Orange FOOD Week has set the benchmark for regional food and wine festivals—and in 2026, it’s bigger and bolder than ever. Running from 20–29 March, the region comes alive with close to 100 events celebrating growers, winemakers and chefs who define this thriving food scene. From vineyard feasts to immersive masterclasses, it’s a true paddock-to-plate experience.
The FOOD Night Market is where the energy of the festival truly comes alive. Set in the heart of town, this vibrant, family-friendly event brings together more than 50 local stallholders serving up everything from award-winning dishes to cool-climate wines, craft beers and small-batch spirits. Under a canopy of festoon lights and autumn leaves, it’s the perfect place to graze your way through the region and soak up the community spirit that defines Orange.
The Sampson Street Long Lunch is one of FOOD Week’s most sought-after events—and for good reason. Held beneath a canopy of golden plane trees, this long-table feast brings together some of the region’s best chefs and winemakers for an afternoon of canapés, three courses and expertly paired wines. Expect a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, where great food, flowing wine and good company take centre stage.
For something deeply personal and unforgettable, Nonna’s 80th Anniversary Long Lunch at Highland Heritage Estate is a true celebration of family, food and tradition. Begin with sparkling and canapés overlooking sweeping vineyard views before settling in for a generous Italian feast prepared by Nonna herself. With live music, heartfelt hospitality and perfectly paired wines, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the soul of Orange’s food culture.
Whether you’re planning your visit around FOOD Week or simply chasing a weekend of great wine and even better food, Orange delivers, one long lunch at a time.
