While the Orange Wine Festival is all about showcasing the region’s great drops, there are some unique events that will appeal to all the family.
From fun farm days to sourdough making, silent movies and music events organisers said the 2017 Orange Wine Festival, which starts next Friday, had something for most people.
Philip Shaw Wines will be holding Graze at the Grounds, a free event from 10am-3pm on Sunday, October 15.
Cellar door manager Michael Paterson said it was a great chance to wander through the vineyards, see the winery’s farm animals including chickens and the farm dog, listen to live music and enjoy food from several stalls.
“We’re a family business,” he said.
“It’s a big part of our family.
“The grounds and the farm are a great place for the kids.”
Orange Region Vignerons Association president Justin Jarrett said that while most events were aimed at adults, because of the presence of alcohol, there were events that offered other elements.
He said they included the Wine and Food Night Market in Robertson Park on Friday October 20, cultural tours to learn about the Wiradjuri people of Orange, a picnic at Patina Wines featuring lawn games and croquet, an art exhibition at the Colour City Creatives gallery and studios on Peisley Street and music events at the Orange Regional Conservatorium.
Mr Jarrett said a sourdough-making workshop at Habitat Vineyard at Nashdale had attracted family groups while the Silent Movies and Orange Laneways event featuring street food, movies, music and art on Saturday October 14 was also attractive to families.
“The main focus of the festival is to bring people to Orange to celebrate the wine industry,” he said.
He was aware children weren’t interested in cellar door visits, but said it was good that some events and some venues did focus on families.
That included Heifer Station Wines who had a mini-farm of animals as part of their cellar door experience.
Mr Jarrett said the wine festival was keen on involving schools – particularly through teaching viticulture as part of their agricultural programs.
He said ticket sales to this year’s events were well up on last year.
The Wine in the Vines event increased its capacity after selling out, but that has now also been filled.
Mr Jarrett said for the first time, The Vino Express train from Sydney to Orange has sold out with a waiting list now in place.