A slice of Italy for one night only

Looking for an excuse to visit the delightful Central West NSW town of Orange over summer? 

Mayfield Vineyard will to host an‘Aperitivo Evening’ in the vineyard on Saturday, February 7.

The evening will feature wine, Italian specialties and live music. 

Inspired by Italy’s aperitivo tradition, the event is billed as being all about being with friends, sharing a few bites of Italian delights, and sipping a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine while enjoying a long summer afternoon.

“We would like to recreate the chill and joyful Italian aperitivo,” says Mayfield brand manager Lisa Ioannitis. 

“It’s about coming out to the vineyard, grabbing a spritz or a glass of wine, listening to some live music, and enjoying good food as the sun goes down.”

The vent will see Mayfield wines paired with Italian cuisine from Pellegrini's restaurant, which has outlets in Orange, and Chatswood in Sydney.

Tickets include a spritz on arrival and a small plate of Italian food. 

Guests will then be able to purchase additional Mayfield wines and plates of Italian nibbles from Pellegrini’s. 

Expect dishes like eggplant caponata on crostini, grissini, flor di latte with cherry tomato and basil skewers, and whipped ricotta with lemon zest and herbs.

Transport is available from the Orange Visitor Centre to Mayfield for an additional charge of $25.

The event will run from 4.30pm to 8pm with tickets $65 per person, tickets available here.

 

Orange gets a chic new vineyard events space

 

Historic Mayfield Vineyard, which has a history that dates to 1813, has unveiled The Grove, a new event space in the heart of Orange wine region.

Mayfield is already  one of Orange’s premier wedding and event destinations, but has added the new venue designed to host celebrations and social gatherings as well as corporate events.

The Grove complements the vineyard’s School House venue and historic Homestead.

Set in the vineyards, The Grove has a capacity of 150 seated and 180 for cocktail events. 

The grounds are home to a rare collection of northern hemisphere tree species. 

“We’re excited to unveil The Grove as a new venue that expands the opportunities for our guests,” said Mayfield Vineyard owner Rebecca Eastham. 

“Whether it's a wedding, milestone celebration, or corporate retreat, our guests now have the flexibility to host events across several unique, picturesque settings within one estate.”

Further details can be found at mayfieldvineyard.com.au

A juicy choice of vineyard accommodation in Orange

Several years ago my wife and I enjoyed a fun stay at Mayfield vineyard in Orange. The cottages were delightfully located around a lake - and the vibe was super chilled.

This week came the news that after a change of ownership and 12 months of refurbishment Mayfield has once again opened its historic homestead and cottages for accommodation and wedding functions.

The historic Mayfield Homestead was purchased during the pandemic by the Eastham family, who have spent 12 months readying the property for visitors.

It is being billed as the perfect base from which to explore the many food and wine attractions of Orange and the rest of Central Western New South Wales.

In addition to the homestead, there are four cottages that offer a variety of accommodation options nestled within the vineyard and sprawling arboretum (that means a lot of trees).

The European history of Mayfield dates to 1815 when explorer William Charles Wentworth was granted Mayfield as acknowledgment of his earlier crossing of the Blue Mountains. In 1840, the property was transferred to local grazier, businessman and politician Thomas Icely.

Mayfield continued to prosper, passing through a number of families including William ‘Parson’ Tom after he discovered Australia’s first commercial gold strike in nearby Ophir in 1851.

The property now accommodates guests in a range of lovely buildings, including the main historic homestead and the oldest cottage, The Settlers Cottage, which was erected in 1886.

During the 1900s the property was owned and run by the famous Scottish biscuit makers, the Crawfords.

At their peak, they were the largest privately-owned biscuit manufacturer in Britain. The family ran sheep and set about creating a village atmosphere, building The School House (now the Mayfield Wines cellar door) to educate the workers’ children.

The Mayfield Homestead was inspired by famed Australian artist, author and architect Hardy Wilson, with construction beginning in 1906 and completed in 1910. He is recognised as one of the most outstanding architects of the 20th century and the Homestead is now listed by the National Trust.

This piece of Australian rural history boosts five (or up to seven) bedrooms, four bathrooms, formal dining room, three living areas, country kitchen and large outdoor dining areas.

The cellar door is just a stroll away, and the grounds, with vineyards, lakes and gardens are on your doorstep.

When James S.R. Crawford died, his widow Margaret remained at Mayfield. Margaret spent 65 years there and her everlasting gift to Mayfield was the arboretum with over 50 species of trees, many over 100 years old.



“We are particularly proud to be able to offer this luxury property to guests to enjoy,” says owner John Eastham.

“Mayfield is located in the midst of Orange’s idyllic cool-climate vineyards and allows us to offer a range of accommodation including The School House, The Rose Cottage, The Overseers Cottage, The Settlers Cottage, and The Garden Flat.”

Guests are able to book all the cottages for group functions and weddings in the gardens.

Further information can be found here: https://www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au/cottages/

Images: Kyle Ingram