Orange Wine Festival offers over 40 vinous events

Orange is one of the prettiest, and liveliest wine regions in Australia, and is known for its quality cool-climate wines. 

One of the best times to visit the Central Western NSW hub is during the Wine Festival, which runs from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 25. 

That's 10 days encompassing over 40 events, promising innovative wine experiences and regional food and wine collaborations. 

The highlights include the opening night Night Markets in Robertson Park, Sip & Savour: The Ultimate Wine Tasting on Friday, October 23, and 2026 Orange Wine Show Trophy Masterclass. 

Or join Ross Hill Wines, Brangayne and Colmar Estate for the Pinnacle Wine Walk (above), an exclusive opportunity to explore the vineyards along Pinnacle Road. Wander through the vines, taste, and hear the stories behind each family winery. 

The Vintners Table Series will run throughout the festival with wineries hosting events:

The Printhie Vinters Table | Oct 17| Book now
Nashdale Lane x Norma Joan | Oct 17| Book now
Ross Hill Wines' Vintners Table Dinner |Oct 23| Book now
Golden Hour at Stockman's Ridge | Oct 24| Book now
The Barrel Room Lunch at Tamburlaine | Oct 24| Book now

Explore the full program

Meet the wine matured in Caribbean rum barrels

I am not a huge fans of wines that divert from tradition. I'm a Chablis, Clare Valley riesling, Tassie pinot noir kind of guy. 

So to be honest, I was not expecting to enjoy the latest addition to the Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel collection: Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz Cabernet Rum 2021. 

This is the first time the JC team has used rum barrels to finish a Double Barrel wine. 

The new release joins a range consisting of Chardonnay, Shiraz Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. These wines are finished in aged Scotch whisky barrels (for the Shiraz, Shiraz Cabernet and Chardonnay) and Irish whiskey (for Cabernet Sauvignon) barrels.

Winemaker Dan Swincer says the barrel finishes lead to deeper, richer and more complex wines. 

"Rum is perfect for this time of year as the weather cools and we look to share time with friends over heartier-style meals, or by the fire," Swincer says. 

He's right. There is a whole lot of rich flavour to the blend and the wine would pair well with big dishes like steak with monkey gland sauce (look it up), or Americans spare ribs with lashings of smoky barbecue sauce. 

"The Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel range has always given us a chance to innovate," Swincer says. "With this new release we wanted to go beyond the expected and take varietal styles to a new level. 

"For a wine finished in Caribbean rum barrels, it was important to start with a rich and deeply fruited red wine. We went with a blend of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon; the shiraz offering the plushness and richness from the fruit and the cabernet sauvignon providing structure, density and the tannin profile - a fantastic base to start.

The Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz Cabernet Rum 2021 ($25 RRP) is first matured in traditional French and American oak wine barrels. Once blended, portions are matured in oak casks that previously aged Caribbean rum. 

"The result is a combination of rich flavours; on the nose you’ll find lifted aromatics, dark fruits and a slight leafiness, while the palate is lush with notes of cocoa and vanilla from the traditional oak." Swincer says. 

"The rum barrel also imparts rum and raisin flavours with a hint of Christmas cake." 

Give it a go. You might be surprised.