Orange

Fast Facts

  • Latitude:
    33°15’S
  • Altitude:
    600–900 m
  • Heat degree days:
    1200–1309
  • Growing season rainfall:
    440 mm
  • Mean January temp:
    19.9°C
  • Harvest:
    Mid-March to early May
  • Chief viticultural hazard:
    Spring frost; birds

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Discover Orange with James Halliday's Wine Atlas of Australia

Initially known as the Central Highlands, the Orange region has long been an important orchard area, producing apples, pears and cherries for both local and export markets. An experimental viticulture station was established at nearby Molong in the 1940s, but vines were first planted commercially in 1980 (at Bloodwood Estate). The region is one of few to have its boundaries dictated entirely by topography and altitude (Adelaide Hills is another), in this instance the 600 metres contour line. It is dominated by Mount Canobolas, which provides the high-altitude slopes and hence the cool climate; the volcanic basalt from which the soils have evolved; and the spectacular panoramic views which many of the vineyards enjoy.

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