Whether you’re visiting during wine harvest or in town for a cosy winter experience, each season in Orange brings a new set of delightful vistas and fresh adventures. But if you aren’t partial to sub-zero temperatures, or feel you might get a little sweaty romping through the vineyards in summer, shoulder seasons will probably suit you best. In spring, the quaint village cottages grow a halo of cherry blossoms, and before winter hits the wide town streets and winding country backroads are lined with fiery autumn leaves.
You could (and should) also time your trip to coincide with one of the region’s popular festivals. Orange F.O.O.D Week (March 28-April 6) is Australia's longest running regional food festival, showcasing the region's best produce, from apples to venison and wine, as well as celebrate the local chefs, winemakers, farmers and producers. There are markets, dinners, foraging tours and cooking demonstrations held throughout the ten days.
The jewel in the crown (best grape on the vine?) is Forage, a one-day event where thousands of wine and food lovers stroll throughout Orange's picturesque vineyards drinking vino, eating snacks and listening to live music. It's about as much fun as you can have in a day, and tickets sell out every year.
Then, when the frosts are at their heaviest, the Orange Winter Fire Festival (August 2-11) warms visitors with specialised feasts, neighbourhood markets and bonfire-lit parties. Come spring, the focus shifts to the vinous with tastings, markets and cellar door experiences for the Orange Wine Festival (October 18-November 3).