The Canberra Times

Four seasons in this food and wine capital

Four seasons in this food and wine capital
Four seasons in this food and wine capital

This is sponsored content for Orange 360.

Orange is fast becoming known as one of Australia's best wine districts, with local wines regularly winning national and international awards.

This wine industry growth, in tandem with the continuing development of Orange's already highly regarded gourmet restaurant and cafe culture, has bolstered the region's growing reputation as a food and wine capital.

Orange is of course about food and wine, but a 360 degree viewpoint shows you that it's also about the smaller, historic villages that fill our region with character (and characters!); an abundance of natural beauty that is on full display no matter what time of year; sport and adventure activities including cycling and bushwalking trails; and a burgeoning retail sector with high-end, fashion savvy boutiques and homewares.

Four seasons in this food and wine capital
Four seasons in this food and wine capital

Orange maintains the pace and authenticity of a rural community, whilst still providing an energetic and cosmopolitan lifestyle for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Long regarded as Australia's Colour City, Orange experiences each season in its truest manifestation.

Green and gold shine bright in spring, with the bud-burst of heritage parks and gardens and happy brilliance of undulating canola fields illuminating the countryside.

Enjoy warm days and cool nights, taking in the smells and sights of the region with plates full of new season asparagus and garlic.

Four seasons in this food and wine capital
Four seasons in this food and wine capital

Revel in the sweet burst of strawberries and raspberries, washed down with elegant, cool-climate wines during October's annual Orange Wine Festival.

In summer, elevated Mount Canobolas promises milder temperatures to alleviate the heat, as you wander orchards chubby with cherries, berries and stone fruits; begging to be picked in time for the holiday season!

Long and languid afternoons give way to balmy evenings and cicada harmonies; a rural Australian summer and lifestyle celebrated annually often during school holidays spent visiting family and friends.

Four seasons in this food and wine capital
Four seasons in this food and wine capital

A rich tapestry of deep reds, burnt oranges and warm yellows colour the landscape every autumn, against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

Grapes sit plump on the vine, whilst figs and stone fruits wait patiently for eager hands to pluck them from their branches.

Industrious farmers, orchardists and vignerons are celebrating harvest, as you fill your basket with all the colours of the region during Orange F.O.O.D (Food of Orange District) Week, held annually in April.

And as winter approaches, stillness descends on the Orange region. The landscape rests, though doesn't idle.

Frosted mornings and sprinklings of snow are followed by bright sunshine days that filter the crisp mountain air.

Four seasons in this food and wine capital
Four seasons in this food and wine capital

Produce goes to ground and hearty vegetables fill your bowl, as you sip red wine and gather around a country bonfire, sharing stories and laughter with friends and family under starry crystal-clear skies, celebrated annually during the region's Danish hygge-inspired Winter Fire Festival.

Celebrating it's third year in 2020, the three-day Orange Winter Fire Festival, July 31 to August 2, showcases Orange and its surrounding villages at their winter best.

Friends and families explore the region's heritage-listed villages with a buzz of discovery and excitement, as bonfires dot the countryside and locals entertain with food and wine to warm the bellies of guests.

The weekend is a celebration of the local Wiradjuri nation and their connection to country, and of a modern rural lifestyle and authenticity that is unique to the region.

Four seasons in this food and wine capital
Four seasons in this food and wine capital

The Orange Winter Fire Festival combines the people, places and produce of the region across a range of activities that are guaranteed to warm the hearts and minds of attendees.

Discover the full spectrum of events and experience all the Orange region has to offer by visiting orange360.com.au

This is sponsored content for Orange 360.