Six must-visit drinking spots in Orange, NSW
You’re never going to work up a thirst in Orange. Not only are there more than 30 cellar doors in New South Wales’ highest wine district, but an abundance of bars to refresh your palate for the following day’s vinous adventures. Here are six favourites.
Hey Rosey
Op-shop finds, vinyls, and local-heavy drops inform this cosy neighbourhood wine bar.
If Melbourne and Hobart bars got together and had a baby, it’d probably look a lot like Hey Rosey. Mid-century furniture, eclectic op-shop finds and owner Leigh Oliver’s impressive vinyl collection create a home-away-from-home vibe at this intimate 20-seater. In the absence of a real kitchen, chef Hugh Piper manages to magic a succinct menu of sophisticated, drink-friendly dishes that pay tribute to the seasons, artisan producers and the wine. Consider leaving the latter to Leigh; after a few pertinent questions, he’ll steer you to new favourites on the focused, fun and local-leaning list. See heyrosey.com.au
Martini Bar at The Oriana
Cap off the week with a martini in the sprawling festoon-lit garden.
Retro-modern, Californian-style motel and restaurant, The Oriana endpoints the working week with its Friday and Saturday garden parties, transforming the lawn to an outdoor bar. There’s seating for up to 250 people beneath lantern and light-festooned trees, firepits in the winter and heaps of food, including wood-fired pizza and saucy baby back ribs. Martinis, whether “shaken not stirred” or Sex and the City-style, are the house-drink, but the extensive libations list also extends to Margaritas and mocktails. And bring your bathers – Martini Bar guests are also welcome to enjoy a Sex on the Beach slushie by the pool on a balmy summer evening. See www.orianaorange.com
Birdie Noshery & Drinking Establishment
Food receives equal billing at this community-focused corner bar run by local legends.
By the owners of one of Orange’s best loved and much mourned former dining venues, Lolli Redini, it’s not surprise food receives equal billing at this community-focused corner bar. There’s an arty Euro ambience, live music and a menu with both snacky and more substantial eats should you decided to settle in. The diverse, evolving and oft-experimental wine list starts local, then ventures out into the wider wine world, from an Orange shiraz to a Georgian shavkapito. If wine’s not your bag though, the cocktail list covers all bases and tastes, from kitschy to classic. See birdienosherydrinkingest.com
Badlands Brewery
Fans of the brew makers can now visit the brewery at this community-focused venture.
Veterans of the brewing scene, but hospitality newbies, Badlands opened to the public in this laneway venue in July this year. Take a table in sight of the 1000-litre stainless-steel tanks and sample a tasting paddle featuring some of the 14-strong range, from Indian pale ales to porters, as well as a handful of rotating, experimental brews. A roster of food trucks sets up in the carpark on weekends, while you can order from the Indian restaurant next door on other evenings. With a Wednesday night dart comp, retro-rock playlist and utterly chilled family-friendly vibe, Badlands is the antithesis of its own moniker. See badlandsbrewery.com.au
Charred But Not Charred
Degustation darling Charred now has a more casual sibling in wine bar Charred by Not Charred.
The moody, atmospheric offspring of one of Orange’s favourite restaurants, the one-hatted Charred, Charred but Not Charred offers the opportunity to dive into sommelier David Collins’ extraordinary wine list without having to commit to a full dining room degustation. Instead, drinker-diners can choose from a raft of appealing snacks; think wedges of d’affinois with dried grapes, saucisson sec, Ortiz anchovies or crisp hash brown batons. In addition to the 100-page Charred wine list, Not Charred showcases wines from young producers, spotlights regions and pours varietals and styles that sit a little more to the left of centre. See charred.com.au
Ferment, The Orange Wine Centre
Taste your way around Orange’s wineries without hopping in the car at Ferment. Credit: Amanda Davenport
Not all of Orange’s wineries have their own cellar doors, so Ferment, occupying a former Catholic Benevolent Hibernian Society Hall with pressed tin ceilings and petite stained-glass windows, is their vinous advocate. Perch at the bar and seek staff guidance for a personalised tasting of the boutique wines on offer or tailor make your own with pour sizes of choice from one of three Enomatic wine machines. In the evening, Ferment morphs into a jazz-fuelled wine bar and up-market bottle-o, where you can enjoy a glass or bottle inside or streetside, then take another home with you. See orangewinecentre.com.au
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