Looking for a COVID-safe getaway? Meet Orange’s Winter Fire Festival

Posted on 28 July, 2020

Just three and a half hours drive from Canberra, the Orange region is the ultimate foodie getaway.

And this weekend’s Orange Winter Fire Festival might just be your answer to the winter blues.

From Friday 31 July until Sunday 2 August, Orange’s Fire Festival will bring together a range of food and wine-centric events across a range of picturesque venues—in a COVID-safe manner, of course.

Showcasing the many delights of this diverse and delicious region, the Fire Festival is designed to be enjoyed across an entire weekend, so you can attend one, two, three or five events.

Naturally, each event has been created with the strictest COVID-safe guidelines in mind to make sure physical distancing and COVID-safe food and beverage service can take place.

And, if you need ideas for where to shop and stay while you’re there, check out our Canberra Girl’s Guide to Orange!

From rent-a-bonfire to wine tastings, fine dining experiences and truffle hunts, here’s what’s waiting for you this weekend in Orange.

Can’t make it to Orange this weekend?

Instead, tune in to the Very Local Streaming Service (VeryLocal)—a subscription-video-on-demand platform showcasing several digital channels featuring locally produced content, including a dedicated Slow TV channel.

VeryLocal will run from 31 July to 16 August 2020 and will take audiences into the depths of the Central West winter, as it features top-class chefs and sommeliers, artisans, indigenous astronomy and the local environment—perfect for when you can’t get away.

These include special beer and wine tastings where drinks are delivered to your place so you can participate in masterclasses virtually!

Find out more at eventbrite.com.au/e/verylocal-streaming-service

Fire, Stars and Sparkles

There is no better way to enjoy a crisp, cool winter’s afternoon than with a glass of Swinging Bridge G&A Sparkling by the warmth of an outdoor fire.

Bring a warm heart and wear your winter woollies and Swinging Bridge winery will take care of the rest.

Saturday 1 August 5 pm–8 pm | Swinging Bridge Wines,  701 The Escort Way, Orange | $15 | Website

Swinging Bridge Wine.

Antica Australis

A unique First Nations bush-tucker meets wild-style Southern Italian dining experience collaboration between Indigenous Cultural Adventures and Antica Australis in Carcoar.

Various times from 31 July–2 August | Antica Australis @ 2 Belubula St, Carcoar | $110 per person | Website

Borrodell Truffle Hunt & Dinner

Join Borrodell for a Truffle hunt followed by a five-course dinner featuring freshly harvested truffles with a glass of matched wine with each course.

Saturday 1 August 4 – 10 pm | Borrodell Estate, 298 Lake Canobolas Road, Orange | $220 | Website

Borrodell Winery.

Wine and Fire Journey

Start with a glass of sparkling at Stockman’s Ridge Cellar Door before moving to the white wine tasting location beside a classic Australian bonfire.

From there you will move to the famous Globe fire pit to enjoy some reds before moving to the final fire pit location for some sweet wines and a treat!

Journey includes a cheese pack with fruit and guests are invited to take their time and enjoy the various fire pit locations.

Saturday 1 August from 2 pm–6 pm | Stockman’s Ridge Wines, 21 Boree Lane, Lidster | $50 | Website

VeryLocal: A Hoosegg tasting with Philip Shaw, hosted by Peter Bourne

Who is HOO and what is EGG? After 61 years, one of Australia’s great winemakers, Philip Shaw is finally making the wines he has always wanted to make.

In a truly special event that’s not to be missed, join renowned wine critic Peter Bourne in conversation with Philip Shaw as they delve into the Hoosegg range, ranked in the top 15 wines in Australia by Huon Hooke’s Real Review.

Want to join in the fun virtually? Order your own HOOSEGG tasting pack online now! Order by Wednesday to ensure it arrives to you in time for the materclass!

Sunday 2 August from 4 pm | Ferment, 87 Hill Street Orange or online | Virtual option available | Website

Arancia Wood Fired Pizza Pop Up at Rowlee

Arancia Wood Fired Pizza will be serving classic Italian pizzas over lunch at Rowlee as part of the Winter Fire Festival on Sunday 2 August.

Each ticket includes one pizza and a bottle of By Rowlee wine to share. Additional pizzas and Cannoli can be added as extras at the time of booking.

Sunday 2 August 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm | Rowlee Wines,  19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale  $65 per person | Website

Hire a Fire @ Mortimer’s

Get a group of your friends and huddle around a hired fire at Mortimer’s wines.

What better way to catch up loved ones than around a fire with a cup of soup in one hand and a glass of local Mortimers wine in another?

Tickets include a cup of soup, a crusty bread roll and a glass of wine. Bliss.

1–2 August 2 pm–4 pm | Mortimer’s Wines, 780 Burrendong Way, Orange | $40 per person | Website

Ferment.

Photography by Tim Bean