Over the past decade or so, Orange has become recognised as one of Australia's finest culinary regions. And, for one special weekend this winter, Orange Winter Fire Festival will have the town bursting with great food, drink and cultural events, all with a wintry flavour. The festival will capitalise on the town's winemaking status as some of the best local drops are showcased at events inspired by classic Australiana images, such as crackling bonfires and chargrilled feasts.

Held across the weekend of July 31–August 1, the festival kicks off on Friday with a smoke and fire dinner at Philip Shaw Wines and a premiere of Inferno, a docudrama about frontline firefighters, at the Printhie Apple Packing Shed. The fiery festival continues with hot cocktails by firepits at the Oriana Hotel and a stargazing session that focuses on First Nations peoples' knowledge and stories of the skies.

With wine tasting sessions and sing-alongs, plus so much more taking place over the festival, a road trip to the Orange Winter Fire Festival would make for a pretty perfect winter weekend.

Of course, with some COVID-19 restrictions still in place, it won't be exactly like previous iterations of the festival. As well as in person events, the festival with include a virtual program called Very Local, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 16.