Printhie Wines

Experience wine with altitude paired with oysters farmed on site.
Orlaith Costello
Published on October 21, 2024

Overview

Perched on the slopes of Mount Canobolas in Orange's cool-climate wine region, Printhie Wines offers a uniquely elevated experience — literally and figuratively.

As one of the few wineries in Australia sitting at such a high altitude (over 10o0 metres), this family-owned gem is known for crafting exceptional wines while pairing sweeping vistas, award-winning sparkling wines, and seasonal dining on Wiradjuri land.

Founded by the Swift family in 1996, Printhie Wines has become a must-visit for any oenophile, with its renowned Swift Sparkling range taking centre stage. After being crowned "Best Australian Sparkling" at the 2022 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in London and earning the title of Best NSW Sparkling for six years running, Swift Sparkling has become synonymous with world-class quality.

Until 2022, wine lovers looking for a tasting at the winery sampled vino at the pop-up cellar door, The Packing Shed, at the base of the mountain. The new cellar door, located on the picturesque Millwood vineyard, offers incredible views of the valley below, with floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the stunning landscape. Its architectural design brings elements of the outside landscape inside with a natural flow from the cosy dining space to the wide open wine bar with a roaring fireplace (in winter) and al fresco tables with sweeping views of the valley and vines. It's an inviting space for sampling wines and learning about the Swift family's history and connection to the land and the estate's commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment, from sustainable viticulture practices and careful water management.

The Printhie wine-tasting experience offers visitors the chance to explore their celebrated portfolio, from the refreshing pinot gris to their bold shiraz. However, the real star of the show is the celebrated Swift Sparkling range. Wine enthusiasts can dive deeper with a Sparkling Masterclass, which includes a private tasting of vintage sparkling wines in the cellar door's wine cave, followed by a decadent four-course lunch at Printhie Dining.

Speaking of lunch, Printhie Dining is one of the region's standout culinary destinations, led by head chef Chris Lees. Lees brings a world of culinary expertise to the table. His international resume includes stints at two of Canada's most prestigious restaurants — Relais & Chateaux Langdon Hall and Restaurant Pearl Morissette — as well as Michelin-starred Frantzén and Matias Dahlgren in Stockholm. At Printhie Dining, Chris embraces seasonality and provenance, drawing on the Swift family's agricultural heritage to create a refined, agrarian-inspired menu that reflects the bounty of the Orange region.

The restaurant offers a four-course degustation menu that highlights the best of local produce, including produce foraged from the vineyards for unique vinegars, preserves and ferments.

For something more immersive, you can opt for 'The Chef's Table', a special culinary journey that invites you behind the scenes to sit in the kitchen and interact with the chef and his team as they craft a truly personalised dining experience.

The house specialty is fresh oysters. How does one ensure super fresh oysters in the rolling hills of the Orange region? The team decided to bring the ocean to Orange with its own custom oyster tank, the only restaurant with one. The Sydney Rock Oysters, carefully sourced with the help of a marine biologist and oyster farmer, are cosy in their home away from home as water is shipped up from the Clyde River to ensure the best conditions for them. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters with a glass of Swift Sparkling and dressed with Printhie's signature banksia nectar vinaigrette set against the backdrop of sweeping vineyard views.

Whether you're a wine lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a scenic escape, Printhie Wines is a destination that brings together the best of Orange's cool-climate region. With its stunning location, award-winning wines, and commitment to sustainability, it's a must-visit on any journey through NSW's wine country.

Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x