Nestled in the picturesque Orange region of New South Wales, Swinging Bridge Winery stands as a beacon of cool-climate winemaking excellence. This family-owned estate, established in 1995, has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking premium, handcrafted wines that truly reflect their unique terroir.

Location and Setting

Swinging Bridge Winery is situated approximately 7 kilometers west of Orange's central business district, along The Escort Way. The estate boasts a commanding view of Gaanha Bula (Mount Canobolas), which rises to an impressive 1,395 meters. This high-altitude location, with vineyards planted at around 900 meters above sea level, provides the perfect conditions for producing exceptional cool-climate wines.

Winemaking Philosophy

Under the guidance of winemaker Tom Ward, Swinging Bridge has positioned itself at the forefront of premium, cool-climate winemaking in Australia. The winery's approach combines a deep respect for heritage with innovative techniques, resulting in elegant wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Orange region.

Swinging Bridge focuses primarily on the area's quintessential varieties:

• Chardonnay: Crafted to express the region's cool climate with finesse and complexity

• Pinot Noir: The flagship variety, made in small quantities from carefully selected vines

Other notable varieties include Riesling, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc, all of which thrive in the region's unique terroir.

Cellar Door Experience

The Swinging Bridge Cellar Door, named "Cellar Door of the Year 2022" for the Orange Wine Region, offers visitors a range of tasting experiences:

1. Taste with Swinging Bridge: A guided tasting of six wines that tells the Swinging Bridge story

2. Savour with Swinging Bridge: Seven wines paired with chef-designed canapés

3. Explore with Swinging Bridge: A guided tour of the Hill Park vineyard followed by a curated single vineyard tasting flight

4. Indulge with Swinging Bridge: The most immersive experience, featuring a vineyard tour, in-depth wine tasting, and a 5-course degustation lunch

The cellar door is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last tasting at 3 pm.

Vineyard and Terroir

Swinging Bridge's vineyards benefit from:

• Elevation: Situated at 900 meters above sea level

• Aspect: South-facing, late-ripening slopes

• Soil: Ancient volcanic soils, contributing to the wines' unique character

These factors combine to create an ideal environment for producing distinctive, flavorsome wines with excellent natural acidity and structure.

Sustainability and Innovation

While honoring traditional winemaking methods, Swinging Bridge also embraces innovation. The winery is committed to sustainable practices in both the vineyard and winery, ensuring the long-term health of their land and the continued quality of their wines.

Visiting Swinging Bridge

Wine lovers planning a visit to Swinging Bridge should consider:

Timing

The winery is open year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective on the vineyard and winemaking process

Transportation

Orange has an airport with direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Alternatively, it's a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney via the Blue Mountains

Accommodation

While the winery doesn't offer on-site accommodation, Orange boasts a range of lodging options to suit various preferences and budgets

A visit to Swinging Bridge Winery promises an unforgettable experience for any wine enthusiast. From the stunning views of Mount Canobolas to the exquisite cool-climate wines, this family-owned estate exemplifies the best of what the Orange wine region has to offer.