De Salis Wines
Australia's highest vineyard, offering cool-climate wines with breathtaking views and a warm family welcome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pouring daily, perfect for a visit
De Salis Wines
Best Time
Pouring daily, perfect for a visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Australia's highest vineyard, offering cool-climate wines with breathtaking views and a warm family welcome.
"One of the best wine tastings we have enjoyed anywhere. Fantastic setting in an authentic space."
🐶 Dog-Friendly Cellar Door
Bring your furry friends! Fort and Knox often make visits even better.
🍷 Taste the Prestige Wines
Many visitors rave about the premium and prestige wines. Worth the splurge!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Vineyard Views
Cellar Door
Panoramic vistas of rolling vineyards stretching towards Mount Canobolas. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
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Cool-Climate Chardonnay
Cellar Door Tasting
Experience the crisp, elegant notes of Chardonnay grown at high altitude. A true expression of the region.
Exceptional Pinot Noir
Cellar Door Tasting
Savor the complex flavors of their highly-regarded Pinot Noir, a standout for many visitors.
French-Style Sparkling Wines
Cellar Door Tasting
Don't miss their unique and elegant French-style sparkling wines, a signature offering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Altitude
Family-Owned Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐶 Dog-Friendly Cellar Door
Bring your furry friends! Fort and Knox often make visits even better.
🍷 Taste the Prestige Wines
Many visitors rave about the premium and prestige wines. Worth the splurge!
🚗 Scenic Drive to Orange
The journey to Orange is beautiful, especially through the wine region.
🎁 Elegant Wine Gifts
Their six-bottle wine boxes are perfect for special occasions or gifts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Dog-Friendly Cellar Door
Bring your furry friends! Fort and Knox often make visits even better.
🍷 Taste the Prestige Wines
Many visitors rave about the premium and prestige wines. Worth the splurge!
🚗 Scenic Drive to Orange
The journey to Orange is beautiful, especially through the wine region.
🎁 Elegant Wine Gifts
Their six-bottle wine boxes are perfect for special occasions or gifts.
🗣️ Chat with the Family
Engage with Ben or other family members for a truly personal winemaking story.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise De Salis Wines for its exceptional wine, breathtaking views, and warm, personal service from the family owners. The high-altitude setting and the quality of their cool-climate varietals, especially the Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the experience. Some guests noted that food options are limited, suggesting it's more of a tasting-focused destination.
"One of the best wine tastings we have enjoyed anywhere. Fantastic setting in an authentic space. Ben, a son of the original winemaker, was informative, interested and great fun. The wines were delicious especially the prestige wines. Please go and enjoy this fabulous vineyard and their wines"
Jane Barrett
"Truly incredible experience! The space is lovely, the staff is very personable and welcoming, the views are breathtaking. We did the tasting, with the owner herself giving us not only the story behind each wine and some things to think about while tasting, but also the backstory of her journey as winemaker. We were particularly impressed with the reds. The Pinot did not disappoint."
Andrea Ward Calderón
"De Salis Wines - an experience not to be missed when visiting Orange! We recently stopped in for a wine tasting at the cellar door. The experience was the most memorable we have had in a long time. Ben was great & it was lovely hearing about the wines, the history of the vineyard and the region. The views are stunning & the wine is exceptional. A must visit when in the area 🙌 10/10."
Mary Neville
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Salis Wines is located in Orange, NSW. The drive from Sydney typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. You can take the M4 Motorway and then the Great Western Highway towards Bathurst and Orange.
Public transport directly to the vineyard is limited. It's best to have a car or arrange private transport to explore the Orange wine region.
Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Alternatively, consider a guided wine tour or hiring a driver to visit De Salis Wines and other vineyards.
Yes, Orange and its surrounding areas offer a range of accommodation, from hotels and motels to charming bed and breakfasts and farm stays.
De Salis Wines is situated at an impressive 1050 meters above sea level, making it one of Australia's highest vineyards.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are often welcome, booking a tasting is recommended, especially for groups or during peak season, to ensure availability.
The cellar door is typically open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes.
Tasting fees can vary, but they are often redeemable with the purchase of wine. Inquire at the cellar door for current pricing.
Yes, you can visit the cellar door to enjoy the views and purchase wine without necessarily participating in a formal tasting.
De Salis Wines occasionally hosts special events like wine dinners and celebrations. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
De Salis Wines primarily focuses on wine tasting. While they don't typically have a full restaurant, they may offer small platters or snacks. It's best to check in advance or plan to dine elsewhere in Orange.
Policies on bringing outside food can vary. It's advisable to contact the winery directly to confirm if picnics are permitted.
Yes, the Orange region is known for its excellent culinary scene, with many restaurants and cafes offering local produce and fine dining experiences.
Their cool-climate Chardonnays pair beautifully with seafood and poultry, while their Pinot Noir complements duck, lamb, and mushroom dishes.
Absolutely! You can purchase bottles directly from the cellar door or order online. Their six-bottle boxes make for elegant gifts.
📸 📸 Photography
The sweeping vineyard views, the rustic cellar door architecture, and the surrounding natural landscape offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, personal photography is generally welcomed. Be mindful of other visitors and the winery's operations.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, provides beautiful soft light for capturing the vineyard's charm.
Access to the winemaking facilities may be restricted. It's best to inquire at the cellar door if you're interested in seeing the production areas.
The main tasting area overlooking the vines and any elevated points offering panoramic views are prime spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed atmosphere. While there isn't a dedicated play area, the novelty of being at a high-altitude vineyard can be engaging for older children. Remember to check if any light snacks are available or pack your own to keep little ones happy.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Visitors
This makes it a great spot for those who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. Enjoy the beautiful views and delicious wines with your dog by your side, creating a truly inclusive experience.
🎁 Gift Seekers
You can purchase these directly from the cellar door or order them online. A bottle of their cool-climate Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, or a sparkling cuvée, is sure to impress.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Climate of De Salis Wines
The altitude significantly impacts grape ripening, leading to longer growing seasons and the development of complex flavors and aromas. This is particularly beneficial for their signature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, allowing them to achieve a delicate balance of acidity and fruit expression. Visitors can taste this difference in every sip, experiencing wines that are both elegant and intensely flavored.
This cool-climate advantage also extends to their sparkling wines, which benefit from the slow ripening process to develop fine bubbles and sophisticated notes. The unique conditions at De Salis Wines are a testament to how terroir can shape exceptional wine.
A Family Legacy in Winemaking
When you visit the cellar door, you're likely to be greeted by Ben or another family member, who are eager to share the story behind the wines. They provide insights into the vineyard's history, the challenges and rewards of high-altitude viticulture, and their winemaking philosophy. This personal interaction is a highlight for many visitors, transforming a tasting into an educational and memorable encounter.
This commitment to family and tradition is reflected in the handcrafted quality of their wines. From the vineyard to the bottle, each step is managed with care, ensuring that the unique characteristics of their cool-climate grapes are preserved. It's this dedication that makes De Salis Wines a truly special destination.
Experiencing the Orange Wine Region
Many visitors combine a trip to De Salis with visits to other nearby wineries, creating a delightful day of exploration. Popular neighbors include Shaw Vineyard, Borrodell Vineyard, and Rowlee Wines, each offering its own unique charm and wine styles. The region is also celebrated for its farm-to-table dining scene, with restaurants that expertly pair local produce with regional wines.
+1Beyond the vineyards, the city of Orange itself offers a vibrant cultural experience, with art galleries, heritage sites, and boutique shopping. Whether you're a dedicated oenophile or simply seeking a beautiful escape, the Orange Wine Region, with De Salis Wines at its heart, promises a rich and rewarding experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit