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So what exactly is Orange Wine & why is everyone talking about it?

Writer's picture: Jonathan LeeJonathan Lee
4 people sitting at a table cheering with wine glasses

Orange wines are hugely popular at the moment but there are still lots of people who are asking - what actually is orange wine and does it involve oranges?


To put it simply, orange wines are white wines but made in a red wine style. The white grape skins are left in contact with the juice, and the longer they are in contact, the deeper the amber colour of the wine will be.


So to clarify, there are no oranges in 'orange wine' - it's all about the colour!


A little history

The origins of orange wine trace back thousands of years to regions like Georgia, where traditional winemaking involved fermenting grapes in large clay vessels called qvevri. This ancient method has experienced a resurgence in modern winemaking, particularly in areas such as Northeastern Italy and Slovenia, where producers have embraced these time-honoured techniques to create contemporary expressions of orange wine.

A man stands next to a qvevri in Georgia, in the late 1800s. Photo via Wikimedia.
A man stands next to a qvevri in Georgia, in the late 1800s. Photo via Wikimedia.

In Australia, Kevin McCarthy is credited with making the first deliberate ‘orange’ wine. It was the 2008 T’Gallant ‘Claudius’, a blend of chardonnay, gewürztraminer and moscato giallo, which stayed on skins for seven months before ageing in large oak.








Flavour Profile

Orange wines are renowned for their complex and often bold flavour profiles. Commonly, people will taste dried orange rind, hazelnut, bruised apple, and sourdough, accompanied by a tannic structure more akin to red wines. The combination of oxidative and fermentative aromas contributes to a multifaceted tasting experience that appeals particularly to adventurous wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary and to challenge their tastebuds.


man pouring wine into a glass

Food Pairing

The versatility of orange wine makes it a great companion to lots of different cuisines. Its tannins and acidity pairs well with spicy food, fermented foods like kimchi, and both meat and seafood.





Are you ready to try orange wine?

We've listed a coupe of venues on our hop on hop off routes where you can try orange wine.

Trofeo Estate - 2021Skin Contact Pinot Gris (visit on our Mornington Peninsula route)


Punt Road Wines - 2023 Airlie Bank Gris on Skins (visit on our RED or GREEN Yarra Valley route)


Jayden Ong Wines - 2021 Moonlit Forest Pinot Gris 'SC' (visit on our RED Yarra Valley route)







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