A visit to Ross Hill Winery offers more than just wine tasting — it’s a chance to see how award-winning, sustainably made wines come to life. For $13 per person, this 1.5-hour tour located in Orange, NSW, delivers a fascinating peek into the winemaking process, from grapes to glass, with plenty of stories and tastings along the way. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll explore the winery’s historic site housed in a charming old apple packing shed and learn how Ross Hill maintains its Climate Active certified carbon-neutral status.
We love how this experience balances history and innovation, making it perfect for curious travelers who enjoy authentic stories behind their drinks. The guided tasting that follows the tour is another highlight, giving you a chance to appreciate the wines’ flavor profiles and craftsmanship.
One potential consideration is that the tour is conducted in English and is not suitable for children under 18, so families with younger kids might want to plan a different activity.
This tour suits those who crave a personal, behind-the-scenes look at a working winery, beverage connoisseurs wanting insight into sustainable practices, or travelers seeking an authentic taste of Orange’s local wine scene.
Key Points
- Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore the inner workings of the winery, from crushing grapes to bottling.
- Sustainable Focus: Learn about the winery’s climate-positive practices and commitment to carbon neutrality.
- Guided Tastings: Sample a selection of award-winning wines with expert commentary.
- Rich History and Innovation: The winery’s history dates back to 1994, housed in a historic building with modern sustainable practices.
- Affordable and Engaging: At $13, it offers excellent value for a 1.5-hour experience.
- Accessible and Well-Organized: Tours run daily at 10 am, are wheelchair accessible, and include a knowledgeable, friendly guide.
An In-Depth Look at the Ross Hill Winery Behind-the-Scenes Tour
If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Orange New South Wales
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
If you’re in Orange and love wine, this tour hits the sweet spot. For just $13, you not only get a guided look into the winemaking process but also an opportunity to taste some of Ross Hill’s award-winning, climate-neutral wines. The price alone makes it a compelling choice, but it’s the quality of the experience and the passion of the guides that really shine.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, starting at 10 am daily, making it a perfect morning activity before lunch or other tours. It’s designed to be informative yet accessible, suitable for people who want to understand the art and science behind winemaking without feeling overwhelmed.
The Tour Itself: From Grape to Glass
Your visit begins in the old apple packing shed on Wallace Lane — a building that marries history with contemporary winemaking. Here, you’ll be introduced to the winery’s journey from its first plantings in 1994 at the Griffin Road vineyard, showcasing its evolution over the decades.
The guide (whose enthusiasm and knowledge really earn praise) walks you through each stage of making wine — from crushing grapes, fermentation, to bottling. You might find it fascinating to see how a working winery operates and how much care and passion go into each batch.
One reviewer, Dean, raved, “The staff was super friendly and I think I tried one or two more wines.” That kind of friendliness and the chance to sample extra wines add an informal, welcoming feel to the tour.
The Sustainable Edge
A highlight of Ross Hill Wines is its Climate Active certified carbon neutrality. This isn’t just a marketing point; it’s a core part of how they operate. Learning about their sustainable practices adds meaning to the tasting experience, especially if you’re environmentally conscious or just interested in how wineries can reduce their carbon footprint.
Ky, another past guest, appreciated the great winery tours with wine tasting and commentary, noting the knowledgeable guides made all the difference. Their insights help you understand why these wines are special — not just in flavor but in how they are made with care for the environment.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Tasting Experience
After the tour, you’ll move into a dedicated tasting session, which runs from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Here, you’ll sample a selection of wines produced on-site. The tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s about learning to identify flavor profiles and understanding what makes Ross Hill’s wines stand out — including their award-winning status.
The tasting offers a chance to appreciate how passion, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices translate into a glass of wine. Several reviews mention how friendly and informative the staff are during this part, making it an ideal setting for both novices and seasoned wine lovers.
While you're exploring Orange New South Wales, here are other experiences we've looked into
Practical Details & Accessibility
The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes a live English guide. The group size tends to be small, which enhances the personal feel and allows plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
If you’re wondering about timing, the 10 am start fits well with a morning itinerary, and the full experience lasts about 1.5 hours. Cancellation is flexible, allowing full refunds if your plans change.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for adults interested in wine, sustainability enthusiasts, and history buffs. It’s an especially good choice for travelers who want to see a working winery in action and learn about green practices in production.
Those seeking a more interactive, educational experience will enjoy the guided tour and tasting, while those on a tight budget will find the price very reasonable given the depth of insight and quality of wines.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider This Tour
The Ross Hill Winery Behind-the-Scenes Tour offers a rare glimpse into the art of winemaking combined with a commitment to sustainability. It’s authentic, engaging, and accessible, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Orange’s wine scene.
The knowledgeable guides and personalized experience stand out, especially if you’re interested in the environmental side of wine production. The tasting of award-winning wines adds a satisfying reward, and the historic setting in a repurposed building adds a touch of charm.
For those who enjoy sharing a drink with a story, learning how wines are made, and supporting environmentally conscious producers, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for curious travelers, wine lovers, and eco-conscious visitors alike.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, starting at 10 am, with the tasting from 10:30 to 11:30 am.
What is the price?
It costs $13 per person, offering great value given the guided tour and tastings included.
Is it suitable for children?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 18 years.
Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all visitors to enjoy.
What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is guided in English, with a live guide ready to answer questions.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking and exploring the winery.
Are additional wines sampled during the tour?
Some reviewers mentioned trying extra wines, which suggests that the staff occasionally offer more tastings, depending on the group.
Choosing the Ross Hill Winery Behind-the-Scenes Tour provides a genuine taste of Orange’s wine craftsmanship, blended with a meaningful focus on sustainability. It’s a smart pick for those who want to understand more about what’s in their glass, enjoy friendly guidance, and support eco-friendly practices—all at a very reasonable price.
You can check availability for your dates here: