It’s the elevation of the Orange wine region in New South Wales, Australia that makes it a stand-out from other wine regions, and even other cool-climate wine regions, across Australia. In fact, it may be the world’s only wine region defined by its elevation.

The winemakers and viticulturists of the Orange region, in Central Western NSW, regard altitude — and therefore many of the climatic conditions that they grow their grapes in — with an almost religious zeal. It’s hardly surprising when you think about. It is after all, the only Australian wine region — and, indeed, quite possibly the only wine region in the world — defined expressly by altitude.

John Rozentals, The Examiner, September 2017

THREE VINEYARDS. THREE ELEVATIONS. ONE VIGNERON : AN ELEVATED PILGRIMAGE TO DISCOVER THE ORANGE WINE REGION

Justin Jarrett, See Saw Wines vigneron and President of the Orange Region Vignerons Association, will be hosting a ‘Pilgrimage of Elevation’ on Sunday 15 October through the three See Saw Wines vineyards as part of the 2017 Orange Wine Festival. The ‘pilgrimage’ is aimed at introducing wine aficionados and wine lovers to the concept of grape growing at varying elevations, and the effect this has on the flavour of the wines – even when part of the same vineyard, and grown and made by the same vigneron.

The ‘Pilgrimage of Elevation’ will start in the Orange region’s first Prosecco block, where Justin will explain the history of See Saw Wines and his vision for planting the prosecco varietal of grapes at the elevation of 700 metres above sea level in Block 15 of the See Saw Wines’ Annangrove vineyard.

BE CONVERTED

From the Annangrove vineyard, after we’ve feasted on antipasti washed down with prosecco, we will then move onto the organic See Saw Wines’ Springvale vineyard across the road and at a slightly higher elevation of 800 metres above sea level, to sample the organic white and red varietals that flourish here (including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and Pinot Noir), before moving onto the beautiful Balmoral vineyard block at the highest elevation of 900 metres above sea level which boasts amazing views and full flavoured Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtztraminer, as well as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

“We are possibly the only winery in the Orange region that has the ability to tell this complete story of elevation, as we are growing fruit across all three of vineyards at the different elevations,” explains vigneron Justin Jarrett. “Every site produces different flavours and every elevation enhances the See Saw Wines story, and it’s this journey that we would love to share with our guests during the Pilgrimage of Elevation.”

The Pilgrimage of Elevation takes place on Sunday 15 October 2017 as part of the Orange Wine Festival. Food along the way by our Pochi ma Buoni pop-up, starting with antipasti and prosecco and finishing with a heart-warming three-course Italian meal and a glass of Pinot Noir at the beautiful See Saw Wines’ Balmoral vineyard.

What’s the difference between Champagne and Prosecco? We’re glad you asked…

And here’s 11 things you definitely didn’t already know about Prosecco…

ABOUT SEE SAW WINES

See Saw Wines is situated in the central west of New South Wales, 25km west of Orange, an area which is highly suited to the growing of grapes and the production of cool climate wines. To be classified as within the Orange wine growing region, grapes must be grown above 600 meters. The vineyards have volcanic origins at the base of Mount Canobolas, which has produced highly fertile soil, and this in conjunction with the climate makes the area ideally suited to the growing of grapes and the production of cool climate wines.

Nurturing this land to bring out our grapes’ finest qualities requires one thing beyond all else – balance

See Saw Wines is family owned and operated by Justin and Pip Jarrett. They planted 22ha of vines in 1997, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Since then the vineyard has increased dramatically, and collectively they are now one of the largest in the Central West. The Balmoral, Springvale / Coole Park and Annangrove Park vineyard plantings now cover 170 hectares with an average elevation of 800m across the three sites, keeping the small yet passionate See Saw team busy all year round.

To produce world class cool climate wines, a balanced approach and unyielding commitment to quality is needed. Patience, acceptance for what Mother Nature deals you and balance in all things are the key requirements. It’s that extended time to ripening that brings out the best in our wine.