The 2019 Orange Wine Festival is just over a week away and there is a packed program that’s sure include something for everyone.

Judging is already underway on the more than 300 entries to this year’s Orange Wine Show, with the public tasting of all the entries kicking of the festival program on Friday 18 October.

All the wines from the Orange Wine Show, including the trophy and medal winning wines, will be available for tasting at the Hotel Canobolas Ballroom — an opportunity to get a better understanding of the diverse wines that come from our region, says Orange360 general manager Caddie Marshall.

“The beauty of the Orange Wine Show, which is really the anchor event and why we have the wine festival, is the fact that people get to taste all the wines that were judged and be able to get an understanding of the diversity of those styles,” said Caddie.

“There are stations of all the Chardonnay, all the Rose, all the Merlots and all the Cabernets, so you can actually taste for yourself the difference in a vineyard at 600 metres above sea level as opposed to 800 metres and 1000 metres.”

Also getting the festival program started on the Friday is the signature “Pink Up” Wine in the Vines. The Orange Region Vignerons Association partnered with the McGrath foundation to put together this roving wine tasting and mini degustation, that is sure to be popular.

And that is just day one of the festival program.

“There are so many things to do from $15 through to under $100,” said Caddie. “You’ve got Vertical tastings at Slow Wine Co., you've got masterclasses, movie nights… there is something for every budget and palate. It is not just all about $150 lunches of dinners, that is certainly a part of it, but there are lots of free or low-cost events too.”

“There is so much,” said Orange Region Vignerons Association executive officer Charlotte Gundry.

“You can go onto the website, www.orangewinefestival.com.au and see the full program and sort by art exhibition, breakfast, cooking classes, dinner, lunch, markets, masterclasses, music, outdoor, picnic, tasting, tours — so there's a picture of the whole festival in terms of the type of activities people can be part of.”

And the festival is not only about the wine, she said, but also the great food and local culture that makes Orange special.

“Our region is richer than just wine and without all those other facets we would be far less interesting!” said Charlotte.

“So, you don't have to be a serious wine drinker to come and enjoy the Orange Wine Festival.”

The Orange Wine Festival runs from 18-27 October.