The 2026 Orange Wine Show results were announced at the Orange Wine Show Lunch held at the Department of Primary Industries on Thursday, September 24.

This year’s show received 290 entries, reflecting the growth and maturity of the region, chair of judges Mike De Iuliis said. Mr De Iuliis recently chaired the 200th Sydney Royal Wine Show.

“The quality of wines from the Orange region is showing continuous improvement and these wines are seriously competitive on the highest stages,” Mr De Iuliis said.

“Particular highlights included the region’s Chardonnay, sparkling and Pinot Noir. These varieties are fast becoming the wines on which the region can hang its hat.”

Indeed, it was the 2024 ‘Single Barrel’ Chardonnay from Justin Byrne of Byrne Farm that claimed the coveted title of Best Wine of Show.

“The Chardonnay is undeniably world-class, and the diversity of styles from the region shines a light on the differing terroir and skill of winemakers in Orange,” Mr De Iuliis said.

Of the entries, 26 wines were awarded gold medals, 57 silver, and 97 bronze.

The 2026 Orange Wine Show trophies comprise:

  • Best Wine of Show – Byrne Farm ‘Single Barrel’ Chardonnay 2024

  • Best Exhibitor of Show – Swinging Bridge Wines

  • Best Single Vineyard Wine of Show – Byrne Farm ‘Single Barrel’ Chardonnay 2024

  • Best Red Wine of Show – Angullong Pinot Noir 2025

  • Best White Wine of Show – Byrne Farm ‘Single Barrel’ Chardonnay 2024

  • Orange 360 Wine of Provenance – Swinging Bridge ‘Hill Park’ Chardonnay

  • Best Sparkling Wine – Zinga ‘Bianco d’Bianco’ Chardonnay 2021

  • Best Sauvignon Blanc – Tamburlaine Organic Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2026

  • Best Pinot Gris/Grigio – Swinging Bridge #011 Pinot Gris 2026

  • Best Riesling – Colmar Estate ‘Block 6’ Riesling 2023

  • Best Chardonnay 2025 or 2026 – Swinging Bridge ‘Hill Park’ Chardonnay 2025

  • Best Chardonnay 2022 to 2024 – Byrne Farm ‘Single Barrel’ Chardonnay 2024

  • Best Mature White Wine – See Saw ‘Fulcra’ Chardonnay 2021

  • Best Rosé – Ross Hill ‘Jessica’ Rosé 2025

  • Best Pinot Noir – Angullong Pinot Noir 2025

  • Best Cabernet & Shiraz Blends – Byrne Farm Shiraz Pinot Noir 2025

  • Best Syrah/Shiraz – Macquariedale Wines Syrah 2025

  • Best Other Red Variety or Blend – Macquariedale ‘Limited Release’ Barbera 2025

  • Best Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot – Tamburlaine Organic Wines ‘Point 65’ Cabernet Franc 2025

  • Special Chairman’s Award – Angullong ‘Crossing Reserve’ Shiraz 2024

  • Cellar Door of the Year – Highland Heritage

  • Legend of the Vine – Philip Shaw

The full range of wines entered in the 2026 Orange Wine Show, including the above trophy-winning wines, will be available for tasting at the 2026 Orange Wine Festival’s Sip & Savour, held at the Orange Showground on Saturday, October 23, from 6pm to 9pm.

Masterclasses are also being held, with guests enjoying a winemaker-led tasting and discussion of the trophy-winning wines. Tickets to Sip & Savour and the masterclasses are available via orangewinefestival.com.au.