If your group chat has gone suspiciously quiet because everyone’s “so busy”, but also desperately in need of a weekend away, we’ve found your excuse to round up the crew and book a trip.
Just 3.5 hours from Sydney, Orange turns it on for ten flavour-packed days when FOOD Week 2026 returns from Friday 20 March to Sunday 29 March, marking 35 years of cool-climate wines, orchard-fresh produce and long-table lunches done very, very well.
Only have one weekend to spare? Here’s how to make 72 hours count.
Friday: Night Markets & Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Dining
Clock off early and roll straight into the opening night buzz at the Robertson Park Night Market. More than 50 food and wine stalls take over the heart of town, pouring exceptional cool-climate drops and dishing up everything from street-style bites to regional favourites.
From there, wander Summer Street at your own pace. Think intimate wine and whisky bars, proper country pubs and hatted restaurants tucked between heritage façades. Orange does “choose your own adventure” dining brilliantly and there’s no wrong turn.
Saturday: Meet the Makers, Then Dress Up
Ease into Saturday with something hands-on. Join a vineyard tour, dive into fermentation and gut health workshops, or try cider-making with local producers. These smaller experiences are where Orange really shines. You’re not just tasting, you’re talking to the people who grow it, ferment it and pour it.
Then it’s time to switch gears.
Saturday night belongs to two-hatted Chef Aaron Ward, who takes over Philip Shaw Wines for a one-night-only dinner inside the bluestone cellar door. Expect a refined multi-course menu matched with elegant cool-climate wines. This is the one that sells out fast and for good reason.
Sunday: Long Lunch Territory
Sunday is when Orange shows off.
Picture a harvest lunch among apple trees, a relaxed long picnic with live music and orchard strolls, or a sparkling-on-arrival Italian feast overlooking the vines. It’s slow, abundant and indulgent. The kind of afternoon that drifts into early evening and makes you consider cancelling Monday altogether.
Stay A Little Longer
If you can swing it, book the late checkout. Stay central at Quest Apartments or settle into boutique charm at Yallungah Boutique Hotel. Grab one last brunch, stock up on a few bottles and take the scenic drive home via rolling hills and vineyard views.
So – be that person in the group chat! Round up the troops, lock in the accomodation and don’t leave it too late. This year’s FOOD Week is set to deliver and you’re going to want a piece of the pie (or maybe two)!
From acclaimed chefs and vineyard dinners to orchard feasts and immersive workshops, these are the Top 10 Orange, NSW FOOD Week 2026 events to book now!
1. Meet the Producers Series – 22–27 March
Five intimate, affordable workshops offering rare access to the people behind Orange’s cheese, fermentation, olive oil, saffron and orchard produce. Always popular and excellent value.
2. Locally Grown with Joel Bickford – Friday 27 March
Following a sell-out debut, this elevated four-course dinner returns with acclaimed chef Joel Bickford alongside sommelier Alex Kirkwood. Hosted at The Hotel Canobolas in the Summer Street Bar & Dining Room.
3. An Evening with Aaron Ward – Saturday 21 March
Two-hatted chef Aaron Ward of Bathers’ Pavilion brings his vibrant menu to Philip Shaw Wines’ bluestone cellar door, with each course expertly paired to elegant cool-climate wines.
4. Fire & Wine – Sunday 22 March
An open-air celebration of local produce cooked Chefs Joel Bickford and Danny Corbett. Think smoky vegetables, fire-kissed meats, charred herbs and bold, rustic flavours.
5. Nonna’s 80th Anniversary Long Lunch – Sunday 22 March
A much-loved FOOD Week classic, this Italian family feast at Highland Heritage Wines features sparkling on arrival, traditional dishes cooked by Nonna, live music and sweeping vineyard views.
6. Bite Riot Long Picnic – Sunday 22 March
A relaxed orchard picnic celebrating apples, harvest and community. Guests enjoy a four-course menu, live acoustic music, packhouse peeks and a guided orchard stroll.
7. Lucetta at Heifer Station – Monday 23 March
A one-night-only Barrel Shed takeover by Lucetta’s Francesco Zarrella. Guests enjoy bubbles and canapés followed by a generous Italian long-table feast paired with Heifer Station wines. Limited to just 50 seats.
8. East West Miso – Thursday 26 March
Good Plate Nutrition and Mountain Miso present an intimate, interactive exploration of miso’s nourishing power, pairing miso-enhanced Australian dishes with De Salis Wines in a bold fusion of Japanese tradition and local flavour.
9. Mahaliy Lebanese Feast – Friday 27 March
Featuring a lavish, four-course, shared-style feast, showcasing local produce and inspired by the Lebanese culture and cuisine created by one of region’s celebrated chef’s Dom Aboud from Union Bank.
10. Sunday Producer’s Market & Brunch – Sunday 29 March
Join the final festivity for FOOD Week 2026! Come along to one of Orange’s most spectacular settings in Cook Park to enjoy brunch prepared by well-known cooks and producers and fabulous array of stallholders, the perfect way to take a taste of FOOD Week home with you. Tickets for FOOD Week 2026 events are limited and many are expected to sell out.
11. Get your hands dirty at ChaLou Wines – Friday 10th April
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens during vintage, ChaLou Wines is giving guests the chance to step straight into the action. Their Work With the Winemaker experience is exactly what it sounds like – a rare opportunity to spend the day alongside the team during one of the most exciting times in the vineyard calendar. You’ll connect directly with our winemakers Nadja and Steve and discover the craft that goes into every bottle.
Full program and bookings:www.orangefoodweek.com.au
