Orange/Skin Contact Wines

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Once a well-kept secret of ancient winemaking cultures, orange wine has recently found its place in the spotlight—and for good reason. With its golden-amber hue, complex flavours, and bold textures, orange wine offers a unique tasting experience for adventurous wine lovers. Whether you’re new to skin-contact wines or a seasoned enthusiast, our curated selection of orange wines from Australia and beyond will guide you on a journey through one of the world’s oldest wine styles.

What is Orange Wine? 

Despite the name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges. It’s crafted from white grapes using an ancient technique where the juice is fermented with the grape skins and seeds, just like red wine. This extended skin contact gives the wine its striking colour, along with more tannin, texture, and aromatic depth than you’d find in a typical white wine.

This method dates back thousands of years to regions like Georgia, Slovenia and Northern Italy, but today, Australian winemakers are embracing the style with fresh creativity. Common varietals used here include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, often blended for extra dimension. 

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like? 

The beauty of orange wine lies in its diversity. Expect a mix of characteristics from both red and white wines—zesty acidity, bold structure, and savoury undertones. Aromas might lean toward dried citrus peel, apricot, spiced apple, or herbal tea, while the palate often reveals honeyed notes, white pepper, and gentle oxidative nuances.

Texturally, orange wine is often described as grippy or slightly tannic, making it an excellent match for food. 

What Food Goes Well With Orange Wine? 

Thanks to its structure and savoury profile, orange wine is an incredibly versatile food wine. It pairs beautifully with:

  • Charcuterie and aged cheeses
  • Roast chicken or pork
  • Spiced vegetarian dishes
  • Korean, Indian or Middle Eastern cuisine
  • Miso-glazed vegetables or eggplant-based dishes

It’s particularly well-suited to dishes with umami flavours or a touch of funk. 

Is Orange Wine the Same as Natural Wine?

Not exactly—although they often overlap. Many orange wines are made naturally, using wild yeasts, minimal intervention, and no added sulphites. However, not all natural wines are orange, and not all orange wines are fully natural. The defining factor of orange wine is the skin-contact fermentation method, not necessarily how “natural” the production is.

Where to Buy Orange Wine in Australia

We proudly offer one of the most diverse selections of orange wine in Australia, with bottles sourced from trailblazing Aussie winemakers and celebrated international producers. Whether you’re after something funky and wild or clean and expressive, our collection showcases the best of what this style has to offer.

FAQs About Orange Wine 

What is orange wine made from?

White grapes! Orange wine is white wine made like a red—fermented with skins and sometimes seeds for added colour, texture, and flavour.

Is orange wine sweet or dry?

Most orange wines are dry, but their rich mouthfeel and ripe fruit notes can give an impression of sweetness.

Does orange wine taste like orange?

Not at all! The name comes from the colour, not the fruit. That said, some orange wines can have citrus peel or marmalade-like notes.

Why is orange wine popular now?

It’s part of a broader trend toward natural, artisanal, and expressive wines. Younger wine lovers are especially drawn to styles that feel unique and tell a story.

What is the difference between a wine from Orange NSW vs a Orange colour wine?

A wine from Orange NSW is a wine harvested from this particular region, where as an Orange hue wine displays this colour due to its fermentation technique.