Orange is the new Burgundy

Spring in Orange

Our vineyards at Borenore, a scenic 15 minute drive from Orange, perfectly match the growing conditions in the Burgundy region of France, synonymous with some of the greatest Chardonnays and Point Noirs.

The high altitude and aspect provide a varying mesoclimate with a mean temperature in January of 20.7°C.

Faisan Estate, late winter

Sitting at the northern foothills of Mount Canobolas our altitude of 780 metres above sea level combined with the naturally cool climate of the Orange region provides us with a steady growing season, giving the fruit high natural acid allowing for gradual ripening.

The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blocks are cooler, tending closer to 19°C.

The soil also plays a part. The combination of red basalt, decomposed limestone and gravel soils, adds minerality to the flavour of the fruit, while also providing good drainage and allows the fruit to naturally grow at small yields, further concentrating the flavour.

These combining factors give our wines the elegance, balance, texture and flavour that strongly hints to both our vineyard and spiritual home of these varieties. This is particularly apparent with our Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc - our vineyard provides a near-perfect growing environment for these varieties.

There are also plans to extend the plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the near-future. Our vineyard was first planted in 1985; a mere sole acre block of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Michael opens the vineyard every weekend for visitors

Faisan Estate was started in 1991 by Col and Trish Walker who planted the first acre of grapes. The vineyard steadily increased in size, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillon added over the next decades. Their three sons grew up learning the art of winemaking, and in 2011 their youngest son Michael took over the operations full-time.