Patina Wines

Our first port of call on the ‘Girls Weekend of Wine’ was Patina Wines, which is located on the Bathurst Road, a 10 minute drive from Orange.

Fellow wine tasters: Emma, Kameel & Ragan

We arrived just as the Patina team were setting up for their Mexican fiesta lunch as part of F.O.O.D Week. Patina had organised a mariachi band (complete with electric harp!), tables in the courtyard and a Mexican feast not to be frowned at. Alas this event had already sold out so we couldn’t join in, but have agreed to all go next year without fail.

The Patina cellar door has a wonderful homely feel, the walls are adorned with artwork by Angela Naef (the winemaker’s wife) and there are French doors looking out over the courtyard and gardens. Patina was recently announced as one of the top three cellar doors in the Orange region by Gourmet Traveller Wine (April-May 2012 edition) and you quickly realise why.

The vibe during the tasting is relaxed and friendly, with winemaker Gerald Naef coming out to chat with us and make sure we enjoyed ourselves. The Patina range of wines were a big hit with everyone and being priced between $22 – 30 made them perfectly affordable.

We received first class service from the Patina team who seem to have thought of everything and have even put out a cheeseboard and crackers for guests to nibble on in between sips. After our tasting we explored the Patina gardens whilst listening to the dulcet tones of the electric harp and Victor Valdes.

Mmm cheese

Visiting Patina Wines, you get the distinct impression that the Naef family like to enjoy themselves and simply want those visiting the cellar door to do the same.

The stunning Patina labels

If you haven’t been out to the Patina Wines cellar door yet, make the effort to pop along and most definitely book in for their next event before it sells out.

Ms L'Orange enjoying the Patina gardens