The complexities and challenges of a cool climate wine region

Shared by Patina winemaker, Gerald Naef.

Orange is a cool climate viticultural area due to its elevation. To qualify for the Orange Geographical Index (GI) the vineyard must be above 600 metres elevation. 

The Patina vineyard is at 930 metres. In addition it is cooled by the air that drains down the valleys from Mt Canobolas which stands 1395 metres high. This makes Patina a cool site in a cool climate region and is prone to occasional frost.

Although there has been a spot of frost damage here and there, I have increased tonnage each year and expanded the Patina range to included Pinot Noir in 2003, fresh whites Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc in 2005 and Pinot Grigio in 2007 sourced from prefered sites around Orange. In 2005 I began making a Shiraz from my father-in-laws Mudgee vineyard.