Wine Industry Booming

There's the Barossa, Margaret River, the Hunter Valley and the Central West?

Indeed. A wine boom has hit the area and experts predict production of the sacred syrup will continue until the Central West is rightfully proclaimed the state's most prestigous grape growing region.

And for some local vignerons... the wait is over.

"Orange would have to consider itself New South Wales' premier wine region" said Nick Butler, owner of Union Bank Wines.

"I think we're finding lots and lots of people just coming out here... for an experience in the country that's got fantastic wine and food" said Orange Mayor Reg Kidd.

The Central West's rich volcanic soil and mild weather allows the region to specialise in rare cool climate wines

And to guage the success of the region's best, Orange Wine Week's annual wine show, awards the best performers with a recognised medal of achievement.

"Last year we had a good increase and I think we'll have about 200 entries this year", said Drew Tuckwell who is on the local Wine Committee.

"If you happen to do particularly well and get a high medal rank... then there is some marketing value in it", he said.