Philip Shaw Wines Guide

Philip Shaw Wines represents the beginning of Orange's modern wine story. Philip Shaw himself — formerly chief winemaker at Rosemount Estate and Southcorp — was among the first to recognise the potential of Orange's high-altitude, cool climate conditions for premium wine production. His decision to plant vineyards in the region in the late 1980s helped establish the foundation on which Orange's entire wine identity now rests. Today, Philip Shaw Wines is one of the region's largest and most established producers, offering a comprehensive range across varieties that serves as an ideal introduction to what Orange wines can be.

The Wines

Philip Shaw produces wines across a range of varieties that showcases Orange's diversity. The numbered wine range — No. 11 Chardonnay, No. 89 Shiraz, No. 8 Pinot Noir, and others — provides a structured way to explore different varieties and vineyard expressions. The Chardonnay is a regional benchmark: elegant, mineral-driven, and a clear demonstration of why Orange has earned a national reputation for this variety. The Shiraz shows the peppery, medium-bodied, cool climate style that distinguishes Orange from warmer regions. The Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot round out a range that covers virtually every variety the region produces.

The tiered range — from accessible everyday wines through to premium single-vineyard expressions — means there is something for every palate and budget. First-time visitors can taste across the full range and develop a sense of what Orange varieties they prefer, using Philip Shaw as a reference point for comparisons at other cellar doors later in the day.

The Cellar Door Experience

Philip Shaw's cellar door is located 8 minutes' drive from central Orange on the northern circuit — the closest and most accessible cluster of producers. The tasting room is well-appointed and professional, with knowledgeable staff who can guide visitors through the range with enthusiasm and expertise. The breadth of the range means a Philip Shaw tasting covers more varieties than most cellar door visits, making it a particularly efficient first stop for visitors who want an overview of Orange's wine identity.

The vineyard setting provides attractive views and a sense of the landscape that produces the wines. Outdoor seating is available in warmer months.

Visiting Details

Distance from Yallungah: 8 minutes by car (northern circuit).

Opening hours: Check current hours on the Philip Shaw website. Typically open Thursday/Friday through Sunday.

Tasting fee: Check current pricing — fees may be waived with purchase.

Best for: First-time visitors wanting an introduction to Orange varieties. Wine enthusiasts seeking a Chardonnay benchmark. Anyone starting a northern circuit cellar door day.

Visit Philip Shaw from Yallungah

Philip Shaw is one of the cellar doors most frequently recommended by the Yallungah team for first-time visitors. Its proximity to town, comprehensive range, and welcoming cellar door make it the natural starting point for a cellar door day on the northern circuit.