The former public health researchers, originally from Adelaide, moved to Orange six years ago to start Orange Highland Wines and Gardens in Nashdale.

Despite only being in its third vintage, the winery has just taken out a top award at the Riverina Winemakers Association International Sweet Wine Challenge.

The awards were announced on Friday, with Orange Highland Wines and Gardens taking out the gold award for best medium sweet wine for the aptly named Highland Gold Sauvignon Blanc.

The Harrisons said they were thrilled with the win, having begun cellar door operations at the winery only 11 months ago.

“For us it’s brilliant,” Mr Harrison said.

“This is only our third vintage and there’s a bit of a perception that you can only get medals if you’re 10 or 20 years old.

“We didn’t come here to make average wine.”

Mr Harrison said the award was an acknowledgment of the hard work put in by the winery’s viticultural advisor Tim Esson and its winemaker Richard Parker.

The winery has previously won five bronze medals for its first two vintages.

The challenge received 100 entries and eight trophies were awarded.

Orange Mountain Wines also received a gold award, for best ice wine, for their 2009 Mountain Ice.

Mr Harrison said Orange’s strong performance reflected the strength of the region’s wine industry.

“It is very pleasing to see that two of the eight trophy winners in an international competition call Orange home,” he said.