Local produce was the focus for the group, which included writers for Fairfax Media and The Australian. 

John Rozental is a freelancer who’s worked extensively for Fairfax Media. 

A former local, Mr Rozental said he would “never have dreamed” Orange’s food and wine culture would take off like it has.

“We’ve just finished eating this lovely Trunkey Creek bacon… that sort of thing didn’t exist when I grew up,” he said. 

Zoe Meunier, from Out There Magazine said she was “amazed” by her first trip to Orange on her and will “definitely be coming back.”

“I’m just so amazed by the… by everything,” she said. “I’m bowled over.”

“The food and wine culture is so knowledgeable and creative and it’s exciting,” Mrs Meunier said.

Executive Officer of Brand Orange Rhonda Sear said spreading the word of Orange’s culture is vital.

“These guys are going back and writing stories for audiences Australia-wide, giving them a glimpse of Orange,” she said 

“So the conversation isn’t just in Orange, it’s about Orange all around Australia.”

Mrs Sear said the tour was encompassing “all Orange had to offer.”

“The food, the wine and the people. The passion people have for their food is really inspiring.”