Known as Australia's wine bible, this week the publication named Philip Shaw, Bloodwood, Ross Hill and Printhie "outstanding" wineries allocating them five red stars for regularly producing "wines of exemplary quality and typicity". 

Printhie Wines' Ed Swift said it was encouraging to see the wines do so well.

"The lift in the quality of Orange's wines is a reflection of the maturing of the vineyards, the increasing experience of the winemakers with regard to these vineyards, the sharing of knowledge within the industry and the fact that we are making varietal wines from grapes grown in the right vineyards," he said.

"It's encouraging to see that there are 11 wineries with five star ratings. 

"This is certainly indicative of the quality coming out of the region."

According to Taste Orange marketing manager Charlotte Gundry the awards are not only good for the wineries but they were good for the region.

"It's great for community pride," she said.

Ms Gundry said the strong performance of the wines was proof the industry had well and truly established itself as a drawcard for tourists.

The companion also awarded Brangayne, Cargo Road, Highland Heritage, Swinging Bridge, Orange Mountain, Patina, Gilbert by Simon Gilbert and Tamburlaine five black stars while Angullong, Borrodell, Moody’s Wines, Cooks Lots, Cumulus, De Salis, Mayfield Vineyard, Hedberg Hills, Heifer Station, Rowlee Wines, Sons & Brothers and Gordon Hills were awarded four-and-a-half stars.

Swinging Bridge Wines owner Tom Ward said it's been "a lot of work by many great people getting the Swinging Bridge brand to where we are today". 

"The region's vineyards are producing world class grapes and this is now showing through the wines, particularly those more suited to cooler climates, such as chardonnay and pinot noir," he said.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au