David Cumming
The Lane Cellars
David’s spent two decades championing the region — its wines, its makers, its stories — long before Orange became the cool‑climate destination it is today. He understands this place from the inside out: the vineyards, the community, the volunteers, the creatives, the growers, the people who show up. His perspective is shaped by deep roots, genuine connection and a love for the region. We’re lucky to have him as part of the Orange Community.
What brought you to Orange and what made you stay?
We moved to Orange after seven years in Adelaide, a couple of very young kids in tow. That was 20 years ago. It was the wine industry that brought me here, and it was a choice of Mudgee or Orange. Having worked with Steve and Rhonda Doyle in the early 1990s I knew the potential of the region, so Orange it was. The food scene was also a clear drawcard. It’s certainly not the winters that made me stay.
How does Orange shape your day-to-day life, your work, your passions?
Orange is the best of both worlds. Great food and wine are a bit of a given these days. It’s also close to Sydney, but also far enough away. Working in the wine industry, it’s perfect as I’m surrounded by clients and can regularly catch up with them. I’m lucky in that I can work in marketing, whilst living in a wine region! I also had the opportunity to open a little bottle shop and fill it with all the fun things.
Shape the mood… Choose a ChaLou Wine, food to pair it with and song to play in the background…
The ChaLou Pinot Noir is hard to go past. I reckon it’s one of those wines that draws a line in the sand; this is what Orange can do, and do it well at a fair price. Orange Region Pinot Noir can be affordable and expressive, with flavour, acid, tannin, earthiness and spice. It’s a match made for Gang of Youths on the turntable. Try the Lou Skinny with Amyl & the Sniffers!
How do you spend a typical day here? Morning rituals, weekend escapes, seasonal shifts?
After responding to emails and grabbing a coffee, no day is really the same. Writing media releases for new wines, helping create and update websites, working with winemakers on their packaging and brand, there’s something new every day.
Slipping down to The Lane Cellars for a random shift is always fun. More often than not friends and colleagues drop by for a chat. It’s also fun to source new wines and beers for our customers – a newly released Chenin for Nadja, or a Stout, IPA or cool climate Chardonnay for Steve.
Walking the crazy kelpie around Lake Canobolas is a favourite weekend pursuit. Clattering down the dirt tracks to the Macquarie river or exploring the fire tracks on Gaanha-bula on a (restoration project) 40 year old Honda XL with mates always make for a good weekend.
Catching some local cricket at Wade Park, live music at Badlands with a pint, or a bit of a laugh with touring comedians at Factory Espresso is always on the cards.
The beauty of Orange is that you can always find good coffee and good food (and a quality, local wine list to match). Even a quick lunchtime cheeseburger at Four Pines can be matched with a glass of Rikard Chardonnay.
Any local legends, collaborators, or neighbours who inspire you?
It’s got to be the volunteers. Wherever you look, there’s people helping people. From sporting clubs to the wine and tourism side of things, people are willing to offer their time and expertise. These are the people that shape the community.
What’s your Orange moment?
One moment in 20 years is a tough one. One particular moment that comes to mind that reflects the Orange community was when Bloodwood owner and winemaker Steve Doyle gave me a bottle of 1989 Mountilford Riesling. This was a bottle that my father made back in the day (our family established Mountilford wines back in 1977 at Ilford, near Mudgee). Steve had this wine in his cellar all these years. I opened it with my siblings and whilst the wine was no longer ‘fresh’, it was possibly the best wine I’d had all year; very cool. This is the supportive and thoughtful people that we have in Orange.