Personalities of Orange, NSW Community
Local Legends: The Faces Behind Orange’s Creative Scene
At ChaLou Wines, we’re proud to be part of a region that’s known not just for exceptional cool-climate wines, but for its vibrant creative community. Orange NSW is home to thinkers, makers, and doers—chefs, artists, restaurateurs, and community leaders—who shape the culture as much as the landscape.
This is our chance to introduce you to a few of the personalities who give Orange its edge. Their energy, creativity, and connection are what make this place hum Community is at the heart of everything we do at ChaLou Wines, and these are just some of the people who inspire us every day
Meet SJ, Second Mouse Cheese Co
Some people help define a region not through grand gestures, but through the care they bring to their craft every single day. SJ is one of those people. Through Second Mouse Cheese Co, she transforms locally sourced milk into handcrafted cheeses that celebrate Orange’s exceptional produce, its farming community and the slow, thoughtful process behind artisan cheesemaking. Here, she shares her story in her own words.
Meet Camilla, Good Plate Nutrition
When you live and work in the Orange wine region, you quickly learn who genuinely understands this place — its seasons, its produce, its rhythm. Camilla is one of those people. She’s built a life here that reflects everything Orange does well: community, food, wine and a deep appreciation for the landscape that shapes it all. Here, she shares her Orange story in her own words.
Meet David, 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.
Meet Madi, The Corner Store Gallery
Madi is one of those people who quietly holds the spirit of Orange. She grew up here, explored the world and brought all that experience home — pouring it into The Corner Store Gallery and the creative community around her. Her work is shaped by this place: the seasons, the people, the rhythm of daily life. And in turn, she gives so much of that back. She’s part of the heartbeat that makes Orange feel the way it does.
Meet Jake, The Lane Cellars
We’re excited to share a conversation with someone who embodies the spirit of this region so naturally: Jake from The Lane Cellars. If you’ve ever wandered into the shop and been met with a warm chat, a thoughtful recommendation, or one of his famously cheeky chalkboard quips, you already know the energy he brings to Orange
Meet Kelly Fedeli, Fiorinis
There’s something about the drive out to Fiorinis that always stays with you. The road stretches out past rolling hills or orchards and vines and for a moment it feels like you’ve slipped into a remote corner of Italy. Then, just when you think you’ve gone too far, this little restaurant, Fiorinis, appears.
Meet Francesco Zarrella, Lucetta Dining
When we talk about the people who shape the flavour and spirit of Orange, Francesco is one of the first who comes to mind. His warmth, his generosity and his love of food have become part of the fabric of Orange and it’s been a joy to watch Lucetta grow into a home for locals and visitors alike.
Meet Rosie Long, Sale Street Real Estate
Rosie is a long‑time local who knows Orange inside out. As the co‑owner of Sale Street Real Estate, she brings a grounded, people‑first approach to life and work in the region. She’s deeply connected to the community, the seasons and the everyday rhythms that make Orange NSW feel like home.
Meet Dom Aboud, The Union Bank & Banksia
Head Chef and owner Dom Aboud, together with his wife Sarah, run The Union Bank & Banksia – a must-visit when you’re in Orange. Their restaurant is celebrated for its connection to local produce, seasonal menus and a warm atmosphere.
Meet Gabs Wallington
Gabs is a ceramicist, mother of three, and Nadja’s sister—living and making in Eugowra, NSW. Her story is a beautiful reflection on clay, community and the quiet magic of the Central West.
Meet Leigh Oliver, Owner of Hey Rosey
Leigh is the co-owner of Hey Rosey, a vinyl-spinning wine bar in Orange. He moved up from Melbourne in search of slower days and found community, creativity and a place to pour delicious wines. His story is a celebration of rhythm, family and the flavour of the Central West.
Meet Megan Milton, Canowindra Florist at Edellen Flowers
From flower farm to florist shop, Megan’s story is rooted in the soil of Central West NSW. What began as a love for the land has grown into Edellen Flowers, her Canowindra-based shop known for nostalgic blooms. This season, she’s bringing that signature style to ChaLou’s Crafted series—hosting a wreath-making workshop that celebrates the textures, colours, and creative rhythm of the Central West.
Meet Hugh Piper, Head Chef at Hey Rosey
Chef, collaborator, and creative force behind Hey Rosey. Hugh brings flavour, warmth, and a deep love of local produce—and we’re thrilled to welcome him to ChaLou for our upcoming Wine & Snacks evening.