Rowlee Wines: Where Romance Finds Its Perfect Vintage
Cradled in the rolling hills of Orange, NSW, lies Rowlee Wines — a vineyard that feels less like a venue and more like a love letter to romance. Here, the cool-climate air carries whispers of eucalyptus and Chardonnay, and every sunset seems to drape the vines in liquid gold. Whether it’s a golden-hour ceremony beneath ancient trees, a glass of Chardonnay by the fire, or a languid lunch at the new Rowlee Dining & Bar, the estate has become synonymous with effortless elegance and modern romance.
We spoke with co-owners Nicole Samodol and James Manny about the heritage, heart, and vision behind Rowlee — and why it’s fast becoming one of New South Wales’ most enchanting wedding destinations.
Photo Ona Jansen
Q: Rowlee has such a sense of soul. Can you share how it all began?
Rowlee was born from heritage, passion, and serendipity. My parents planted the vineyard more than two decades ago, inspired by their roots in Dalmatia — the wine-growing coastal region of Croatia. Growing up, I watched them nurture this land near Mount Canobolas with unwavering devotion.
For many years I lived a corporate life in Sydney, but I found myself drawn back again and again — to the stillness, the space, the sense of possibility. In 2013, we released our first wines under the Rowlee label, and not long after I left the city to devote myself entirely to the estate. It was a heart-led decision, guided by a vision to create more than a winery: a place where people connect with nature, with one another, and with life’s most meaningful celebrations.
Weddings became a natural extension of that dream. There’s an inherent romance in this landscape — the golden light, the vast sky, the rows of vines. Every wedding feels like a new chapter in the Rowlee story.
Q: What makes Rowlee such a magical backdrop for couples saying “I do”?
The setting speaks for itself — manicured lawns, olive groves, rose-framed gardens, and rolling vineyards that shift with the seasons. Couples love that they can move seamlessly through each stage of their day — a ceremony beneath the trees, cocktails among the vines, a reception under the stars. Orange itself is breathtaking, and the sunsets we’re gifted here are nothing short of cinematic.
The other side of the magic is practicality. We’re an all-inclusive venue, so couples don’t need to stress over details like catering, beverages, or settings. It’s all taken care of, which means more space for joy and less for logistics.
Q: The new Rowlee Dining & Bar has added such vibrancy to the estate. What experience have you created there?
Rowlee Dining & Bar is an ode to contemporary Australian cuisine — elevated simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and flavours that celebrate the richness of the Orange region. Our menus are curated to be indulgent yet unpretentious, always paired with our cool-climate wines.
The atmosphere is intimate and elegant, like your favourite dinner party — warm, generous, and stylishly relaxed. Whether it’s a rehearsal dinner, a long lunch, or a wedding celebration, guests can expect moments that feel both indulgent and personal.
Q: How versatile is the venue for different styles of weddings?
Rowlee offers a remarkable canvas. We host intimate gatherings of 40 guests in the restaurant right through to grand celebrations of 250 in our marquee space. Couples might choose a chic cocktail soirée with roaming canapés, a lavish long-table banquet under the stars, or a classic seated reception in our historic Stables.
Our role is to work closely with couples to shape the celebration so it reflects their story — whether laidback, luxe, or somewhere in between.
Q: Couples can even stay on the estate. What’s the experience like?
Our boutique one-bedroom guesthouse is nestled among the vines, offering complete privacy and luxurious comfort. For couples, waking up at Rowlee means serenity: no travel logistics, no rush, just quiet anticipation. It’s also a beautiful backdrop for those cherished getting-ready moments — champagne, laughter, and a sense of calm before the celebration unfolds.
Q: The Wine Lovers Escape sounds like the dream romantic getaway. What can couples expect?
It’s indulgence in its purest form — a private vineyard stay with curated wine tastings, locally sourced produce, and time to explore the charm of Orange’s wine country. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply escaping together, it’s designed to restore connection and create memories that linger long after you’ve left.
Q: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. How do you support couples through the process?
We see ourselves as partners in their planning journey. From the first conversation, our team — supported by the expert Wedshed-Managed team — is hands-on, invested, and available to guide, inspire, and reassure.
On the day, we slip quietly into the background, orchestrating every detail so couples and their guests can be fully present, soaking in the beauty and emotion of the moment.
Q: What bespoke touches make Rowlee weddings feel unforgettable?
It’s always in the details. We love weaving personalised touches into the celebration — whether that’s a signature cocktail inspired by the couple’s favourite varietal or private wine tastings for the wedding party. Guests often tell us they feel as though they’ve stepped into a dream, and that’s exactly the experience we want to create.
Q: Beyond the estate, how does the Orange region elevate the experience?
Orange is a destination that captures the heart. It’s romantic yet relaxed, refined yet approachable. Couples and their guests can spend a weekend exploring acclaimed restaurants, boutique wineries, charming country towns, and landscapes that shift with every season. It’s the kind of place where lovebirds return, time and again, because it simply feels unforgettable.
Rowlee Wines is not just a wedding venue, but a sanctuary where love stories unfurl against a backdrop of vines and golden light. For couples seeking elegance, intimacy, and an atmosphere steeped in romance, it is a destination where every detail tastes of forever.
