Mazda’s new CX-90 full-size SUV hit the Australian market in August 2023 and we’ve been waiting to get behind the wheel ever since. What better way to meet this sleek and roomy ride than to take it for a weekend glamping trip in the heart of the Orange wine region?
Our destination was the KALMTE Glamping Cabin at Nashdale Lane, an acclaimed Airbnb that sits upon a 60-acre vineyard about a 10-minute drive from the Orange city centre. Read on for all the details of our latest getaway though if you want the TLDR version, it’s that we loved the experience and can easily recommend Mazda’s new flagship SUV, now available in Australia and priced from AUD$74,550 plus on-road costs.
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RELATED: These are the best wineries and vineyards in Orange.
Where We Stayed
We can think of few better places to get your glamp on than the KALMTE Glamping Cabin at Nashdale Lane. This is the luxury cabin experience done oh so right, complete with hardwood interiors, a queen bed, a sunken deck and outdoor lounge, a kitchen, a private bathroom, majestic views, a sprawling vineyard, an authentic wood fireplace, a BBQ, and all the amenities you can ask for.
Orange is the name of the town but also speaks to the broader wine region, making the KALMTE Glamping Cabin a perfect Airbnb for vino lovers. Not only is there a tasting package offered to guests, but the hosts will throw in a complimentary bottle of wine when you book a stay for three nights or more. Cheers to that!
Driving around in our Mazda CX-90 and exploring by day, we returned at night to these tranquil environs to sip delicious wine whilst taking in our majestic surroundings. There are two private cabins on the property overall with a bed and common space (with a sofa bed) in each one so book accordingly and prepare for an unforgettable stay.
What We Drove
You might see the word “glamping” and think that any ride would suffice, but we beg to differ. Or maybe that’s just our personal bias talking after we spent a few days behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-90. Put simply, this full-size crossover SUV drove like a dream as we took it from Sydney to Orange and back for our little weekend getaway.
Meet the Mazda CX-90 SUV
The first of its kind, Mazda’s new flagship SUV arrived on Australian soil in August of last year. At the heart of its creation is a pointed blend of Japanese design philosophy and state-of-the-art technology, resulting in breathtaking aesthetics and powerful performance alike. It runs on newly developed petrol and diesel six-cylinder engines with 3.3 litres in capacity and adjoining Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission, which relays drive to all four wheels to improve manoeuvrability and handling across adventure-based terrains.
Each Mazda CX-90 SUV also features M Hybrid Boost 48V to support the engine and enhance drivability at lower speeds. As another sign of its intelligence, the mild hybrid system uses regenerative braking to recharge the onboard battery. Combine M Hybrid Boost with the e-Skyactiv G engine (turbocharged, petrol) and you get the most powerful mass-production power unit that the automaker has developed to date.
In Australia, the Mazda CX-90 comes available with the two aforementioned engine options and in three different model grades. We drove the CX-90 Azami with a petrol engine in the colour of Artisan Red Metallic for our weekend getaway, to discover a smooth and smart ride that could ably handle any terrain and look downright sleek in the process.
The exterior’s curved lines and edges capture the very essence of Mazda’s ‘Kodo-Soul of Motion’ design whilst the interior cultivates “dignified beauty” (to quote the automaker) by way of its 12.3-inch display, comfortable seating rows, and roomy, dynamic layout.
Where We Ate and Drank
We were a short walk away from a cellar door and a short drive away from a bustling town, giving us plenty of options when it came time to eat and drink. Here are some of the highlights.
Nashdale Lane Wines – Wine
When in wine country, you drink wine. Thankfully, there was a cellar door right there on the same 60-acre property on which we were staying which meant we could park the Mazda up and taste some of the region’s best.
Owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Nick and Tanya Segger—who spent over a decade looking for the right location—Nashdale Lane Wines takes full advantage of the high altitudes, cool weather, and nutrient-rich soil of its surrounding terroir.
The result is a superlative range of Aussie wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Arneis, Shiraz, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir. The Shiraz and Riesling were personal favourites but you can do no wrong with any of these high-quality varietals, which are sustainably produced on-site.
Logan Wines – Wine
Here we have another cellar door that’s surrounded by acres of nutrient-rich land and therefore a perfect place to produce and taste wine. Like the best of its geographic brethren, Logan Wines unlocks the natural qualities provided by the high altitudes and cool climates of the NSW Central Ranges. They have tasting rooms in Orange and Mudgee (respectively), where the beauty of the area and the wines themselves will send you on a sensual journey. Take in the majestic views through tall glass windows as you sample their stellar range, which includes the world-class Vintage ‘M’ Cuvée.
Racine Bakery – Breakfast
Once an offshoot of Racine Restaurant, this popular bakery now occupies its own space in the heart of Orange. To step into this cosy domain during breakfast hours is to be immediately greeted with the fresh aromas of artisan bread and fresh pastry. Everything is made by hand using the finest ingredients and you can tell at first bite. Order a hot coffee and maybe a chocolate croissant or fig danish and you can thank us later.
Academy Coffee Roasters – Breakfast
The go-to spot in Orange for modern specialty coffee, Academy Coffee Roasters delivers service with a smile with delicious java and tasty food to match (try the banana bread—trust us). They source the highest-quality beans and roast them right there in Wiradjuri Country, offering a full spectrum of flavours through their espressos, seasonal blends, and specialty coffee drinks.
Schoolhouse Restaurant at Union Bank – Lunch
Located in the Union Bank building, Schoolhouse Restaurant doles out elegant Aussie cuisine within a roomy, retro-modern setting. This is an ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine or even a cocktail during lunch as you share lip-smacking dishes with your group. Standouts from the seasonal menu included the beef sirloin with miso bagna cauda, the whole chicken, the prawns with chickpea and harissa, and pretty much everything else we tried.
Hey Rosey – Dinner
This intimate wine (and cocktail) bar delivered our favourite dining experience of the entire stay. Combining local sources with international influences, Hey Rosey spoils your senses one plate or pour at a time. This is the kind of place where strangers become friends and where time simply flies so carve out a few hours and see where the menu takes you.
Mountain Culture Brewing – Lunch on the Way Home
After sipping wine and cocktails for two days straight, we were craving a burger and the Mountain Culture Katoomba brewpub has one of the best between Orange and Sydney. Those who aren’t driving can try the award-winning beers while you’re there. We highly recommend it the next time you’re heading back to Sydney through the Blue Mountains.
Conclusion
Built for families perhaps, but the Mazda CX-90 is no less extraordinary when you leave the kids behind and take it glamping with your better half. Between its new engine and technological advancements, the SUV has safety, power, and performance down to a science or shall we say an art form. It’s worth quickly mentioning that we also saw respectable fuel consumption of 9.1 litres per 100 km on the way home! Thanks for the lift, Mazda!
Disclaimer: Mazda Australia provided Man of Many with a tank of petrol, a Mazda CX-90, a food and drinks voucher, and accommodation for the weekend at Nashdale Lane for the purpose of this article.
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