Orion

Orion is a modern and resilient white grape variety bred in Germany in 1964 by Professor Gerhardt Alleweldt at the Geilweilerhof Institute, crossing Optima with Villard Blanc (Seyve–Villard 12-375). Unlike traditional vines, Orion is a hybrid grape (PIWI), prized for its high disease resistance—especially against powdery and downy mildews—which makes it well-suited to the UK’s cooler, damp climate.

Orion ripens early, offering high yields and producing wines with soft, balanced acidity and delicate aromas—often described as grassy and herbal, occasionally with a floral lift. It’s frequently blended with aromatic varieties, such as Muscats, to create crisp, light, and fragrant whites, and even finds use in sparkling wine production.

Perfect for UK drinkers, Orion shines in organic and low-intervention wines, with food pairings like English garden salads, warm chicken or mango salads, and pan‑fried sea bass on risotto showcasing its fresh, easy-drinking charm.