Lindsey, I'd be worried that the Vandas would get beaten to a pulp by the wind through the wire, too. That's why I thought of wood lattice instead, it offers more protection as well as a place to hang some orchids. That wire frame did look wonderful, I'm thinking about using it on the inside of my pool cage for hanging orchids, too. It was what is referred to as "cattle panel" and very cheap at places like Tractor Supply. But I have trees all around so no problems with wind generally.
As far as a 'norm' goes . . . well . . . this IS a major El Nino year and the weather sure has been far from normal. But in a 'normal' year we do get a weather front every week or two, all through the fall/winter/spring. The wind goes from south ahead of the front to northwest (strong and chilly sometimes) then turns to the east as the front leaves which (I think?) is the wind you've been having trouble with. If the front gets 'stuck' or just hangs around very long, it can keep blowing easterly for a few days. If you're going to think about wind mitigation, blocking both the north and east sides of your growing area would be a good idea.
Long term, planting a couple of small trees upwind, or a few sturdy shrubs is probably the most dependable and aesthetically pleasing solution. But it will take a while. A clump of bamboo makes a fabulous windbreak, too. It sounds delightful when the wind blows through it.
I have an unlimited supply of 2in. thick bamboo poles if you'd like to come get some? They might make a pretty lattice/screen for a temporary solution.
