Alpine Valleys

When Jo Marsh first moved to the Alpine Valleys, the majority of fruit from the region was sent outside to major wineries. Since starting Billy Button in 2014, she has helped grow awareness of the region by naming the Alpine Valleys on her attention-holding wines. Marsh has built her range around alternative varieties by fostering rich and enduring relationships with local growers. Familiar varieties such as riesling and pinot noir sit alongside new discoveries verduzzo and saperavi. This spirit of collaboration extends to winemaking, and a visit to the cellar door showcases the wines of other local stars – including, of course, Marsh’s husband Glenn James. There is now the option of two cellar doors. The original is conveniently situated in the thriving hub of Bright. For a more spacious, relaxed approached, the charming new cellar door at Myrtleford, shared with Bush Track Wines, offers cheese platters and comfortable sofas on which to while away the afternoon. NICOLE BILSON

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2019 Billy Button The Delinquent Verduzzo, A$27