After the bushfires, positive news for two wine producers

It has been a summer to forget for many Australian wine regions, including the Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, the Hunter Valley and Alpine valleys all hit by bush fires.

After weeks of living under the shadow of the Mount Buffalo bush fires, Bright-based winery Billy Button finally has something to celebrate. After months of planning - and plenty of setbacks - Billy Button and Bush Track Wines today opened a joint cellar door in Myrtleford.

Bob McNamara and Jo Marsh

The new facility will feature tastings of wines from both Billy Button and Bush Track wines, which will be available by the glass or for bottle purchases.

There will also be a regional spotlight shined on other local wineries including Bike & Barrel Wines, Mayford Wines and Dalbasco Wines.

Cheese platters will be readily available, along with deli items and other gourmet goods from local producers including The Peaks Artisan Cheesemakers.

The partnership between the two businesses goes back many years. Jo Marsh (Billy Button) and Bob and Helen McNamara (Bush Track Wines) already enjoy a close relationship.

Bob is a well established wine grower in the region and Jo has been making his wine along with her own for many years.

“Our region is going through a really tough time, but together we know we can be stronger," she said. "The opening of our joint cellar door in Myrtleford signifies much of the camaraderie between us all. It’s the ideal excuse for people to come together and get a taste of just how distinctive the wines from our region are."

The loss of visits from tourists over the summer has had a huge impact on the region and the amount of smoke in the area may also add an extra layer of complication for growers and winemakers.

In the short term, though, it is business as usual as much as possible. The existing Billy Button cellar door in Bright still continues to welcome visitors and will continue to be open seven days a week.

The Myrtleford cellar door is at 161 Myrtle St, Myrtleford. Opening hours: Thursday 11am-6pm; Friday 11am-7pm; Saturday 11am-7pm; Sunday 11am-6pm.

There is also a Bushfire Support Mixed Dozen featuring Billy Button, Bush Track Wines, Bike & Barrel Wines, Mayford Wines and Dalbasco Wines. Available at cellar door or online at www.billybuttonwines.com.au/product/bushfire-support-mixed-dozen