Billy Button Wines was established in 2014 and since then, has gone on to become a finalist for the Best Value Winery of the Year at the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion awards. These high-quality wines are the result of three key elements: the up-and-coming region known as the Alpine Valleys* where the vineyard is located, a diverse range of grape varieties, and an inspired approach to winemaking.
You’re probably wondering, who is Billy Button? For botany enthusiasts, the name refers to the cheerful yellow blooms adorning the Alpine Valleys’ peaks. These flowers, known as Craspedia, are native daisies that form a golden carpet across the Alpine Valleys during the warmer months.
Read more: Sangrias at Iberica Bondi
Renowned winemakers Jo Marsh and Glenn James collaborate with a dynamic local grape-growing community, sourcing small batches of grapes from various corners of the region. These grapes are transformed into richly flavoured wines. Many of these growers have a rich family heritage, experimenting with diverse grape varieties in a cool-climate environment. First stop is the Alpine range, which is priced at $30 or less.
2021 Billy Button Bianco – An easy-drinking summer white featuring an abundance of varieties, that blend beautifully – vermentino, friulano, and gros manseng grapes (amongst others). Fruity and aromatic, ditch the sauvignon blanc and give this a go. ($25)
2023 Billy Button Rosato – Pink, pale and utterly drinkable. Made entirely from Alpine Valleys sangiovese, this pale salmon rosé channels cherry blossoms, blood orange pith, and warm spice aromas, with a dry and savoury finish. ($25)
2021 Billy Button Rosso – A delicious blend of barbera, tempranillo, dolcetto, refosco and sangiovese, that’s light in style. A delicious wine for Summer, pairing well with pizza. Gold medal winner at the 2022 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show and Gold Medal at 2022 Victorian Wine Show. ($25)
Next stop, the Billy Button range of wines, featuring its namesake yellow billy button flower, which adorns the hills of the Alpine Valleys during the warmer months:
2022 Billy Button ‘The Versatile’ Vermentino
This variety originates from Sardinia and is grown in various regions across Italy. Grown here, in a cool climate region, results in a richer style of Vermentino than you may have tried before. Aromas of stone fruit and citrus, combine with Mediterranean herbs, but more texture and minerality on the palate. ($30)
2021 Billy Button ‘The Feisty’ Friulano
Friulano originates from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Northeast Italy. Intensity of flavour meets with a fantastic texture. Fleshy, with hints of peach, pear, almonds and mace spice. A palate-cleansing zing of minerals and acidity gives the wine a long, delicious finish. ($30)
The range is now available at select Dan Murphy’s stores nationwide.
*The Alpine Valleys Geographical Indicator (GI) comprises five valleys in North East Victoria