It’s ski season and if like many Melbournians you’re travelling up to Mount Buffalo or to Mt Hotham for a bit of family snow play and skiing then you really do need to visit the neighbouring town of Myrtleford – it is truly an ideal gateway town for day trips to the snow.

Nestled in the Ovens Valley and with Happy Valley Creek running through the centre of town, Myrtleford is a popular destination for food, wine and adventure lovers. Originally known as Myrtle Creek, the town was shaped by pioneer graziers, gold seekers and timber getters. These days the tobacco farms have been replaced by productive crops including wine grapes, hops, walnuts, chestnuts and berries.

Here’s what we got up to during our gastronomic couple of days in Myrtleford.

DAY 1

12 pm- Visit Billy Button Myrtleford Cellar Door for a guided tasting

Billy Button’s new cellar door in Myrtleford is a partnership with Bush Track Wines and features wines on tasting from both Billy Button and Bush Track wines. To locals, the cellar door is more like a bar and is often bustling on Friday nights with wine available by the glass or bottle to enjoy at the venue. We thoroughly enjoyed our wine tasting session guided by the lovely Pete which took us through local maker, Jo Marsh’s, award-winning wines. What really stands out at Billy Button is the range of interesting varietals on offer and also the elegance of the wines that hero the uniqueness of the Alpine Valleys. We couldn’t resist taking home a couple of bottles of their stunning Bush Track Shiraz. Think vibrant aromas of fresh berries and dark spice teamed well with cedar oak notes and mouth-watering acidity - beautiful and complex!

Billy Button Myrtleford Cellar Door

161 Myrtle Street, Myrtleford

(03) 5751 1932

1pm - Lunch at Cafe Fez at Red Ramia

Just a hop and a skip away from the Billy Button Cellar Door, is Cafe Fez which is an eatery with a unique atmosphere – a treasure trove of twinkling Moroccan lanterns, silver teapots and colourful woven cushions. This chilled out little gem is the perfect place to relax with a group or snuggle up to a beau (or belle) in one of the low-slung cushioned booths. We ordered the Lebanese Feast and were not disappointed. It was a beautiful platter with flavour-laden kofta skewers, chicken shashliks and lamb shawarma served with fluffy pita and condiments. Coffee at Café Fez is great too! Read more HERE.

Cafe Fez

145 Great Alpine Road Myrtleford

03 5751 1155

2pm - Check into Panoramia Villas

Panoramia Villas is located only four kilometres off the Great Alpine Road in Myrtleford. We loved staying in the Jodhpur Villa which was a truly luxurious and tranquil villa with panoramic views of the Ovens Valley. The villa was exquisitely furnished. Read more HERE.

Panoramia Villas

124 Clemens Lane Myrtleford

0418 521 944

7pm – Dinner at Bastoni Pizzeria

Bastoni Pizzeria are the maestros of the Alpine Valley pizza scene. If you are looking for quality pizzas of the gourmet kind, this pizzeria should be at the top of your list.

The restaurant possesses a polished industrial feel which retains a warm and familial character. With indoor and outdoor seating and a full menu that offers pizza, salads, antipasti and dessert, Bastoni has something for everyone.

The menu is grounded in strong Italian heritage and is locally owned and operated by the Borsi family with a focus on expertly crafted pizzas by pizzaiolos Jim and Sergio. Read more HERE.

Bastoni Pizzeria

Next to the Myrtleford Piazza, 148 Great Alpine Rd

(03) 5751 1478

DAY 2

9am – Morning walk

We loved taking in the beauty of the area with a morning walk to the top of Reform Hill lookout, which offers panoramic views of the valley and Mount Buffalo.

10am – Breakfast at Coffee Chakra

Coffee Chakra is one of a kind cafe by talented owners/chefs, Vick and Leonie Sharma. This café is an absolute must-visit for coffee lovers. Expect to indulge in some of the best coffee Victoria has to offer. The menu is a fusion of modern Indian and Australian and is available for dine in as well as takeaway. Whether it’s a quick mushroom toastie or a decadent breakfast, these guys have you sorted. Read more HERE.

Coffee Chakra

105 Myrtle St, Myrtleford

(03) 5752 1133