Two sons have helped fulfill their father's dream of opening a winery. Ilario, 42, and Dino, 32, have been driving forces behind Emo Michelini's winery at Myrtleford. Emo was only 25 when he arrived in Sydney in 1949 with his young wife Olga from Genoa.

After two years he ventured south to meet his uncle, who lived in Myrtleford, and was eventually able to purchase his own land and plant the first vines. On February 4 Myrtleford's first winery-Michelini Wines-will be opened by the deputy Premier, Mr Pat McNamara.

According to Dino, the Italian cellar door represents the heritage of the Michelini family along with the multicultural nature of Myrtleford. The Michelini's are preparing first vintage Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and a limited marzemino Dino said he hopes to increase the first vintage of 25,000 bottles by 100 per cent in 1999.