by Emma Ballingall
Visitors to the world's finest restaurants and hotels can select a pinot noir made in West Gippsland from the wine menu.
It's the nod of approval which gives Yarragon winemaker Bill Downie gratification as he toils away to perfect his product.
Gippsland-bred, Bill travelled the world obtaining knowledge and experience before returning home to set up a vineyard from scratch at "Guendulain Farm" in 2008.
Using grapes grown on his two-hectare vineyard as well as several other vineyards across Baw Baw and beyond, Bill's "William Downie" wine label is now exported to 18 different countries.
And, in a further boost, his pinot noir will soon be on show at the world's largest wine museum in France.

William Downie will be one of six Victorian wines featured at La Cité