Little tipple ... visitors enjoy a drop at Sam Miranda Winery in the King Valley.
The floodwaters have receded and the region is open for spring business,writes Sue Wallace.
Wangaratta and north-east Victoria are bouncing back after the worst floods in 17 years,with residents encouraging tourists to support the towns and iconic festivals for which the region is known.
The executive officer of North-East Victoria Tourism,Susannah Doyle,says the floods are,thankfully,of a relatively short duration and spring visitors are more welcome than ever.
''Luckily almost all key access roads are open,including the roads to the alpine resorts,which are still experiencing not only the best spring snow in more than a decade but the best snow in years,''she says.
''The region is definitely open for business and everyone is looking forward to the signature spring events going ahead as planned,including next month's Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and the King Valley's La Dolce Vita.''
Food and wine
The Milawa Gourmet Region is renowned for its wineries,fine restaurants and farm gates including Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre and the Milawa Cheese Factory. At Oxley,try some new releases at Ciavarella Oxley Estate Wines,John Gehrig Wines and Sam Miranda Wines.
Wangaratta is also putting itself on the foodie map - former King Valley chef Adam Pizzini has opened Rinaldo's Casa Cucina,(8-10 Tone Road,phone 5721 8800,see rinaldos.com.au),with Italian-Australian cuisine and cooking classes in his rustic dining hall.
Next door,North-East Fresh Farmers Pantry has produce and products from farmers'markets or farm gate trails within 160 kilometres of Wangaratta,including fruit,nuts,cheese,trout,meat,olives and jams. For gourmet home-cooked meals,head to King Valley Fine Foods (107 Murphy Street).