Special Report: Big names relabel WA wine

As the state's winemakers emerge from a tough few years, the industry has a different look to it.

It’s almost a scene from a one of those East End gangster movies.

Winemakers are bracing for an increase in taxes after the federal government took its first steps towards fighting binge drinking with the imposition of an additional levy on the ready-to-drink sector of the market.

The “no T-shirt” policy neatly summarises the attitude of Eagle Vale’s Guy Gallienne to his craft.

Winemaker Stuart Pym has been appointed by Margaret River wine producer Stella Bella Wines to head up production at the mid-tier locally-owned company.

Merelyn and Graham Hutton are among a handful of pioneers who started planting vines in Margaret River in the 1970s.

The planned opening of a new cellar door next year is a further development in the partnership between two established wine industry families and second generation winemakers.