Panorama’s Michael Vishacki was born in Konak in what was then Yugoslavia – between Belgrade and the Hungarian border. Both his father and grandfather were winemakers. So even though the family left Europe in the early 70s to emigrate to Melbourne, Michael dreamed that one day he too would make great wines.

However, boyhood dreams got lost along the way and Michael’s apprenticeship was not at the knee of a Yarra Valley winemaker, but a Footscray fitter and turner.

Later, wanting to make something of himself, Michael still didn’t pursue his dream. He set up as a Panel Beater in Moorabbin, a business he operated successfully for 14 years.

Finally, in 1994, now married to Sharon, and with first daughter Tashi (Natasha) in nappies, Michael decided it was now or never. They began searching for the property where they could produce the wines he’d always dreamed of making.

And any old wine wouldn’t do. Michael’s particular passion was Pinot Noir. Since this would require a cooler climate than most of Australia offered, he initially looked at New Zealand and was very close to buying a vineyard there.

But, at the last minute, he came across an established Pinot vineyard, 35 mins from Hobart, on the east bank of the Huon River in southern Tasmania.

It was on the 43rd parallel – the same latitude south of the equator that Burgundy is north. It felt right. So Michael and Sharon became the proud owners of Panorama Vineyard.

Some were sceptical about the chances of a Moorabbin panel beater turning out world-class Pinot Noir. And they remained sceptical, right up until the discerning Qantas Tasting Panel chose Panorama’s 2000 Pinot for the exclusive palates of its first class passengers.

Any final doubters were silenced when Panorama’s 2001 vintage also made it onto the elite list.

Winemaking at Panorama is a family affair. Michael oversees every step of the process, hand-pruning to maintain an intimate relationship with his precious fruit.

Wife, Sharon, is the vivacious face of Panorama at the Cellar Door.

But the real stars of the show are their two daughters: Tashi, now 13, and Jazzy (Jasmine), 11.

Both have taken a passionate interest in winemaking since they were 5 or 6 years old. Not content to follow Michael through the vines, they were both fascinated by Dad’s work in the lab. And both felt they were ready to make their own vintage. Michael agreed – while offering sage fatherly supervision. That’s why on Panorama’s List you’ll find Natasha’s Ratafia and Jazzy’s Rosé. Expect to see a lot more.

Panorama’s cool-climate wines display an elegance, balance and structure that puts them in the very top tier of Australian winemaking. In fact, Panorama has recently released a sensational Reserve Pinot Noir that can command $180 a bottle. Not bad for an old Moorabbin panel beater.