The Croke family left to right: Emily, Cathie, Greg, Des and Joshua

Victoria’s Ellerslie Hop Estate was officially reopened on Thursday last week with family, friends, supporters and staff invited to the property to celebrate the newly constructed Myrrhee facility.

Ellerslie suffered a devasting fire in April last year, destroying equipment, sheds and the majority of its 2018 crop, leaving the estate with nothing but twisted metal and blackened timber.

Opening the rebuilt facility is Ellerslie’s fourth generation owner and managing director, Greg Croke, who gave an emotional welcome speech.

“On the sixth of April last year, our world was completely turned upside down,” he began.

“It was a day that is well and truly burnt into all of our memories.”

Immediately after the fire, Croke said he had 330 days before the 2019 harvest was due to commence. It has taken Ellerslie just 309 days to rebuild, with many of the contractors working seven days a week to meet his timeframe.

Croke thanked family, his friends and Ellerslie supporters, saying their support and encouragement made the challenge possible.

Ellerslie Estate has been growing and supplying hops and hop products to the Australian and international brewing industry since 1932.

The grower is responsible for large supplies of bittering hops Pride of Ringwood and Super Pride, as well as aroma varieties Astra and Melba.