Jenni, for 18 years the Willunga Farmers Market has offered culinary adventures and community connections. If the pioneers of South Australia’s first farmers market were in the same room, what would you say to them? Thank you! Thank you for creating a place for farmers, a place for producers, and a place that brings the community together. It’s that sense of connection – bumping into friends and neighbours – as well as bringing beautiful fresh food to the community, which has become really important to people, especially in these times. It’s part of their weekly routine; it’s part of their life. 

You’ve served as manager for three years. Highlights? There’s been lots. We’ve introduced a stall for community groups, which has been a great way for them to grow awareness and recruit volunteers. And last year we won the Delicious award for most outstanding farmers market in Australia. It was very exciting to be able to collect a national trophy on behalf of all the stall holders and the community that makes the market so great. And probably even though this is a trying time, a highlight has been to see how our stall holders and shoppers have adopted to change, rallying together to make something work under difficult circumstances. 

You’re also vice chair of the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association. What’s one of your goals? I’m passionate about seeing the Piazza della Valle filled with people (when the time’s right), that’s why I put my hand up to coordinate the McLaren Vale Christmas Parade. I enjoy bringing Christmas cheer to Main Road and seeing families and businesses congregate in that beautiful space.

In this uncertain time, what are the benefits of being part of the association? The association provides opportunities for businesses to work together, and particularly now, it’s an important way for local businesses to stay connected and informed, whether it be government guidelines and industry specific support, or more general stuff like changes to trading.

Where do you go to recharge? My favourite thing to do is walk up Kings Hill. This is where I get close to nature and I also love time at Moana Beach with my family. 

Other family destinations? McLaren Eagles is our team so we love the away games and spending the day at beautiful places across the Fleurieu with other Eagles families. We will miss these experiences this year but they're something we are looking forward to in the future.

Dining tips for the future? Vaserelli in McLaren Vale and the Redwood Oven in Willunga – our family loves a beautiful pizza – and the newly renovated McLaren Vale Hotel are among our favourites. 

Cellar doors tips? Too many to choose from, but I do like places I can enjoy an easy catch up with friends and where the kids are happy to be in tow, such as Vale Cru at the Visitor Centre and Hardys Tintara for the climbing tree. We can’t wait for all these places to be open again! 

Pantry must-haves? Feather and Peck eggs – we can never have enough eggs in our house – Fleurieu milks and yoghurts, and strawberries grown by the East family; I can’t come home from the market without these. It’s sad when strawberry season comes to an end; but then there’s the winter fruits to look forward to. 

Jenni’s Fleurieu tips:

Vale Cru Experience, Hardy’s Tintara, Redwood Oven, Vasarelli cellar door and restaurant, Feather and Peck, and Fleurieu Milk

Watch:

See why the Willunga Farmers Market is rated best in the nation:

More information:

Delicious names WFM as the Australia’s most outstanding farmers’ market, Willunga Farmers Market, McLaren Vale Business Association, Piazza della Valle.