Jock, since 2015 Homeless Grapes has donated over $250,000 to Hutt Street Centre. What makes this charity fundraiser successful? The community is so generous. Everyone along the production chain donates, and because the wine is pre-sold it’s not sitting around in a warehouse; it’s out the door and the money goes to the homeless straight away.

Why Hutt Street Centre? It’s more than a soup kitchen. It gives people an address, gets them back to work, gives them a sense of purpose — and that’s key to them recovering. 

This year’s fundraiser kicked off in March. Who donated the fruit? We donated the grapes from our Pollux vineyard.

How many helped harvest the Shiraz? We’d have had close to 100, which was great. And because the picking, winemaking, bottling and selling are all donated, we don’t have these expenses, so four tonne of fruit amplifies to become a $60,000 donation. 

Who’s put their hands up to sponsor this year’s fundraiser? Big bubbly Ben Riggs is making the wine, Vinpac is bottling and packaging, and Vinomofo [co-founder] is selling the wine, with every cent going to Hutt Street Centre. 

You’re also part of the Willunga Wanderers, another Hutt Street fundraiser. What motivates you to walk 50 kilometres every year as part of Walk a Mile in My Boots? It’s a gruelling day and we walk in shit weather, but we’ve always said it’s as much about raising money as it is about raising awareness.

What’s its backstory? It started with two, doubled to four, then 20, and last year we had 600 students and parents supporting it. This community has a lot of compassion; we just try to create vehicles. 

Another vehicle is the McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project, which saw a propagating event raise the equivalent of $100,000 to help South Australian’s recover from January’s horrific bushfires. We created a planting day and people came in droves. They’re in tune with what needs to be done and because of that we’ve been able to deliver planting material to the Adelaide Hills, but it’s a little more complicated to get it to KI at this time.

Locally, what is the Biodiversity Project’s goal? Our aim is to double biodiversity in the region. We have a few projects in the pipeline this year 

and still have 12,000 trees to plant around McLaren Vale, so if anyone’s interested, jump on our Facebook page. 

Secret to a good fundraiser? A good community.

Earlier this year you opened Chalk Hill cellar door, but due to social distancing had to close. What impact has this had? As farmers we always have plenty to do, but in terms of the cellar door we’re making a few improvements; refining the offer. 

You’re Fleurieu born and bred, where’s your favourite place to relax? I put the tinny out and go squid fishing. To be out on the water with friends enjoying a couple of beers is a great way to relax. 

Favourite place to dine? That’s hard, but Star of Greece is up there. It’s where I like to take overseas visitors; sitting on that deck overlooking Port Willunga is sensational. It’s a gem of a place.

Favourite cellar door? The generosity of Samuel’s Gorge is a lovely experience. 

Must-do Fleurieu experience? There’s so much to enjoy, but Onkaparinga Gorge is the most under-utilised asset on the entire Fleurieu Peninsula. One of the best walks is the Sundew track; you could be in Flinders Ranges, yet it’s 30 minutes from the city.

JOCK’S FLEURIEU TIPS:

• Star of Greece 

• Samuel’s Gorge

• Onkaparinga River National Park

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

• Hutt Street Centre
• Chalk Hill
• Vinomofo — pre-release offer $15/bottle
• Mr Riggs Wine Company 
• Willunga Wanderers
• Walk a Mile in My Boots
• McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project
• See also: Grape expectations for a great cause on the Fleurieu App’s news page