Presenting a series of Sunday's showcasing the stories from Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu.

These are reproduced with permission from Soul Publishing and Rojina Duval.

These stories feature prominent farmers, fishermen, producers and chefs – from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis – along with their favourite recipes and tips. Enjoy!

Dom Palumbo and Elise Cook are the husband and wife team behind Down The Rabbit Hole Wines.

“The Fleurieu is home for us,” says Elise. “We love everything about it – the coastline, the landscape, the food and wine, the communities, the people ... especially the people.

“Dom's mentor is Walter Clappis, who is based in McLaren Vale, and they began making a special wine together eight years ago. It was a wine that Dom had a strong vision for – and had always wanted to drink.

“We went out with a very small batch that first vintage – and it went bonkers. Everyone else loved it too. So he made a little more ... and a little more … and we realised that this passion project could be a thing. People loved what we were creating!”

Dom grew up making and enjoying wine with his Italian grandparents.

“It was family, home-style wine … so I learnt to make wine in the most natural and sustainable form,” he explains. “Then, with Walter, I began learning more about organic and biodynamic practices, which now play an integral role in our business – and in our approach to life.”

A few years ago, the pair slowed things down a little and moved into their Kombi van.

“We took a sabbatical to think about how we wanted to live and to give … and about how we wanted our business to work as a tool for that,” says Elise. “We kept showing our wines around the country as we travelled, but it was definitely life in the slow lane for two years.

“It was during that time out that our dreams and plans really took shape, with a clear vision of how we wanted to use Down The Rabbit Hole as an engine for love. So we feel very happy to have returned home to the Fleurieu to bring those dreams to life.

“That first wine Dom made was our shiraz, which is still our flagship wine, and eight years in, we now have six on offer, with some special cellar door releases coming soon. We only put into bottle what we absolutely believe in,” she says.

“We have just recently opened our Source Of Love store – currently open on weekends at our cellar door. We are selling Source Of Love branded products – with 100% of the sale price going to charity – and homewares and bits and bobs by other brands with 10% of the sale price donated.”

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE - CELLAR DOOR

“We’ve just opened our cellar door here in McLaren Vale, which we've been dreaming of doing for many years. We wanted to create a place and space that was warm and welcoming, a place that drew people in, and created a beautiful outflow. We have also introduced booked à la carte lunches on weekdays. This is a special, intimate experience with a menu created just for these lunches.”

PAIRING

“Our 2016 Shiraz fills your mouth with rich red berry flavours and peppery undertones, which are augmented by the maturation in French oak. It's juicy, soft and velvety, with a long, smooth finish.

“Pairs beautifully with something like ... eggplant and mushroom ragout, with a quinoa spaghetti, truffle oil, and a sprinkle of romano cheese.”

ADDRESS: 233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale

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