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!

Tony Parkinson is owner of the Galvanized Wine Group, which includes the brands Penny’s Hill, The Black Chook and Thomas Goss.

“ We began the wine business in 1988 with the purchase of grazing land in McLaren Vale, upon which to plant vines,” says Tony. “This coincided with a family move from the city back to the area in which I’d been raised.”

They planted vineyards at the base of Penny’s Hill, on the foothills east of McLaren Vale, and then acquired the Malpas Road vineyard in 1993.

“Our first crop, from both vineyards, was in 1994,” says Tony. “From the 1995 crop we commenced production of shiraz under the Penny’s Hill label.”

In 1996 they added Goss Corner, another 26 acres, to the Malpas Road vineyard, and two years later, purchased the historic Ingleburne Farm site. After extensive development and restoration work, the property opened in 2001 as a cellar door, gallery and restaurant for the Penny’s Hill brand.

Alexia Roberts stepped into the winemaking role in 2013, and “has taken our wines to new levels of quality and international acclaim,” says Tony.

Alexia herself tells us that she “loves making wines from McLaren Vale grapes, as the region has a climate well-suited to growing world-class, premium grapes. Our wines are elegant and refined and reflect the terroir of our vineyard sites.

CELLAR DOOR

“Our Penny’s Hill cellar door at the historic 1950s Ingleburne Farm, offers something for everyone: from wine tasting and dining for the adults, to safe play areas for the kids – not forgetting the black-faced sheep, biplane airstrip, historic farm buildings and characterful wood-fired oven.

“Guests can now also enjoy ‘Flights’ – a buzzing, bespoke gin bar offering Mad Men and Vimy Gin in conjunction with Kangaroo Island Spirits.

PAIRING

“We are most widely known for our Cracking Black Shiraz, a classic McLaren Vale shiraz with subtle French oak that supports lovely plush fruit on the mid palate. It’s generous and approachable with great drinkability. Pair with a slow braise, bolognaise or steak and salad.”

ADDRESS 281 Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171

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