As we bid farewell to the old and embrace the new, the Fleurieu App extends heartfelt wishes to our readers and businesses for a Happy New Year! May the coming year bring prosperity, success, and an abundance of joy to all corners of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and here's to a year filled with exciting opportunities and memorable moments! 🎉🌟

Wishing all our cherished readers and businesses a joyous and Merry Christmas from the Fleurieu App family! May this festive season be filled with warmth, laughter, and moments of connection, as we express our gratitude for your continued support. Here's to a wonderful holiday season on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula! 🎄🌟

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.The book has been well received by the public and even won Best New Wine Book in the 2021 Wine Communicator Awards.Winemaking is something Paolo Bottin of Vigna Bottin learnt from his father and uncle – Italian immigrants from the Veneto region who bought their first vineyard in McLaren Vale in 1970.“I grew up with grape growing from a young age, and from working with them on weekends I became accustomed to the lifestyle. I tried other work during the week until I realised how much I loved being and working outdoors.” Paolo pauses, then adds, “Well, to be fair, the getting up early took a while to get used to!”“Being of Italian background I was always interested in and drawn to Italian varieties. I travelled to Italy to learn more and saw Italian varieties being made that were more medium-bodied and food-friendly. I enjoyed them so much that, in 1999, I started planting sangiovese and barbera.“I was one of the pioneers to grow Italian varieties in the Vale,” says Paolo. “Since then, Vigna Bottin has achieved many awards and reviews throughout the range, including Chairman’s Trophy and Best Viticulturist in McLaren Vale”.Vigna Bottin uses organic principles and is carefully and progressively adopting systems that care for the environment. Quality farming is a proud tradition in the family. They’ve long been suppliers to some of the bigger names in Australian wine and have typically grown traditional varieties to suit the needs of those wineries.“I love working outdoors, so this all comes naturally to me,” says Paolo. “I have the pleasure of watching the vineyard go through its stages until we pick the grapes, appreciating the developing colour and aroma of the wine, then seeing the final result.”PAIRING“Our sangiovese wine is brooding and dry with a velvety lining running through the palate. Similar to our southern Tuscan cousins, it has a juicy balance of sweetness, tannin grip and elevated acidity. The palate is really focused with red and black notes that suggest an olive tapenade, spiced plum, cherry rhubarb mix with highlights of wild lavender and chestnut.“My favourite meal to have this with is steak Florentine cooked over a wood fire, with rosemary and garlic roast potatoes & tomato salad with pickled red onion. Buon appetito!” CELLAR DOOR Our cellar door is referred to as a Slice of Italy in the McLaren Vale region. Wines with an Italian spirit are our specialty and we welcome you to come and take a journey into our rich Italian heritage. In the true Italian way, food and wine go hand in hand and so we offer Osteria style food; what you'd expect to find at Nonna's table. We look forward to hosting you!ADDRESS 192 Main Road, WillungaWEBSITE

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.The book has been well received by the public and even won Best New Wine Book in the 2021 Wine Communicator Awards.Swell Taphouse and Brewery is “one-part craft brewery and one-part taphouse and kitchen,” according to founder Dan Wright.“We have 16 taps – all our own product – though we sometimes feature interesting local beers of different styles as well. We also have a fully functioning kitchen with a great menu to complement our extensive beer list and moderate wine list.“I’ve been in the wine industry for over 20 years, with the majority of that being in McLaren Vale,” says Dan. “My family live here, as well as my wife’s family who have been in this area for six generations – all pretty good reasons to start a business here.”“Travelling North and South America, following the surf on a budget, meant that there were a lot of very long bus rides. It was during these breaks from the swell that I began to think about the awesome craft beer industry in the Americas. Why wasn’t there anything like this in Australia?”Dan spent three years perfecting his brews in his back shed, leading to Swell Brewing finally making the jump from home brewer to commercial brewer in 2010. “It was a case of, if I don't do it now, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life,” says Dan. “We spent eight years wholesaling our product while working on the dream of opening our own venue on our property in McLaren Vale. We finally opened our doors in February 2019, and we’ve honestly been overwhelmed by the support of locals, tourists and fellow craft-beer lovers.”“I enjoy the art of putting different ingredients together and the excitement of seeing if it turns out well. The best beers are the ones I have had a go at and nailed first go. To see that backed up with customers enjoying our product and giving positive feedback, is the best feeling in the world.” PAIRING “Playa NEXPA is a slight style change to the better-known NEIPA. We’ve reduced the alcohol percentage to 5.6% to bring it in line with the XPA style, with a full-on hop flavour explosion. It has a silky, creamy mouth-feel due to the addition of oats to the mash, which also gives it its very hazy character. The hop flavour is extreme with a slight bitterness on the pallet, tropical fruits coupled with more stone fruit on the nose.“We'd couple that with a Swell burger but you could just as easily enjoy a pint on its own.CELLAR DOOR “Our Swell Taphouse is our pride and joy! Walk inside, and you’ll notice it’s a little bit fancy, but casual at the same time. There are windows and natural light, a mezzanine and balcony area and huge bar, as well as plenty of outdoor seating.“Our super-large lawn is fully enclosed and perfect for letting the kids run around on, while the grown-ups can enjoy a beverage, select from our delicious menu, and look out into our beautiful vineyard to the d’Arenberg Cube beyond. We have 16 taps, and visitors can order a tasting paddle of four different beers from our range. Don’t miss the Swell Golden Ale – it is our most popular and multi-award-winning beer – and our latest small batch beers Tropical Hazy Double IPA, Evening Glass-Off DIPA, Corduroy Lines Hazy IPA and Playa NEXPA.”ADDRESS 168 Olivers Road, McLaren ValeWEBSITE

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.The book has been well received by the public and even won Best New Wine Book in the 2021 Wine Communicator Awards.Kate Henning and Simon Dunstone bought the Myponga Brewery in 2012 just a few months after getting married, determined to turn their beer-brewing hobby into a business – and so the Smiling Samoyed Brewery was born.Kate had bought Simon a beer-brewing kit for Christmas a few years before, and that’s when the couple’s shared passion for brewing began.“Initially it was just a hobby, but it quickly spiralled out of control! It didn’t take long for it to go from an interest to a vocation,” says Simon.Now the Smiling Samoyed brews a variety of beers including a core range of Kolsch (Golden Ale), 12 Paws (Pale Ale), IPA (India Pale Ale) and Dark Ale, as well as a range of seasonal and special batch releases throughout the year.“Our beers have been awarded Most Outstanding Beer in Show and the Brewery Champion Small Brewery at the Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards,” says Simon.The brewery’s logo and name come from the family’s Samoyeds: brother and sister Cooper and Mia were joined by rescue Samoyed Poppet, prior to production beginning in August 2013. Their first brew is named after the dogs too: a pale ale called 12 Paws. Sadly, all of the original 12 Paws have passed away. The brewery has welcomed two new Samoyeds, Hoppy (adopted from the RSPCA) and Kent, to the family since then.The Smiling Samoyed also has a bar and restaurant – “If you visit the brewery on a sunny day, you’re likely to find the dogs lying around in the sun, welcoming visitors,” says Kate.“We run a family-friendly, dog-friendly venue. With our commitment to great quality beers, we love seeing people enjoying our products and their visits to our brewery bar. Having people request our beers for their weddings is a particularly warm and fuzzy moment.“Just recently, we’ve had some changes done,” Kate continues. “Our bar has been redesigned, featuring the original bar top. The history of the bar is shown, with the holes where the taps used to go through, being on display. Also, our toilets are currently in the process of being re-painted with the brewing process depicted on the toilet door!”PAIRING“12 Paws is our most popular beer in the range and our brewer’s personal favourite. It is an Australian-style pale ale made with Australiangrown hops that provide a wonderful citrus and passionfruit hop character, balanced against a smooth bitterness and subtle malt backbone.“12 Paws is best paired with our tandoori chicken wood-oven pizza, though it works well with a range of food.”CELLAR DOOR“The brewery is located on the doorstep of the Myponga Reservoir Reserve. The reservoir provides beautiful views from the bar and is also a fantastic outdoor recreation space. Visitors can go for a walk, a jog or ride their bikes, then call into the brewery bar for a well-deserved beer and delicious food. There is a playground on site for children and friendly dogs on leads are welcome at the brewery too.” ADDRESS 20-22 Hansen Street, MypongaWEBSITE

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!“Shottesbrooke was started by my stepfather, Nick Holmes,” says Shottesbrooke Wines’ managing director and winemaker Hamish Maguire. “He planted his first vineyard at Myponga in 1981, then in 1994, he and I marked out and planted what is now our winery and vineyards at Bagshaws Road, McLaren Flat.” From a small owner-operated traditional winemaking business, Shottesbrooke has grown into an operation which sees many people employed at McLaren Flat, as well as having offices in China and the United States. “When talking about the business, I’m reminded of Nick’s passion and dedication to making sure that no corners were ever cut and he ensured that tasks were always properly completed. Shottesbrooke continues to have a ‘small business attitude’ and is supported by a team that is motivated by ‘getting things done’,” says Hamish. “Put simply, we grow grapes, make wine and sell it to the world. Shottesbrooke is a dynamic, multi-faceted business that has grown exponentially over the last 40 years. We are partners with grape growers all over McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek, and work closely with many other food and beverage producers through our restaurant, The Currant Shed.” Speaking of working in McLaren Vale, Hamish describes himself as a ‘weather nut’: “I love the changing seasons of McLaren Vale – checking forecasts, watching the irrigation probes and getting a sense of how the weather patterns are changing. While most of my day is business focused, staying in tune with the environment and watching the vineyards come back to life in spring is truly a magical thing. “As we know, the Fleurieu is a special place. I spend many months a year travelling overseas and the thing I think of most on my return, is an early morning walk at Maslins with Angas the dog, to clear my mind and remind myself of how good we have it.” Hamish goes on to mention the latest news for Shottesbrooke: “We’ve had some great accolades of late, being named as a fivestar rated winery by James Halliday in the 2021 Australian Wine Companion, and being a finalist in the Red Wine Producer of The Year category at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in the UK. "We are also proud to have been recognised as Australia's Best Producer at the prestigious Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards Summer tasting earlier in the year. “In other news, our newest releases include the 2020 Shottesbrooke Estate Series Grenache Rosé and the 2018 Shottesbrooke Estate Series Cabernet Sangiovese.” PAIRING “Enjoy our 2016 Shottesbrooke Single Vineyard Series ‘Tom’s Block’ Shiraz with a seared ribeye steak, blue cheese butter and lightly steamed asparagus.”CELLAR DOOR “The Shottesbrooke cellar door is nestled amongst the company vineyards, with magnificent views to the surrounding Mount Lofty Ranges. “Guests are welcome to taste at their leisure, or alternatively, enjoy one of our structured ancient soils tasting experiences, to gain an excellent insight into how McLaren Vale’s diverse and distinct geological makeup influences the wines made here. "In addition, visitors can take some time out to unwind in the delightful courtyard garden with a glass of wine and a snack, or enjoy the picnic area that is available for private hire. Set away from cellar door, and situated amongst the vines beside the creek that runs through the property, the Picker's Hut is a quaint little rustic stone structure with a lawned area out the front – just the spot to enjoy a relaxing BYO picnic and bottle of Shottesbrooke wine.”ADDRESS 101 Bagshaws Road, McLaren FlatWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!“I grew up south of Adelaide and always enjoyed weekend adventures with my family down to McLaren Vale – mostly stopping in at wineries for my dad,” says Lee Stone, owner of Shifty Lizard Brewing Co. “Years later, after returning from a nine-year stint in the UK, I decided that opening a craft brewery was all I wanted to do after experiencing the amazing beer scene in Europe.” To do so, however, Lee needed a partner. “Danny Strapps and I have been mates for over 20 years now,” says Lee. “Growing up in the picturesque Onkaparinga near Adelaide, we spent our days on our pushbikes and kicking the footy around the local football club. Fast forward to the present day, and you’ll come crashing into the pair of us combining talents and experiences to build a fine range of ales with a unique image. “We made the decision to partner up and start our craft brewery back at the start of 2015. With Danny’s illustrations and my knowledge of beer it sounded like the perfect partnership. The brewery officially launched back in December 2016 and then the Tap House followed a year later! “It’s a career choice that I don’t regret for a second – though it helps that when business becomes too stressful, I can always wander behind my bar and pour myself a pint!” Lee laughs, then adds, “I love that I can just go for a drive through the vineyards and hills. I don’t have to go far to find beautiful coastlines either, with some of Australia’s best beaches so close!’“Our most recent news is that we have just launched Soul Bird Distilling, and our first bottled product is likely to hit the market soon, so our Taphouse has morphed into the Brewstillery! “In terms of our new brews, we’ve launched our limited release Hibiscus NEIPA, and up next is the big, bold and juicy Yeehaaa New England IPA. Following that an XPA and then a new world Radler – called the Radleraide! PAIRING “Our silver award-winning Gila Monster IIPA is a big, bold and beautiful beast offering a huge burst of fruity flavour and depth! The 8% backbone and hint of spice make this guy best paired with a full-flavoured, red meat dish. “Alternatively, Stouty McStout Face is a 5.5% bronze-winning dry stout. Coffee and chocolate flavours give this one a nice balance, while the sweetness from the crystal malt makes it a very easy-drinking stout. Best paired with chocolate and stout-infused ice-cream with a generous crumbling of honeycomb over the top!”CELLAR DOOR “The Brewstillery serves up gin-based cocktails in addition to our brews. Customers can try several of our beers in the form of a tasting paddle, or simply relax at a table outside the front of our shop with a pint of your choice or a gin cocktail, and soak up the country air. Feeling peckish? You can also grab a gourmet panini or a bowl of loaded fries from our delicious food menu. Both child and dog friendly, it’s the perfect answer for your next relaxing weekend.”ADDRESS 33 High Street, WillungaWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!The Shaw family has over 45 years of wine industry experience, with the original heads of the household, Richard and Marie Shaw, being avid farmers and gardeners even before they began the family business. On purchasing land in McLaren Flat and with the help of some kind neighbours, they planted their first vines there in 1975. In 2000, their ultra-modern, state of-the-art winery was completed. Over the decades, assisted by their sons Philip, Nathan and Mark, the Shaw family expanded from five acres to over 1,200 acres, becoming one of the largest owners of vineyards in the premium cool climate regions of McLaren Vale and Currency Creek in South Australia.Philip and Nathan Shaw are the key family faces of the business today. Philip is the head of operations, while Nathan – who loves to talk about wine and winemaking – is a viticulturist. Brie Overcash is senior winemaker. “Wine is one of life’s real joys,” says Nathan. “There’s something special about working with the land and natural processes to produce it.”Shaw Family Vintners have a distinguished range of labels comprised of Shaw Family Vintners, Stonemason, Steeple Jack and premium brands, Single Vineyard, Emetior and RMS.PAIRING “Named after the enormous swell that threatened ships sailing from Europe to Australia, our ‘Monster Pitch’ Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant on the surface but has powerful underlying varietal characters which may take you by surprise! It is carefully matured in French and American oak which integrates beautifully with aromas of blackberries, eucalyptus, chocolate and mint. The smooth, fullbodied palate finishes with fine tannins. “For a perfect meal, pair with a spiced lamb backstrap and roast pumpkin.” CELLAR DOOR “When you visit our cellar door, it’s more than just wine tasting. It’s an experience – to seek out the hidden gems like our Single Vineyard Range or Icon. At our cellar door, we want you to have the best time possible, and to fall in love with our wines and beautiful outdoor area overlooking the extensive vineyard. We offer local produce to enjoy, either here at the cellar door or to take home with you.”ADDRESS 369 Myrtle Grove Road, Currency CreekWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!Sew & Sew is a partnership between friends with a shared passion for quality wines and good company. The group of wine lovers who make up the team are founder Andrew Mason, owners Justin Delany and Jonathon Hall, CEO Carl McGann, chairman of the board Stuart Robertson, and in charge of sales and distribution, Matthew Curran. “We got together five years ago and started on the journey of harnessing our shared passion to create a premium wine business in the region that we love,” says Justin. “We wanted to start a wine business which honours the vintage, varietal and place. McLaren Vale stood out as an obvious choice for us to base ourselves. “We moved into our home two years ago – an 80-acre rolling hillside vineyard on The Range, with sweeping views of Spencer Gulf. When we found this, we knew this was the perfect home for Sew & Sew Wines and a sanctuary for us all to enjoy.” Co-owner Jonathan continues: “We appreciate the patterns of the growing process in the vineyard – the sun, water, soil and the vines themselves, which all create different rhythms throughout the year. We harness these patterns from bud to bottle to create beautiful, hand-crafted wines. “We aim to produce wine that respects the journey from vineyard to dinner table, resulting in wines that are designed to be enjoyed over a good yarn or two.”Some of the team were born in the wider area, others have found themselves in the region for work over the years, and they believe the connection to the land has led to a deep aprpeciation of the Fleurieu. “We love everything the Fleurieu has to offer,” says Jonathan, “the beaches, hills, vineyards, great food and people. “We love to host friends and special guests at our vineyard, and enjoy the fruits of our labour, as it were – sipping on a glass of delicious wine and connecting with like-minded people, who make working in the area a joy."CELLAR DOOR “Venturing up the long driveway off Penny’s Hill Road, you may come across some native wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, but you will certainly be met by our chief greeter, Soda the friendly Doberman, and might even spot our resident donkeys if you’re lucky. “Our cellar door – which was an old dairy that we have renovated – is a relaxing place where there is no rush needed in tasting any of our ten or more hand-crafted wines, while taking in the surrounds of our vineyard. “We encourage you to take a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses and walk up to the very top of our property, where you will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular vistas in the Vale.” PAIRING “Our 2018 Sew & Sew ‘Sashiko’ McLaren Vale GSM is a beautifully balanced combination of grenache, shiraz and mourvedre, showing bright red fruits alongside plum and cherry, finishing with tantalizing spicy notes and silky tannins. Great to savour on its own, but is equally enjoyable with a range of dishes, our favourite match being spicy ginger Szechuan beef with red bell peppers."ADDRESS 97 Penny's Hill Road, The RangeWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!While sailing on the high seas, Rowland Short, mariner and life-long adventurer, fell in love with the expressive nature and versatility of the age-old spirit of gin. This passion was closely aligned with another of his many interests – his fascination with the influence and art of using botanicals in tandem with the beverage. “My wife Shelley and I settled in McLaren Vale 13 years ago and initially established Maximus Wines,” says Rowland, now co-owner of Settlers Spirits. “Four years ago, we decided to explore the exciting world of gin – getting on board with the gin renaissance happening overseas. We were the second distillery in South Australia, and have since crafted twelve gins, a spiced white rum, a vodka and goji berries, a threeand-a-half-year-old whisky, and some liqueurs. “We initially started with gin because we both love it. It’s what we drank when we were cruising in the South Pacific on our yacht some 25 years ago,” says Rowland. “Our spirits are made using grape spirit and are 100% handmade on-site in small batches, from the grape distillation right through to bottling and packaging.” The grape spirit base is made by distilling McLaren Vale wine with steam-vapour distilled botanicals, which creates a gin that has a lovely, soft mouthfeel and bright, clean aromatics. "As a winemaker, I could be creative once a year during vintage, but with craft spirits, I get to be creative all the time,” says Rowland. “Hence twelve gins in the four years we’ve been around, with still plenty more to come!" Settlers Spirits has just taken out the Australian Distillers Association Top Gold Medal and Trophy for its Old Tom Gin.PAIRING “Our gins pair very well with tonic. We encourage people to explore and experiment with garnishes to complement our gins. We use various herbs, dehydrated fruits, fresh fruits and edible flowers – the sky is the limit really! “We have just published a small booklet, available at our distillery door, suggesting beautiful cocktails to make with our different gin varieties.” CELLAR DOOR “Our distillery door is located on the property, and we offer tastings and sales, master-classes in gin making, and simply the opportunity to enjoy the ambience with a group of friends. The bar shows a map of the globe, providing an enjoyable spot to drop anchor for an afternoon, order from the extensive gin and cocktail menu and immerse yourself in the world of gin! We have also just built an all-weather patio area leading down to our lawn, serviced by our Gin & Tonic Caravan. It has lovely views of McLaren Vale and seats 24 people.”ADDRESS 197 Foggo Road, McLaren ValeWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!Steve (Serafino) Maglieri arrived in Australia in 1964, a migrant teenager from Italy with a dream to build a better life for his family. He remembers his early days – “At first I worked in almond orchards, vineyards and local wineries in McLaren Vale, using skills I’d acquired in Italy.” Two years later Steve’s vision became a reality when, with the help of his father Giovanni and his grandfather Serafino, he planted his first vines in McLaren Vale. Maglieri Wines was born in 1972 and Serafino Wines was established in 2000. Serafino Wines now spans 300 acres of prime McLaren Vale vineyards and an extensive and impressive winery.“I'm extremely proud that I have built a legacy for the next generation,” says Steve, who continues being hands-on at Serafino, by overseeing the vineyards and hosting guests, while his daughter, Maria Maglieri, has taken over the reins as manager, continuing to evolve and build the brand and business. In 2018, Steve was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution to the wine industry as a winemaker, as well as his work in charity and tourism amongst the Italian community – both local and abroad. “It was a very proud moment for me, and I was fortunate enough to celebrate this success with my close family,” Steve says. “The Fleurieu has been my home since I arrived from Italy. It holds very fond memories of my parents and grandfather. “It’s the perfect environment for a family lifestyle and is nestled amongst so many quality wine producers. I always encourage people to refer to the Fleurieu as a tourism destination.” CELLAR DOOR “Our cellar door is an extension of the Serafino brand, and of our wine offering. It is expansive and welcoming at the same time. Visitors can explore the wines on offer at our tasting bar – which has space, yet personality, whether in an intimate group or wanting to share experiences with other people tasting. “The cellar door brings the outside in, while giving a private feel to the space. Our cellar door has been created so that visitors can experience our wines and the passion that makes our wines – which makes us Serafino! To sit on the deck under the lights, with the vines weaving their way through our pillars – it really is the essence of this space.” PAIRING“Serafino Terremoto Syrah is a rich and dark shiraz, with French and American oak characters of chocolate and spice, harmonised with fine, subtle tannins. The generosity of fruit character and the seamless integration of oak and tannin ensures the finish is fine, long and elegant – best paired with Wagyu beef fillet. “This wine is named after me – Serafino (Steve) Maglieri. People often refer to me as ‘Terremoto’, which is an Italian word for earthquake!”ADDRESS 39 Kangarilla Road, McLaren ValeWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!The Scarpantoni family originates from the Abruzzi region of central Italy on the Adriatic coast. “Our parents immigrated in 1954 and established themselves as grape growers in McLaren Vale,” says Michael Scarpantoni, director and production manager for Scarpantoni Estate Wines. After planting their first vines in McLaren Vale in 1958, the Scarpantonis purchased another 20-hectare block in McLaren Flat on the site of one of the first schools in South Australia. It was there, in 1979, that the family built their own winery and established their own label. “Establishing the winery was a natural progression as the family grew,” says Michael, who grew up there along with brother Filippo, director and vineyard manager. “Growing up in the region has given us a greater understanding of the different soil types and where to plant the different grape varieties to ensure the best results,” says Filippo.“Wine generally makes people happy and it also gives you a passport to the world. It’s very satisfying to create a product from the ground up, usually taking years to finish, and then see it enjoyed all over the planet over decades of time,” says Filippo. Scarpantoni Estate Wines now has 40 hectares under vines and currently produces approximately 40,000 dozen wines per year. The winery is very much a family business with every step of production, from viticulture to the packaged product, done entirely on the premises. This gives the family total control over every stage of the winemaking process and ensures that the highest standards are maintained. “We’ve always been at the pioneering front of wine varieties, techniques and styles,” says Michael. “We want to continue to do so, even while still producing our staples.” CELLAR DOOR “When you visit our cellar door, you will experience a true functioning winery – you may even find yourself parking your car amongst vineyard machinery and bottles. At harvest time, you will capture all the sights and smells of the ferments, winery activity and the grape harvest, and you can also hear the clinking of bottles on the bottling line from the cellar door. “The tasting room is only about wine, not food, and our cellar door people are all loyal, long-term, experienced workers or winemakers who know everything about our unique wines.”PAIRING “Shiraz is the essence of McLaren Vale. Our Block 3 Shiraz, produced from our oldest-surviving vines, captures the rich, ripe blackcurrant flavours that make this variety unique to the world. Pair it with a juicy Angus Rump steak!”ADDRESS: 21 Scarpantoni Drive, McLaren FlatWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!“Our wine business was established 18 vintages ago, with the fundamental purpose of making small batch-wines that inspire the imagination,” says Samuel’s Gorge founder and winemaker Justin McNamee. “I really wanted to get back to the grass roots of wine and its purpose – that is, to be enjoyed in the company of great people. I chose McLaren Vale for the clarity of the light, reliability of the long summer seasons and mineral landscape that combine to make world-class wine.”It was in 2003, while taking a walk in the Onkaparinga Gorge, that Justin came across the old 1853-built heritage farm shed overlooking the river that is now home to Samuel’s Gorge. “I spotted the old barn on the hill, and I was looking for a space full of character and rustic charm that would inevitably show itself in the wines made there. Our first vintage was made out on the veranda under the blue skies, as a team of friends helped me restore the building. “The cellar door opened in 2005 and it was far removed from what it is today. It was just me and my dog, hanging out in the space – waiting, hoping, that someone would stumble in.” Justin’s focus was to work with grape varieties best suited to the diverse geology, maritime climate and proven wine history in McLaren Vale. “We work with grapes that thrive under our immense blue sky and those that are well placed at the table of a regional gathering,” says Justin. “Varieties that can best express our rustic barn charm – grenache, tempranillo, graciano, mourvedre and shiraz.” Justin – known as a flavour-seeker and thought-provoker who is prone to wax lyrical about wine – is supported at Samuel’s Gorge by a passionate team, comprised of Riley Harrison, also a winemaker, alchemist and artist in equal measure; Michael Bennett, cellar door manager armed with a smile and a way to make you feel at home; and Kerrie Arthur, who takes care of the finance and is the person who has all the answers.PAIRING “The 2018 rendition of our Mosaic of Dreams – grenache, mourvedre, syrah, carignan – is lifted and floral. Aromas of blood orange and dried strawberries rise first, followed by blackcurrant and raspberry coulis. The palate is more savoury than the nose suggests, carrying with it a sprinkling of mountain pepper enveloped by swirls of caraway seeds and native botanicals. An ethereal wine with a persistent fruit-laden finish. Elegant and velvet-like, this wine would sit beautifully beside a plate of cold-smoked venison with whipped yoghurt and beetroot.”CELLAR DOOR “Our winery and cellar door is housed in our old heritage barn overlooking the spectacular Onkaparinga River National Park. Visitors are encouraged to relax and unwind as they are taken through our range of delicious red wines. Watch our winemakers at work in our open-air winery or simply grab a glass and take in our stunning surrounds. We look forward to welcoming you to our little barn on a hill.” ADDRESS 193 Chaffeys Road, McLaren ValeWEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!Samson Tall is the joint venture of Paul Wilson and Heather Budich. The couple make wine from grapes purchased from local McLaren Vale growers in a small winery on their Strout Road property, while their cellar door operates out of a small church built in 1854. Before venturing into the wine world, Paul worked in sales and marketing for a large international wine and spirits business, which took him from South Australia to New South Wales to Hong Kong. “Paul had a ‘mid-life crisis’ in his late thirties and decided that he wanted to be a winemaker,” laughs Heather. “He returned to South Australia to work as a cellar hand at Wirra Wirra and began a Bachelor of Wine Science at Charles Sturt University – that’s when we met,” says Heather, who was also working at Wirra after stints at Rosemount, McLaren Vale Winemakers and Coriole. “We used to travel past this old church on our way to Heather’s parents’ house, and gradually the idea of turning it into a winery and cellar door took shape. We wrote to the owners for eight years before they sold it to us,” says Paul. Paul and Heather bought the Bethany Chapel in March 2015, with a view to turning it into a “little wine business”. They ran it as a B&B for two years, then started renovating … and the Samson Tall Winery cellar door opened on 27 December 2018. “Samson Tall was an important but otherwise forgotten historical figure,” says Paul. “In 1853, he donated the land to the community for the church to be built.”He is buried in the cemetery, and in an interesting twist, the man who built the church, Richard Pomery – who was directly related to the Pomery Champagne house in France – is buried there too. “Samson was probably one of the first settlers in the Bethany district, but there’s no road or other structure commemorating this successful pioneer,” says Paul. “It feels appropriate that finally, after more than 165 years, we can now acknowledge his life with the naming of Samson Tall wines.”PAIRING “Our 2020 Cinsault Mataro Rose is a perfect summer wine, with bright acidity, red fruits and lifted floral aroma. It’s perfect served with oysters, dishes with Asian influence – or just on its own.”CELLAR DOOR “Our cellar door is housed in an old Wesleyan Chapel built in 1854. It is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and a historic local cemetery. The chapel features art by Mark Wilson and Michelle Wilke, and our beautiful black labrador Miller is always on hand to greet visitors.”ADDRESS 219 Strout Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171 WEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!Sabella Vineyards is a family-owned grapegrowing and wine-producing company, which has been in McLaren Vale for over 40 years. The key face, founder and managing director of the Sabella Vineyards brand is Joe Petrucci. His iconic handlebar moustache, beaming smile and business mentality are well-known throughout the region. “I’m always eager to help with all things McLaren Vale-related,” says Joe. “My passion is deeply rooted in the area and as long as I can see a benefit to the region and its locals, I will always be willing to offer my support.” As a young man growing up in Melbourne, Joe visited family friends in McLaren Vale. His love for the area grew and he saw the potential for relocating his home and young family. Predominantly a grape grower for 25 years in McLaren Vale, Joe was always considered to be a bearer of good fruit. Then in 1999 his dream of launching his Sabella Vineyards wine brand became a reality – "his own wine, from his own grapes, from his own vineyard.” “The diversity in the industry is what makes us love what we do,” says Joe. “Working with your hands and then reaping the rewards of the hard work put in throughout the year as vintage approaches, is at the heart of it all. The outcomes in barrels and bottles are all reflected in ways that people who are not in this industry find hard to comprehend. “Grape-growing and winemaking are skills that can’t be learned just through textbooks. They’re skills that require a hands-on approach and are felt in the soul. When they’re felt so deeply that they’re reflected in your produce, that’s the reward – nothing else compares to that.” CELLAR DOOR “Our new cellar door and tasting room can be found in the old McLaren Vale Congregational Church – previously the Singing Gallery – Main Road in McLaren Vale. We are open for tasting and light meals on request – specialising in the Italian heritage that is part of the Sabella family. We hope to offer outside entertainment in the future as well!”PAIRING “Nero d’Avola – made from a Sicilian grape – is a favourite wine from the Sabella stable. A medium-bodied red wine, it goes especially well with lighter meals but can also hold its own with rustic, heavy servings of fare that warm the soul.” ADDRESS 133 Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171 WEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!“Rusty Mutt is a business I started with some close friends who wanted some good wine to drink!” says Scott Heidrich, self-described wine geek and owner and winemaker of Rusty Mutt. “Drawing on my experience and connections around McLaren Vale, we made a shiraz back in 2006 to share among the group. We made a bit too much wine, however, so eventually the decision was made to sell some,” laughs Scott. This was the impetus to form a company which became official in December 2009. “Growing up in the Barossa, and helping Dad make wine from our own grapes in an old bathtub, certainly set me on my path from a young age! After studying, and many years of work in many notable wineries, I started to become more interested in pursuing my own ideas and styles. I officially started the company a decade ago with one wine. Now we have five wines in our range, which we distribute across Australia and export to China and the UK. “Apart from the natural beauty of the region, which is stunning, what I love most about living and working where I do, is the people,” says Scott. “The friendly nature and the spirit of cooperation and sharing is unique. “On several occasions, visiting wine industry professionals, critics and buyers – both local and overseas – have remarked on this very quality. I love the Fleurieu and could never see myself making wine anywhere else.” When asked about his business’s name, Scott replies: “The business was unnamed for quite some time, until its personality matched with the ideas shortlist. ‘Rusty Mutt’ was derived from 'Metal Dog', my Chinese astrological element and animal, which I feel perfectly describes the wine within – my wines are intrinsically connected to my experiences and personality.” PAIRING “My featured wine is the Vermilion Bird Shiraz. It’s a very small production from an old block of shiraz in McLaren Flat. Its intensity and richness allow the use of brand new French oak, which sets it apart from the other wines in my range. The aroma is quite savoury, with cardamom, aniseed notes, creamy oak and a hint of vanilla popping up with time in the glass. Strong blackberry and olive flavours integrate well with the French oak on the palate, bringing structure and firm, yet fine tannin, with plenty of flavour and warmth. “This wine is best paired with a great bunch of friends who have a slow-cooked lamb leg in the oven, or a fillet steak on the hotplate.”WEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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 WEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!Never Never Distilling Co. was founded by three friends with the passion and drive to produce Australia’s greatest gins. Head distiller Tim Boast explains: “In December of 2016, we pooled our collective monies and borrowed from family in order to buy a small still called Wendy. We set up in the back of a brewery in Royal Park and got to work on our first product. The space was only 16 square metres, basically the floor space of two pallets and without any running water. It was a nightmare in terms of efficiency, but we made every square inch work for us.“After eight months of R&D we released our Triple Juniper Gin and it is this that forms the foundation of every gin that we make.” Tim’s grandmother’s family were the founders of Gilbey’s Gin, and he has always felt a strong connection to the industry. He won Global Distiller of the Year at the Spirits Business Awards just two years after stepping into his role. Never Never brand director Sean Baxter’s passion for gin stemmed from a career working in the hospitality industry. After years working as an ambassador telling other people’s brand stories, it was time to write a few of his own. “Every day we get to come to work and create new and exciting products together,” says Sean. “We have already won countless international awards for excellence including World’s Best Classic Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards. “So it’s up to us now to continue this level of excellence across everything we do and represent the proud state of South Australia on the world stage. If that doesn’t light a fire underneath you every time you step into work, I'm not sure what will!” George Georgiadis, Never Never’s managing director, explains how their new McLaren Vale home at Chalk Hill came about. “We were invited to open our distillery door at Chalk Hill by Tom Harvey of Chalk Hill Wines,” says “He saw in us a partner capable of assisting him to deliver a world-class hospitality experience.” Tim says that ending up in McLaren Vale has always been their dream: “So much so that when we were designing our label in 2016, we asked a local artist to create an image of the Vale on the front, even though we were distilling in Royal Park. “Standing on Chalk Hill, looking at that incredible hill line, always reminds us that we are able to achieve any goal we set if we work hard enough.”PAIRING “Our most popular gin is the Triple Juniper Gin, although our Southern Strength Gin is catching up. We launched Triple Juniper in August 2017. It uses nine botanicals combining classic ingredients such as juniper, coriander seed and lemon with contemporary flavours such as Australian pepperberry. We love it combined with quality tonic water, garnished with fresh lemon and lemon thyme.”CELLAR DOORArriving at the top of the long gravel driveway that leads up from Field Street, the whole of McLaren Vale opens up before you. You are on top of the highest hill in the area and the views are spectacular. So come on up the hill and step into the Never Never for a cocktail or gin tasting and enjoy that view.ADDRESS 56 Field Street, McLaren Vale SA 5171 WEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN

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!Six generations of stubborn, competitive growers and one equally spirited winemaker – that’s how the Oliver family describe themselves. Living right in the heart of McLaren Vale, the Olivers produce perfect parcels of fruit on their 100-hectare ‘Taranga’ property. Their collection of small-batch, handcrafted wines speak to both variety and vintage, capturing a time and place. “The first generation of Olivers settled as mixed farmers in McLaren Vale in 1839,” says winemaker and director Corrina Wright, describing her forefathers. “Over the generations our family planted more vineyards on the family farm, becoming one of the biggest single holdings in McLaren Vale."Corrina and her cousins Brioni and Sam Oliver – also part of the team – are all sixth generation Olivers. “I am just so proud to live and work on our special patch of McLaren Vale,” says Brioni, who is operations manager. “I hope that my ancestors would be proud of the wines we produce.” Corrina and cousin Brioni Oliver are both part of the sixth generation. While Oliver’s Taranga only makes wines from grapes grown exclusively on their vineyard, they also sell grapes to a number of other wineries each year, including d’Arenberg, Penfolds, Wirra Wirra and Seppeltsfield. Brioni’s father, fifth generation Don Oliver, is one of McLaren Vale's most respected grape growers and is known for his technical vineyard innovations, as well as producing grapes to go into super premium and icon wines such as Penfolds Grange. “While we have had a long love affair with McLaren Vale’s well-known varieties, we also work with some more emerging grapes,” says Corrina. “On our vineyard you will find mataro, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, vermentino, fiano, tempranillo, mencia, touriga and sagrantino, just to name a few!” When asked about living on the Fleurieu, Corrina says: “I'm really proud of where I live and our community; everyone is so friendly and willing to work together to be the best they can. Also, living so close to the beach doesn’t hurt!” In recent news, the Oliver’s Taranga 2017 HJ Reserve Shiraz received 98 points and was named as Best of the Best Shiraz in the new 2021 James Halliday Wine Companion.CELLAR DOOR The Oliver’s Taranga cellar door is open for tasting and sales seven days a week, 10am-4pm. “We’re proud to say our cellar door has been in the Gourmet Traveller Best Cellar Doors for five years in a row. Pop in and see why!” says Corrina. The cellar door is contained within an original worker’s cottage, built from ironstone and limestone on the Oliver property in the early 1850s. During 2006-07, the cottage was restored by fifth and sixth generation Oliver family members, and many helpers. “Our friendly staff are happy to show visitors our wines, while discussing the region and family history,” says Corrina. “We also have a large deck area and wood oven, where, once a month, we celebrate with a long lunch at one of our famous ‘Porchetta Parties’. Named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best food destinations in 2019, these Porchetta Parties are ‘…unmissable’!” PAIRING “2018 Oliver’s Taranga Shiraz is best served with slow-braised beef and roasted winter veggies, straight from the wood oven. Aroma – blackberry leaf, blood plums, quince paste, dark chocolate, mocha, toasty lift. Palate – bright lifted cherry berry, mulberry freshness, mouth-watering tannins, sweet fruited and dark chocolate to finish. Delish!”ADDRESS 246 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171 WEBSITE Learn more: Wine, Beer & Spirits of the FleurieuOrder your copyWIN a copy! WIN