Tales from the Vale

On this episode of Tales from the Vale, we sat down with Katie Spain, one of South Australia’s most respected journalists and storytellers. Over the years, Katie has shared the stories of countless wine industry people, businesses, and communities across the state. We spoke about her career in journalism, her passion for storytelling, and some of the memorable people and places she encountered alo...

Recorded at the start of summer, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Con Kassapis to reflect on his journey from his beginnings as a pharmacist in Port Pirie to the experiences and decisions that ultimately led him to McLaren Vale and beyond.

Back in November we were able to welcome Moira Were, Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga, to the podcast. Moira joins us to talk about her journey into local leadership, the issues that matter most to our community, and what drives her passion for making Onkaparinga a great place to live.

Tales from the Vale welcomes a gentleman who is incredibly well known.  A true Mclaren vale or Willunga local depending on whom you speak with. He is a viticulturist and has a great wine making enterprise. In Leigh Gilligan words he is, "an all round great bloke!" Enjoy our chat with David Paxton.

On this episode we sat down with one of Leigh's old neighbours, local businessman and all round nice guy, Tim Cawte. We hope you enjoy this episode of Tale's from the Vale. 

On this episode we sat down with the new proprietor of McLaren Vale's legendary Ellis Butchers, Rihann Koekemoer. Strap in for an international tale of chance, risk, thoughtful insight and South African passion.

Merry Christmas to all. As a little added bonus for the year we thought it would be great for you to learn a little more about one of the hosts of Tales from the Vale, Leigh Gilligan. We hope you can find some time over the holidays to sit back, pour a glass and enjoy this recording of Tales from the Vale. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New year. See you in 2025 with many more exciting instalm...

In this episode of Tales from the Vale we chat with the fascinating & energetic, Jock Harvey. To most locals of the area and anyone in the wine industry, Jock needs no introduction. We hope you enjoy this fascinating podcast recorded live from the Willunga Farmers Market. 

This is the first part of a 2 part episode recorded live from the Willunga Farmers Market where we spent some time talking to Megan Sherry from the wonderful Harvest the Fleurieu situated out of Mount Compass.

This episode we sat down with celebrated McLaren Vale winemaker Steve Pannell. We're sure you'll enjoy this wonderful conversation covering his love of red tape, red wine, alternate varieties, vineyards, surfing and family.

Today we are talking Leigh's longtime friend & Colleague Norm Doole. He is a Canadian, Merchant Banker, Vineyard & Winery owner, amongst a host of other things. He loves the good things in life; Travel, good food and wine and is also the proprietor of the legendary McLaren Vale Man cave.  

Tales from the Vale recorded this episode live from the Willunga Farmers Market to celebrate the 2014 Fleurieu Food Festival. We spoke with Nick Hutchinson from the Fleurieu Milk Co, local Chef and caterer Todd Steel and Catriona Byrne from Feather & Peck pasture raised eggs.  

On this episode we are chatting with Fil Scarpantoni, who transformed the family Scarpantoni Estate winery into a great success, winning the famous Jimmy Watson Trophy amongst countless other awards over the past 30 years. He's happiest on a tractor or spending time with his family with a glass of wine in hand.

On this episode we talk with Andy Clappis. He was raised in and around restaurants that have shaped and influenced Adelaide's rich dining scene. He now bakes famous loaves of bread, raises sheep & cattle on his property in Willunga, has a commercial kitchen in his living room and opens the doors to "his place" week in and week out. 

For the first time we interview a couple, who returned to McLaren Vale to take over their small family owned winery and turned it into a bona fide cult success. and one half of this duo also became McLaren Vale's first Master of wine. We hope you enjoy the conversation we had with Drew & Raegan Noon of Noon wines.

On this episode we speak with probably the most experienced wine maker in McLaren Vale. With a long career in Australia and abroad he is universally regarded as one of the nicest people in the wine industry. Currently spending his time wine making, consulting and tending to his home garden, please welcome the legendary Mike Farmilo.

Our guest is a legendary butcher and according to Leigh, one of the funniest men to ever work behind a counter. Please enjoy our conversation with Jim Ellis as he sheds light on not just the history of Ellis Butchers, but the town of McLaren Vale itself.

The Vasarelli name is synonymous with Food, wine and our region. Today's guest is non-other than Vicky Vasarelli, affectionately known as "The Godmother" of viticulturists in and around McLaren Vale. 

This episode we sit down with Leon Bignell MP who gave up a career in journalism to work as a media advisor. Firstly for the federal labour party in 2001, & then for a South Australian government minister, before becoming our Mawson member for parliament in 2006. 

Todays guest on Tales from the Vale is the youthful CEO of Willunga's own Diana Olive Oil, Dom Scarfo.

Today we chat with viticulturist and co-owner of arguably McLaren Vales quintessential luxury wine brand and lover of vintage Utes, Toby Bekkers.

Today's guest is Karena Armstrong. Owner, Chef, Food director of South Australia's regional restaurant of the year "The Salopian inn" and co-festival director of Tasting Australia.

Today we sat down with former restaurateur, chair of the Willunga farmers market, Mclaren Vale hospital board member and recipient of the Order of Australia for food related services, Pip Forrester. 

In todays episode we are fortunate enough to speak with the 2023 Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology winemaker of the year and Managing Director of Oliver's Taranga, Corrina Wright.

In this episode we sat down with Goe Difabio, a well travelled and legendary winemaker who established McLaren Vale's specialist contract wine making facility, DiFabio Estate.