Tales from the Vale
Welcome to Tales from the Vale hosted by local pizza proprietor, Tony Mitolo and Leigh Gilligan, peripatetic wine industry veteran. A podcast where we have conversations with wine industry personalities, passionate foodies, business identities and community leaders who live, work and play in and around McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Episodes

Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
1 hr 10 min
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 along the way.

Mar 7, 2026
Mar 7, 2026
1 hr 2 min
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.

Jan 17, 2026
Jan 17, 2026
1 hr 4 min
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.

Oct 29, 2025
Oct 29, 2025
1 hr 3 min
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.

Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025
1 hr 6 min
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.

Aug 31, 2025
Aug 31, 2025
1 hr 18 min
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.

Dec 24, 2024
Dec 24, 2024
1 hr 16 min
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 instalments of Tales from the Vale.

Dec 12, 2024
Dec 12, 2024
57 min
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.

Dec 5, 2024
Dec 5, 2024
36 min
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.

Nov 24, 2024
Nov 24, 2024
1 hr 4 min
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.




