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.

Listen on:

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Episodes

Episode 24: Katie Spain

Saturday Jun 06, 2026

Saturday Jun 06, 2026

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.

Episode 23: Con Kassapis

Saturday Mar 07, 2026

Saturday Mar 07, 2026

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.

Episode 22: Moira Were

Saturday Jan 17, 2026

Saturday Jan 17, 2026

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.

Episide 21: David Paxton

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025

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.

Episode 20: Tim Cawte

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

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. 

Episode 19: Rihann Koekemoer

Sunday Aug 31, 2025

Sunday Aug 31, 2025

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.

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024

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. 

Episode 18: Jock Harvey

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

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. 

Episode 17: Megan Sherry

Thursday Dec 05, 2024

Thursday Dec 05, 2024

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.

Episode 16: Steve Pannell

Sunday Nov 24, 2024

Sunday Nov 24, 2024

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.

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