Tales from the Vale

On this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly, founders of the award-winning Bondar Wines in McLaren Vale.

Since starting Bondar Wines in 2015, Andre and Selina have built one of the region’s most respected wine labels. We chat about their individual journeys into the world of wine, what drew them to McLaren Vale, the story behind Bondar Wines, and what the future holds.

We welcome our guest Andy Coppard, a well travelled, well educated local fellow who makes some seriously good wine under his label, Lino Ramble. Hear about his journey, alternate grape varieties in McLaren Vale and his philosophy on making wine and enjoying life. 

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.

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!"

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 instalments of Tales from the Vale. 

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.