Fresh destinations

Summer’s the perfect time to find new favourites on the Fleurieu.

Story by Poppy Fitzpatrick.

Above left: Quality vintage and pre-loved clothing at Capricornia. Above right: Focusing on taste and nutrition, Jetty Juice will pump out fresh, raw concoctions to quench the summer’s thirsts. Photo by Loki Hall.

Capricornia

12 High St, Willunga There’s nothing quite like the thrill of scoring a good second-hand find. For self-confessed vintage addict Ellie, there’s a fascinating story to unveil behind every cut, pattern, material and detail; each piece sending her on a mini walk through history. Wanting to share this adventure of discovery with others, while encouraging an ethical approach to fashion, Ellie created Capricornia. With eight years of vintage knowledge behind her and a keen eye for quality, she decided to open a shop in Willunga. Filled with a wide selection of vintage and preloved clothing, as well as some impressive feature furniture pieces, Ellie hopes she can change the sometimes gaudy reputation that can come with vintage items. With a constant bombardment of fast fashion, Capricornia offers the perfect alternative to slow down and find classic and unique pieces, while doing your bit for the environment in the process. @capricorniaSA

Jetty Juice

42 North Terrace, Port Elliot Operating the Jetty Food Store in Port Elliot since January 2020, owners Jarrod and Veena have become well acquainted with the hard working and dedicated Fleurieu farmers providing quality produce to the region. Sourcing the freshest local organic fruit and veg, the store has become a community hub of connection and nourishment. Six months in, the idea for Jetty Juice was born with a simple mission in mind: to help customers to feel good about themselves by embracing healthy living. Focusing on taste and nutrition, Jetty Juice will pump out fresh, raw concoctions including old favourites as well as a few fun new additions with names like Jump off the Jetty, Pina Colada and Black Lemonade. With early plans to hop into some crisp, locally brewed ales and lagers too, it seems we’ve found the best place to quench any summer thirst.

The indomitable spirit of Fleurieu entrepreneurs has continued to blaze a trail of optimism throughout our region, even in this most unsettling of years. Celebrate the tenacity and passion of local business people by supporting these new ventures safely and responsibly this summer.

Above left: Palomino Sound Recording will produce everything from music to voice recordings, with plans to team up with neighbouring businesses to host live music in the future. Photo by Cath Leo. Above right: Sam and Billy from Dough & Co. Mobile wood-oven pizza anyone? Photo by Loki Hall.

Palomino Sound Recording & Palomino Nights

Myponga Tristen Bird has had a deep fascination for sound recording ever since he was a child, with a vision to one day create his own recording space. As a recording artist himself, Tristen understands the importance of atmosphere for creativity; a delicate balance between helping a musician feel comfortable, while still challenged to perform their best. With family ties to the Fleurieu region, and an appreciation for the sanctuary that regional recording studios can facilitate, Tristen has begun setting up in the former dairy building in Myponga. The history of the building, as well as the range of old and new recording equipment will make the studio something of a living museum. Maintaining a strong focus on fostering emerging talent, the studio will produce everything from music to voice recordings, with plans to team up with neighbouring businesses to host live music in the future. palominosoundrecorders.com

Dough & Co

Mobile From Sam Basham – an apprentice of Victor Harbor hospitality institution, Nino’s – and Billy Dohnt of BillyDohnt Does catering, comes mobile wood oven pizza catering service Dough & Co. Offering authentic Italian-style wood-oven pizzas, alongside an added aperitivo style canapé menu, the pair focus on ‘keeping it simple, just like the Italians’ while showing off the best local ingredients. Sam and Billy both live on the Fleurieu, catering at events for many passionate locals as well as those that call the region their second home. But for those who live further afield, the mobile business owners are happy to bring their culinary delights straight to you. billydohntdoes.com.au >

Above left: Your hosts Kate and Simon at the newly named High Street Inn, Strathalbyn. Above right: Maison de Moon offers end-to-end functions and experiences in an idyllic country setting.

High Street Inn

35 High St, Strathalbyn Closing the doors of popular Strathalbyn restaurant The Olfactory Inn late last year, co-owner Simon Burr had grown fond of the former residential building. His attachment to the space and the hospitality industry saw Simon purchase the building, without any concrete plans for his next move. As COVID-19 began closing borders, Simon and his partner Kate Hanson saw the opportunity for a cosy bed and breakfast escape in their own state, conveniently located on the High Street. The pair have since converted the dining areas into three double bedrooms, with plush king-sized beds. The BnB includes a cozy bar area with an open fireplace and an outdoor table to enjoy lazy brunches in the sunshine. The existing commercial kitchen will allow for intimate hosted dinner parties, or for guests to try their own hand as master chefs during their stay. The pair hope the newest incarnation of the building will become a place for guests to relax and recharge, while enjoying the many wonders of the surrounding region.

Maison de Moon

Clarendon After many years visiting the Fleurieu as a holiday destination, Irene Moon and her husband had long awaited the opportunity to find a place of their own in the countryside. The pair finally found their dream location in Clarendon, purchasing the property from dear family friends to offer an end-to-end function experience while settling into the welcoming community. With 18 years of practice hosting and styling numerous events at some of Adelaide’s most beautiful venues, the pair have a clear vision for Maison de Moon: to provide a picturesque setting where guests can create precious memories. When couples host their special day on the property, they will also have the option to rent the whole French-style country home for themselves and their loved ones to enjoy. Maison de Moon can provide complete event management, and also offer decadent high tea experiences with all the delicious trimmings. maisondemoon.com.au

Above left: Head to Sicily Artisan Gelato this summer and enjoy a breathtaking stroll of the esplanade. Above right: The gorgeous new Barrel Room Function Centre at Lake Breeze.

Sicily Artisan Gelato

106 Esplanade, Aldinga Beach After firing up the ovens earlier this year, Sicily Mare Pizza has received great local praise for their delicious Sicilian-style pizzas. Wanting to bring the most authentic experience of Sicilian culture to Aldinga, owner Cono Gorgone leapt at the chance to add delicious handmade gelato to the space next door. Originally wanting to import Italian gelato, Cono soon realised his skills inherited from cousins back home, as well as some impressive gelato connoisseurs here in Australia, meant he was fully equipped to make his own. Sourcing only the best artisan ingredients from Italy, Cono creates the most authentic gelato possible. His pistachios are imported from Bronte, a village on Mt Etna in Sicily, which grows the best pistachios in the world, still manually picked using traditional methods. A range of gourmet flavours are available, with a prickly pear variation on its way, as well as a few vegan options. With the salty air, the smell of the wood oven and a generous helping of creamy gelato, we might just be able to convince ourselves we’ve escaped to a European summer. sicilypizza.com.au

Lake Breeze Event Space

319 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek For the last six years, Lake Breeze have opened their doors for guests to enjoy their award-winning wines, grab a bite to eat and celebrate special occasions among the vines. In October, Lake Breeze unveiled their brand new Barrel Room Function Centre, which will expand their restaurant and cellar door capabilities, while creating a combined indoor and outdoor events space for up to 300 guests. The contemporary expansion opens up to panoramic views of the surrounding vines and ancient river redgums while maintaining the character of the original cellar door, which used to be a hay shed. Keeping the property within the family since the 1850s, the Lake Breeze team can’t wait to welcome more celebrations into their home – where they treat every special function as if it’s their own. lakebreeze.com.au >

Above left: The charming shared cellar door of small producers Sherrah, Bondar and Lino Ramble. Above right: Lucy Potter at the 100 % vegan Village Groove Café.

Sherrah, Bondar and Lino Ramble Wines

148 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale Fitting a few cellar door visits into one day is never a far stretch in McLaren Vale – but what if those few wineries were under just one roof? Purchasing and renovating a beautiful 19th century stone cottage, Rae and Drew Noon wanted to create an affordable home for new producers to show off their signature styles to the public. Sherrah, Bondar and Lino Ramble wines were all excited to collaborate, officially opening their shared door in early October to collectively offer over thirty different wines. All three labels produce small batch, handmade wines with unique characteristics, which can be tasted in their individual cellar-door-rooms. After you’ve had your fill in each, there’s plenty of space in the outdoor area to enjoy a bottle of your favourite drop. Bookings for seated tastings can be made through each individual winery’s website. sherrahwines.com.au, bondarwines.com.au, linoramble.com.au

The Village Groove Café

Lot 10A/173 Port Rd, Aldinga With a combined love of hospitality, baking and veganism, Lucy Potter envisaged a one-stop-shop for all three in the Aldinga Arts EcoVillage. At only 22 years of age, Lucy brought her dream to life, opening The Village Groove Café in August this year. The café offers a 100 percent vegan menu including smoothies, wraps, bruschetta, sweets and more – all against the backdrop of a groovy ‘70s style interior. Fitting in with the sustainable ethos of the surrounding community, Lucy has been welcomed into the village with open arms. By providing a delicious and affordable menu, she hopes she can make living a vegan lifestyle more accessible and convenient for all. Currently open Thursday through Monday, Lucy hopes to soon be operating seven days and begin taking cake and catering orders. @thevillagegroovecafe

Above left: At Bev’s Remnant House you will find an assortment of beautiful remnant upholstery, craft and clothing fabrics. Above right: The Hub in Goolwa provides facilities including meeting rooms, hot desks, training facilities, and business training programs.

Bev’s Remnant House

30 High Street, Willunga Working for a number of years as an interior architect, Bev MacInnes was disheartened by the amount of waste produced in the soft furnishing industry. In such a trend-orientated market, many of the materials have a short life; colours and designs change and fabrics are discontinued yearly. Rather than seeing such beautiful fabrics end up in landfill, she decided to purchase the remnants at a discounted price and give them a second life. Since opening Bev’s Remnant House in Sydney eleven years ago, Bev has connected countless customers with a range of designer fabrics and makers to transform their choice of material into custom lampshades, curtains, blinds, cushions and more. After some time spent working in Adelaide, Bev knew her heart belonged to the Fleurieu and that she’d eventually return to the area. Between the beach and the vines, she has now opened a new store on Willunga High Street. No matter the vision for a project, Bev ensures each and every piece of fabric is used up – whether it be in the form of a door stop or makeup bag, it’s nice to know each and every square will find a home. bevsremnanthouse.com.au

The Hub

12 Cadell Street, Goolwa The Alexandrina Council believe that the most valuable asset of their local economy is the people and community. In order for their community to learn and thrive, the council has created a common space in Goolwa for business people to connect and collaborate. The Hub provides facilities including meeting rooms, hot desks, training facilities, and business training programs. For those who work from home, remote workers, or businesses with visiting clients, The Hub can provide a comfortable and professional meeting place at an affordable price. A membership provides access to facilities, the opportunity to network with like-minded business people and gain access to support from the Business Alexandrina team. By nurturing a strong business community, Alexandrina Council hope the broader community can flourish as a result. thebusinesshub.spaces.nexudus.com/en/ >

Above left: Hammer ‘N’ Tongs – a delicious union of food and drink on Commercial Road in Strathalbyn. Above right: Holly and Nigel in their art deco building, which is currently being transformed into ‘Valley of Yore’.

Hammer ‘N’ Tongs

39 Commercial Rd, Strathalbyn The delicious union of food and wine can be transformed into an art form when paired with the right atmosphere. When the old Commonwealth Bank building in Strathalbyn came up for grabs, Maurice Behan knew he’d found the right place to try his own hand at creating such a sensory harmony. After over a year of renovations, Hammer ‘N’ Tongs opened its doors in the town centre to offer a relaxed, comfortable meeting place to share a bite, beverage and a chat with mates. Hammer ‘N’ Tongs is open daily, serving up caféstyle breakfast, lunch, coffee and nibbles all day. Friday and Saturday evenings can be kicked off with an array of spirits, beers and wines, accompanied by tapas and Italian-style pizzas. With a strong focus on creating a positive work environment, the entire experience is sure to be topped off with some very happy staff, too. hammerntongsstrath.com

Valley of Yore

Myponga Holly, an integral part of the Fleurieu Living team, and her partner Nigel Wyatt moved to the Fleurieu five years ago, sinking their roots into Myponga with their boys Emerson and Abel. Regularly driving past an empty, rustic part of the old Myponga Cheese Factory building, the family envisioned a welcoming and relaxing space to connect, relax and briefly escape from the pressures of life. This cafe and concept store opening in summer is an ode to Nigel’s late father Ralphie Wyatt, as well as a nod to ye olde community values and sentiment. The Valley of Yore will serve specialty Degroot coffee, locally sourced produce, and a curated range of well-crafted products, art and keepsakes. Whether popping in to break up the drive to Kangaroo Island, after a walk around the reservoir, or as a meeting point to catch up with loved ones, the Wyatts hope visitors, regulars and children alike will find an unexpected oasis. @valleyofyore