Food Drink

FIRST LOOK: Mitolo Wines Launches $3.5m McLaren Vale Cellar Door & Restaurant

By Daisy Russell

Posted on November 15, 2017

Mitolo Wines is opening the doors on the much anticipated, new $2.2m development in McLaren Vale.

If you love good wine, no doubt you’ve heard of Mitolo Wines. Since they began in 1999, the premium wine brand has developed a strong cult following, and fans worldwide. The business now exports wine to over 20 countries around the world.

It wasn’t all glitz and glamour though. The company was originally conceived after a now legendary 5 hour discussion with winemaker Ben Glaetzer which resulted in a six word business plan on the back of a napkin: individuality, integrity, quality, purity, elegance and power.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Mitolo Wines has now opened the doors on a hotly-anticipated, stunning new development.

The Mitolo family has thrown open the doors to its first Tasting Room, restaurant and event space – an ultra-modern, architecturally designed structure incorporating 10 shipping containers, glass, concrete and timber and set against the picturesque backdrop of the Southern Vales wine region. The cellar door will be open 10am – 5pm daily.

The $3.5 million project at Mitolo Wines, which received a $557,000 state government grant includes a contemporary cellar door and deck area for tastings, private members tasting room and an adjoining restaurant with seating for up to 100 people as well as a private dining room.

The Mitolo Restaurant dubbed ‘Bocca di Lupo’ is open for lunch 12 – 3pm Thursday – Monday and open for Dinner 6-9pm Friday – Saturday. The restaurant elaborates on the Mitolo tasting experience and is set to open a beautiful deck area early Jan.

The landscaped exterior will feature fresh produce for the restaurant’s use, focusing on regional foods which reflect the Mitolo’s family’s Mediterranean roots in Abruzzo, Italy.

Nestled within the vines of McLaren Vale, the architecturally designed structure captures and celebrates the surroundings and landscape in which it is located.

An open floor plan, reaching out to guests in multiple directions through the use of glazed entrances, also offers more intimate spaces which break from the main space through the integration and reuse of steel containers.

The tasting rooms can facilitate up to 18pax, Mitolo also offer a beautiful tasting booth that can seat up to 10pax and if you’re after something a little more they offer a private dining space, this intimate space can be used for booked private tastings followed by lunch or dinner in the restaurant or as a private space for a group booking for 10 or more.

Mitolo offer three different tasting experiences, you’ll learn about the wines and brand in a gorgeous environment. The ‘Hahn Road’ tasting is $15 for 5 wines from the jester range. The ‘Paddy’s Row’ tasting is $20 for 5 wines, a small batch range and the ‘Flour Mill Road’ $25 for 5 red wines from Single Vineyard range, all tastings are accompanied by amazing food from the kitchen.

Head chef Tom Jack’s menu owes much to Italian tradition but it comes with a modern twist. Determined to push boundaries and experiment in third-wave Italian style, Tom is nevertheless focussed on making food for everyone, not just chefs and foodies.

The newest release and most premium wine on offer is available to taste for $15 per person or full glass for $55.

Mitolo will also be offering impressive outdoor semi-enclosed event space for private functions, weddings and events, due to open late November/early December. If you’re interested in booking out the space, definitely speak to Venue Manager Sally Bevan.

The Team comprises of Head Chef Tom Jack. Previously Head Chef at Coast restaurant and bar in Hervey Bay and head chef under David Pugh at Restaurant ||. When it comes to the wine, you’re in good hands with Restaurant Manager/Sommelier- Patrick White who has some incredible experience behind him. From Head Sommelier / group Sommelier previously at some of Sydney’s finest, Otto Ristorante, Salt Restaurant, Fink Group – Otto Ristorante, The Bridge Room & Quay and Luke Mangan’s Restaurant Group. Most recently Head Sommelier at Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant winning Australian Gourmet Traveller/ Fine Wine Partners – Wine List of the Year Awards, Three Goblets Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, 2015. Gemma Mitolo will be supervising the Tasting Room, fresh from hosting Mitolo’s national events and festivals over the past few years. Gemma brings her wine knowledge and stories to the tasting room and restaurant. And of course the ‘G’ in G.A.M. Then of course, overall Venue Manager, Sally Bevan, who comes with a breadth of local experience and knowledge.