Nick Dugmore, director of Kangaroo Island’s Stoke Wines, has unveiled a new podcast aimed at sharing stories of resilience and raising awareness about the impact of bowel cancer, especially among young Australians. The podcast, titled The Power of Awareness, is set to launch on 24 May at Stoke Wines, Mount Jagged, and is inspired by Dugmore’s own experience with the disease.
The debut episode will feature motivational speaker and big-wave surfer Mark Mathews, who will share his harrowing story of a near-fatal surfing accident. To further support the cause, a surfboard signed by Mathews will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to bowel cancer research.
Dugmore, who co-hosts the podcast with Alana Dales, explained that the platform aims to provide education and support to those navigating life-changing health challenges. “Through our shared experience of living with cancer, Alana and I realized the power of community in overcoming trauma,” Dugmore said. “We hope to inspire and motivate others while raising awareness that bowel cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australians aged 24-34.”
The podcast launch event will be held at Stoke Wines on 24 May. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Skillogalee Estate Acquires Clare Valley’s Iconic Rising Sun Hotel
Skillogalee Estate, a renowned Clare Valley winery, has acquired the historic Rising Sun Hotel, a beloved local institution. The hotel will temporarily close for renovations, including the removal of poker machines and essential facility upgrades. The transformation aims to modernize the venue while preserving its community-focused spirit.
Skillogalee owner Simon Clausen expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to breathe new life into this iconic venue and provide a warm, local experience for the Auburn community.”
Upon reopening, the hotel will offer a fresh take on the classic country pub, featuring Clare Valley wines and a rotating selection of South Australian craft beers. The venue will be managed by the same team behind Skillogalee, with executive chef Dan Moss overseeing the kitchen.
Taylors Wines Announces Leadership Transition
Taylors Wines, a family-owned Clare Valley winery, is undergoing a leadership change after Mitchell Taylor announced he will step down as managing director after 25 years. Taylor will assume the role of chairman, while John Freeman, formerly of the Delegat Group, will become CEO on 21 July.
Chairman David Ansell affirmed that the leadership transition is aligned with the company’s long-term strategy and will provide continuity for the family business. Taylor, who has led the company through significant growth, expressed his commitment to focusing on overall strategy and succession planning, while mentoring future leaders within the business.
James Halliday Auctions Iconic Wine Collection
James Halliday, a revered figure in Australian wine, is auctioning a selection of rare wines from his private collection, including prestigious South Australian labels such as Charles Melton, Penfolds, Henschke, and Seppeltsfield. The auction, which runs until 9 pm AEST on 25 May on the LANGTONS website, marks the final chapter of Halliday’s Yarra Valley cellar as he relocates to Sydney.
The sale includes over 100 lots of Domaine Armand Rosseau wines, each personally signed by Halliday. “These wines represent the pinnacle of my collection, especially the Chambertins from top vintages,” Halliday said.
Seppeltsfield Wine Pairs with Thousands at Tasting Australia
Tasting Australia’s 18th edition saw over 4500 bottles of Seppeltsfield wine served at the event’s Town Square, paired with more than 2000 meals enjoyed by attendees. Over 65,000 people attended, sampling dishes from 15 food vendors. Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison highlighted the event’s contribution to South Australia’s tourism, stating that food and wine are top drivers of interstate visitation.
The event also supported more than 280 local businesses, showcasing the best of South Australian cuisine and hospitality. “This is a celebration of our state’s incredible produce and the hard work of our local vendors,” Bettison added.
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