FACES OF THE FLEURIEU:

WITH HOLLY WYATT. CO-OWNER OF VALLEY OF YORE CAFE IN MYPONGA. 

Meet Holly Wyatt, who's heart and home is in the Myponga Township on the western Fleurieu.

Holly and her family moved to the quaint little town, Myponga that is neslted between the hills and sea 6 years ago. Since then they have never looked back. As well as running Valley of Yore, Holly also works at Fleurieu Living Magazine and is honored to be part of the dot to dot connecting of our region and community, of which she is limitlessly proud to be a part of!

Valley of Yore, located a scenic 45 minute drive from Adelaide, is seriously stylish, yet simplistic. The minimalistic and artistic interior has exposed ceilings and floors, and a beautiful lofted dining area. There's gorgeous hanging netted lanterns, plants in funky pots and handmade works from local artists.

We caught up with Holly to chat about her love of the Fleurieu Peninsula and her go-to spots in our beautiful region. We can't wait to share them with you! 

HI HOLLY. WE ARE ABSOLUTELY HONOURED TO HAVE YOU SHARING YOUR FLEURIEU FAVOURITES WITH US. WE KNOW THERE WILL BE SOME GOODIES ON THIS LIST! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHY YOU LOVE YOUR CORNER OF THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA?

The diverse natural landscapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula really sends my heart soaring. Sheer cliff faces, pebbled beaches, forests full of birdsong and butterflies, rolling hills, world class vines, indigenized almond groves, meandering rivers, waterfalls, and the bounty of animal sitings make it all the more awe inspiring. The bounty of good souls I am forever meeting. It seems be be magnetic to really good people.

I love Myponga for its stunning secluded beach. The Myponga Reservoir for its 7km multipurpose track and kayaking. We have some wonderful world class businesses such as multi award winning Smiling Samoyed Brewery, Gut Feeling Fermented foods, Fleurieu Milk Co.

We have been fortunate to be a part of a reinvention of our township if you like; once a pass through dairy town hailed for its Myponga Progressive Rock festival of '71 . By activating the old Myponga Dairy Coop with our café and concept store, Valley of Yore, along with Palamino Recording Studios, Mariana Mezic Art Studio and Rebirth Custom Surfboards, we hoped to further cultivate our sence of community and put our beautiful part of the world on the map. We also have a gin distillery due to move in early in the new year too so watch this space. We are over the moon with our neck of the woods. 

HOW DOES THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA INSPIRE YOU & VALLEY OF YORE?

We are so fortunate to have access to some of the highest quality growers and producers. Our makers and artisans are world class, and we feel so proud to share their magic with our people. Our people are what make our community vibrant, inspiring us with their stories, music suggestions, bringing their chessboards, dogs, children and chalk art to our place fuels our purpose.

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE GO-TO DINNER SPOTS IN THE REGION? CASUAL, AND A LITTLE DRESSIER.

Hanabi in McLaren Vale has the best Japanese food. I love nestling into the train booth for some good edamame, tempura and sake.

Another favourite is Leonard's Mill in Second Valley, the best degustation I have ever experience and I nearly fell over my feet at their curated local wine list. 

The perfect dinner location: Leonard's Mill, located in Second Valley.

OUTSIDE OF VALLEY OF YORE, WHERE IN THE REGION IS YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE NOOK?

• I love a coffee from Pearl in Aldinga, following my beach swim after Peak Physique Hot Yoga (also in Aldinga). This opitimises "me" time.
• Goodness Coffee Co in Aldinga is ritually my pre-work coffee (Fleurieu Living Mag)
• Our faithful roasters DeGroot Coffee Co in Port Elliot.

Some of the most dynamic collaborations have blossomed from the serendipitous conversations that have sprouted from these places. A community ritual I am ever grateful for.

WHERE'S YOUR TOP PICK FOR AN AFTERNOON TIPPLE?

Big Easy Radio in Aldinga is my reliable waterhole. Fine live music, good wine, a well landscaped garden, good vibes and kid friendly with a rotation of fail safe food trucks on standby for an impromptu dinner.

The Joinery in Port Elliot. Partners in seriously good banter and wine crime, Ben Cooke and Charlotte Dalton (of 2021 Young Gun in Wine fame) have a neat cellar door in renowned artist's David Bromley's old studio. It is all the things to love about an afternoon tipple splashes of paint on the wall and splashes of good wine in a glass.

Hither and Yon in Willunga. Seriously good wine and great people. Last years bushing king, this years Viticulturist of the year, Carbon Neutral, champions of lesser known varieties and celebrating tens years just as Fleurieu Living Magazine is.

Left: Big Easy Radio, Aldinga. Right: Hither & Yon in Willunga.

WE'RE A VERY LUCKY BUNCH ON THE FLEURIEU. IS THERE A HIDDEN GEM IN THE REGION THAT EVERY VISITOR SHOULD EXPERIENCE?

Destination: Myponga Beach. Too many reasons to list.

Retail: Charlie & Jack in Victor Harbor. For the crazy plant people like us!

Dining: Lucky Ducks in Aldinga. Will be coming soon…

Stay & Play: Papershell Farm in Willunga – check out their incredible BNB, events program including Utopian State Festival in December

Experience: Backyard Universe in Deep Creek. Star gazing.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE ESSENTIALS EVERY VISITOR TO THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA NEEDS IN THEIR ITINERARY?

Aside from the above mentioned gems:

• A self guided wine tour of McLaren Vale – Samuels Gorge, Lino Ramble/Bondar/Sharrah, Olivers Taranga, Chalk Hill, Alpha Box and Dice, Molly Dooker
• Strathablyn Antique Trail – Treasure hunting is a joy if you know where to go.
• Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale to take home a special something from one our prized local artists/artisans

Plus these local drops that you wont find in a cellar door:

• Cooter & Cooter
• Aphelion
• Seven Dials
• The Stoke / Kin

Copied from Fleurieupeninsular.com.au.

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