The essence of Mitolo Wines can be traced back centuries through generations of agriculturists and viticulturalists. Hailing from Italy’s Abruzzo region, the Mitolo family migrated to Australia in the 1950s with a hardworking ethos and a strong connection to the land. Embodying the motto of Abruzzo – forte e gentile or strong and gentle – Mitolo’s proud Italian-Australian heritage is engrained in its endeavour to craft remarkable wines of character and elegance.

In 2000, Mitolo made its first Shiraz, and two years later its first Cabernet Sauvignon. Since that time, Mitolo has championed these two varieties with fruit from some of McLaren Vale’s finest vineyards. Whilst building its reputation for premium Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon offerings, Mitolo expanded its range to include several Italian varieties paying homage to the family’s roots.

In 2017, Mitolo Wines opened its McLaren Vale Cellar Door and Osteria. Surrounded by vineyards, set on Turraparri Creek, and overlooking the Mount Lofty Ranges, the unmatched serenity is open to be enjoyed by all.

Located 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is neatly nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east, and 30km of pristine coastline to the west. With its Mediterranean climate, complex tapestry of soils and ranging altitudes, McLaren Vale is an impressive and intricate wine region, perfectly suited to growing premium Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and a host of Italian varieties.

Mitolo’s fruit is sourced almost exclusively from vineyards in the southern McLaren Vale districts of Sellicks Hill and Aldinga, including the prized sub-district of Whites Valley.

Rich soils, close proximity to the ocean and ample sunlight characterise these southerly locations. Warm days are tempered by cool sea breezes from Gulf St. Vincent and gully winds from the Ranges. These factors combine to deliver fruit with great depth and intensity of flavour while retaining acidity and maintaining vibrancy in the wines.

Luke Mallaby joined Mitolo as Winemaker in 2021, after twenty years working in some of the world’s most prestigious regions including Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Rheinhessen and Santa Barbara. Prior to joining Mitolo, Luke held the position of Head Winemaker at Rosemount Estates, which brought him to McLaren Vale in 2018. Here he quickly fell in love with the region’s Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.

“McLaren Vale excites me. The region is blessed with a complex tapestry of soil types, changes in topography, and that beautiful maritime climate. Each pocket of land expresses something unique, and unique is something we at Mitolo do very well.

Our wines are all individually expressive and resonate strongly with me for the elements they bring. We have world class Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon made in different styles, great parcels of Grenache, and an array of Italian varieties which I find so inspiring to work with.”