Alepat Taylor has been appointment as the exclusive Victorian distributor for Down the Rabbit Hole, the acclaimed McLaren Vale wine brand that recently triumphed in the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

Down the Rabbit Hole took home the People’s Choice Award, which recognises Australia’s favourite winery winery experience. With over 8000 votes cast, the winery was cited for its ‘incredible social atmosphere’, ‘thoughtful approach to customer service’, ‘scenic views’ and ‘value for money’.

The brand’s wines reflect the character of McLaren Vale, while its distinctive labels, storytelling and playful personality invite consumers to discover something different.

The winery’s roots go back to 2012, when founder Domenic and Elsie Palumbo launched the Down the Rabbit Hole label after developing a relationship with renowned Fleurieu winemaker Walter Clappis. The brand has since evolved into a destination that brings together wine, food, hospitality and community.

Alepat Taylor said its appointment as Victorian distributor for the label represents an opportunity to bring a highly differentiated South Australian wine brand to Victorian retailers, restaurants, bars and wine lovers.

National Sales Manager Jimmy Lekkas said: “We are extremely excited to be appointed as the Victorian distributor for Down the Rabbit Hole. It is a brand that has all the ingredients we look for, quality wine, a strong point of difference, an authentic story and an exceptional connection with consumers.

“The recognition from Halliday is a fantastic endorsement of the experience that Domenic, Elise and the team have created at McLaren Vale. It demonstrates that Down the Rabbit Hole is much more than a wine brand, it is a destination and an experience that people genuinely connect with.

“We see a significant opportunity to introduce the brand to more Victorian consumers and trade customers and to build on the success Down the Rabbit Hole has already achieved in South Australia.”

The partnership will see Alepat Taylor focus on developing Down the Rabbit Hole across the Victorian market, with a targeted approach to independent retailers, leading restaurants, wine bars, hospitality groups and other on-premise venues.

Domenic and Elise Palumbo said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Alepat Taylor to bring Down the Rabbit Hole to more
wine lovers across Victoria.

“We’ve always wanted Down the Rabbit Hole to be about more than what is inside the bottle. It’s about bringing people together, enjoying great wine and food, and creating memories.

“Alepat Taylor shares that passion for brands with personality and purpose, and we’re really excited about what we can achieve together in Victoria.”