Julia Gillard and Tim Mathieson snapped enjoying McLaren Vale wine Julia Gillard looks delighted at her III Associates' The Descendant of Squid Ink shiraz. FORMER Prime Minister Julia Gillard is making the most of life in South Australia, kicking back at home with some local wine at the weekend. Partner Tim Mathieson attended the McLaren Vale Harvest Festival on Saturday with friends and popped into McLaren Vale III Associates cellar door on Foggo Road. He purchased a bottle of sparkling and The Descendant of Squid Ink shiraz, which he brought home for Ms Gillard - bringing a smile to both their faces, above, in a photo posted on the winery's Facebook page. Ms Gillard, 52, and Mr Mathieson, 58, were also spotted just before Christmas walking their cavoodle, Reuben, on Brighton Beach shortly after moving into a $2 million beachside bungalow. The couple have become regulars on the beach while they settle into a more relaxed lifestyle in South Australia. Ms Gillard's niece, Dr Jenna Malone, recently gave birth and Ms Gillard has promised to be "the most meddlesome great aunt in Australia's history." The newly appointed honorary Professor of Politics at Adelaide University, has, meanwhile, also thrown her support behind the ailing automotive industry by buying a Holden Cruze. Ms Gillard, whose mother Moira and sister Alison also live in Adelaide, was seen taking delivery of the new locally built "Red Hot" SRi hatchback in November. She surprised other customers as she personally took delivery of the new car, dealing "politely and cordially" with everyone in the showroom. Also last year, her former home in Altona, in southwest Melbourne, sold for a $921,000 - more than $250,000 above the asking price. She purchased it in 1998 for $140,000.