A unique shop and cafe that brings the culture and flavours of South Africa to South Australia has been named Business of the Year at the annual McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Awards.

The prestigious local awards were announced at a gala event held tonight, Friday 28 October, at the McLaren Vale Motel.

Heritage. by SA on Main won Best New Business and went on to take out the top award, decided by an expert panel of judges.

Bringing South Australia and South Africa together is shop owner Margaret’s motto, offering a tailored selection of gifts, hampers and specialty foods from local makers and artists, along with specialty South African foods. 

Margaret's passion is to help micro and small businesses succeed, by enabling local entrepreneurs, connecting the community, creating exceptional experiences and providing her staff a great place to work.

Chocolatier and café Bracegirdles won the popular vote, taking out the People’s Choice award, as well as the Hospitality award.

Employee of the Year went to Jessica Waters, of McLaren Vale Bakery; and Southbound Locksmiths joined the Hall of Fame.

There were 10 categories of finalists and winners this year, including the new category of Health and Wellbeing – won by Donna Adams Consulting.

“This year we are grateful to be supported by 13 Gold Sponsors and seven Executive sponsors,” says Anne Rhodes, Secretary of the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association.

Here is the full list of winners and finalists in the McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Awards 2023:

NEW BUSINESS Sponsored by Tothill Finance

Finalist – The Pilates Venue

Winner – Heritage. by SA on Main

ENVIRONMENT Sponsored by Southbound Locksmiths.

Finalist – Gemtree

Winner – Willunga Basin Trail

Winner – Southern Koala & Echidna Rescue

HOME BASED Sponsored by Dance Xtreme Studios

Finalist – Ampale Olives

Finalist – Fleurieu App

Winner – Great Southern Runs

HOSPITALITY Sponsored by Peats Soil & Garden Supplies

Winner – Bracegirdles

Finalist – Hardy’s Tintara

Finalist – McLaren Vale Bakery

Finalist – Wirra Wirra Vineyards

TRADES Sponsored by LED4 Electrical Solutions

Finalist – Mid Coast Pergolas

Finalist – Salon Sonder

Finalist – Sign Boys

Winner – Southbound Locksmiths

HALL OF FAME 2023

Southbound Locksmiths

RETAIL Sponsored by Terry White Chemmart McLaren Vale

Finalist – Gorgeous Soles

Finalist – Harvest Studio

Winner – McLaren Vale Garden Centre

TOURISM & EXPERIENCES Sponsored by Brown Bulkhaul

Finalist – Bellevue B and B

Finalist – McLaren Vale Studio Apartments

Winner – Big Sing McLaren Vale

Finalist – Willunga Farmer’s Market

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Fleurieu

Winner – alite bookkeeping

Finalist – Melanie McKibbin

Finalist – Southern Vales Legal

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Wirra Wirra Vineyards

Winner – Jessica Waters, McLaren Vale Bakery

Finalist with Special Commendation – Tina Burden, McLaren Vale Motel and Function Centre

Finalist – Renee Haskett, She Sews

HEALTH & WELLBEING Sponsored by Heritage. by SA on Main

Finalist – The Pilates Venue

Winner – Donna Adams Consulting

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2023 Sponsored by Ink on Paper and Trelivings

Heritage. by SA on Main

PEOPLE’S CHOICE 2023 Sponsored by Trelivings

Finalist – Wirra Wirra

Finalist – Ampale Olives

Winner – Bracegirdles