The best of McLaren Vale business has been crowned tonight (Friday, 18 October) at the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association’s annual business awards.

Announced at an invitation only cocktail event at Hardy’s Tintara, the awards recognise excellence in business and customer service across the region.

The awards were judged by an independent panel comprising Ron Logan, Pip Forrester and Darlene Voss.

And here are the winners - hot off the press!

Overall winner (selected from all category winners):

Roach Corporate Law

According to the judges, it was very tough to decide on the overall winner given the quality of the category winners. In deciding, they placed emphasis on the comprehensive and well documented application from Roach Corporate Law, with excellent supporting testimonials. In addition to the level of detailed innovation in their practice, their significant documented community support work, and assistance to local not for profit organisations justified the overall winner award. This support is the backbone of the McLaren Vale community and the judges were delighted to showcase their efforts. 

People’s Choice winner:

Blessed Cheese

Category winners:

EMPLOYEE – sponsored by Wirra Wirra 

Winner: Sarah Wadewitz at Gorgeous Soles 

Finalist: Alice Tester at Roach Corporate Law

Sarah is a warm and caring person with a work ethic that is second to none. She has played a key role from the setup of the store, and her continuing contribution is highly valued. The combination of Sarah's lovely personality and her genuine desire to find exactly what her customers would like and need, as well as understanding retail, has been a huge part of the success of Gorgeous Soles. 

HOME-BASED BUSINESS - sponsored by Bracegirdles

Winner: Julia Brown Naturapath & Remedial Massage – Julia Brown 

Finalist: Turquoise Rose – Vicky Aldred 

Julia Brown is a Naturopath and Remedial Massage Therapist. She works holistically by listening to the clients’ needs and incorporating a treatment that will facilitate healing and restoration, using all modalities of Naturopathy and Remedial Massage to focus in on the cause of the symptoms presented. 

HOSPITALITY – sponsored by Tatachilla Lutheran College 

Winner: Blessed Cheese – Caroline Tripodi 

Finalists: Shifty Lizard Brewing Co – Lee Stone and Pollys Wine Lounge – Peter Reschke

Blessed Cheese prides itself on great food and coffee, catering for all kinds of special occasions with magnificent grazing tables and platters. Whether you want to meet up with a few friends, you are a local business wanting to entertain clients, or you are planning a special occasion, the team at the Blessed Cheese Café will be delighted to help you. 

TOURISM – sponsored by Peats Soil & Garden Supplies 

Winner: Shadow Creek – Chelsea Boylen 

Finalists: Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat – Hazel Parker and Coast and Co – Simon Burley 

Ideally situated in the heart of McLaren Vale, Shadow Creek is a comfortably beautiful place to come home to after a busy day exploring the region. Perfect for solo travellers and couples, Shadow Creek offers privacy and stunning views from every room. Guests enjoy the double fireplace in winter, throw the doors open in summer and stroll hand and hand around the vineyard. 

NEW BUSINESS – sponsored by Hardys Tintara 

Winner: Tipi Lane – Cherie Hampton 

Finalists: McLaren Vale Retreat – Maliwan Radford and The Fleurieu App – Susie Williams 

Tipi Lane is a unique tipi event hire service in McLaren Vale, South Australia. The business offers statement tipis (teepees), special event furniture and lighting for hire at a selection of Fleurieu tipi partner venues as well as its own event space in McLaren Vale.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES - sponsored by BDO McLaren Vale 

Winner: Roach Corporate Law – Alison Bradshaw & Kym Tiller 

Finalists: Deborah Lilley Marriage Celebrant – Deborah Lilley and Hastwell Travel & Cruise – Trinity Hastwell 

Roach Corporate Law is headquartered in the heart of McLaren Vale and is a new and progressive law firm with a focus on business and commercial law. It has a solid grounding in banking and finance, property, intellectual property and dispute resolution and focuses its practice in these areas, ensuring quality advice is provided to its mostly business clients.  

RETAIL – sponsored by TerryWhite Chemmart McLaren Vale 

Winner: Gorgeous Soles – Elle Brown 

Finalist: The Jewellery Room – Melissa Puust 

Gorgeous Soles is a women’s footwear and clothing boutique, situated in the main street of McLaren Vale. It prides itself in providing high quality footwear, fashion, accessories and giftwear. The business’ focus is on ensuring all customers have a wonderful shopping experience, and enjoy the unique selection. 

TRADES – sponsored by Ink on Paper 

Winner: South Vac – Natasha Kearslake 

Finalists: Southbound Locksmiths – Peter Busbridge & Sam Busbridge and School for Dogs Aldinga Bay Inc - Gail Kilby 

South Vac offers non-destructive digging services all over South Australia. It is a family-owned local business with a reputation for great work and award-winning service. South Vac has a strong focus on safety and environmental responsibility and the team is proud to be living and working in the Fleurieu.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees and thanks to the organisers, sponsors and judges!