Award-winning Onkaparinga
Published on 26 May 2025
It’s that time again – we’re celebrating the latest Onkaparinga-based state, national or international award-winners in our regular, bi-monthly column (read our most recent instalment here).
This edition includes a bed and breakfast with a heavy trophy cabinet, a nation-leading wine or three, and a club that’s bowling over the competition. Let’s jump in!
Cottage named ‘Best of the Best’… five times in a row
McLaren Vale wine region’s Karawatha Cottages has been recognised for the fifth consecutive year as one of Australia’s best bed and breakfasts.
The Blewitt Springs Road accommodation received a 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels Award (B&Bs and Inns) from global travel company, Tripadvisor, after receiving the same award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best Awards are determined by customer reviews and are awarded to “those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period.”
Out of more than 8 million listings worldwide, only 1 per cent achieve this milestone, with Karawatha Cottages achieving nothing but 5-star reviews in 2024.
Owner operators Friederike Scheppach and Georg Ruebensal said the award was particularly meaningful because it reflects the actual experiences of guests considering all aspects of their stay.
“We are extremely grateful to all our guests who have taken the time to reflect on their stay at Karawatha Cottages and rate their experience on TripAdvisor,” they said.
“For us to remain the number 1 rated accommodation in the region and part of the top 20 across Australia in the B&B/small accommodation category for 5 years’ running is a wonderful acknowledgement of what we strive to achieve.”
No way, Rosé
McLaren Vale is home to Australia’s best rosé, according to The Real Review.
The wine criticism publication’s annual Top Wineries of Australia Awards recognised S.C. Pannell’s 2024 Arido Rosé as the Rosé Wine of the Year – Australia 2025, writing “we’re proud to recognise a wine that captures the beauty, precision, and vibrancy of modern Australian rosé”.
“A huge congratulations to the 2024 S.C. Pannell Arido Rosé – a rosé that stood out among an exceptional field, impressing our panel with its balance, finesse, and sense of place.”
It’s not the only wine representing Onkaparinga on the national state lately. Two McLaren Vale wines were listed on a Dan Murphy’s list of Top Australian Wines Under $50 – the Shingleback Red Knot Shiraz being named Best Value Shiraz ($12.99) and The Ethereal One Grenache being named Best Value Grenache ($17.99).
We’re also crossing our fingers and toes for the 5 McLaren Vale finalists in the annual Young Gun of Wine Awards, with winners announced on 28 June. And for those wanting to throw their hat in the ring for another award, a reminder that entries for the Best of Wine Tourism Awards 2026 close on 30 June.
Bowled over
It has been a big month for the Port Noarlunga Bowling Club – not only did Max Kleinig win the 2024–25 Bowl SA Champion of Champions Singles title, but the club is also a finalist for Bowls SA’s Large Club of the Year Award (to be announced this Friday 30 May). Best of luck!
Best in show
Christies Beach's CJ's Bakery is no stranger to awards shows, and they added to their impressive collection of titles last week at the South Australian Baking Show.
They were not only named Most Successful Bread Exhibitor, they also took home first prize for Fruit Scrolls, Grain Cob, Gourmet Pull-a-part and 4-strand Plait, plus a host of second and third-place awards.
Business coach wins big
Moana-based business coach Selena Woodward has been recognised for her use of smart systems, taking home a Freedom Business Award at the annual ceremony from The Seven Effect.
The Systems award is given to women who are redefining efficiency and freedom through smart systems and savvy tech solutions.
Selena said that while she loves tech and efficient workflows, her version of “smart systems” goes beyond automations and outsourcing.
“I help business owners build systems that reflect how they think, feel, and lead – from the inside out,” she explained.
“It’s not just about streamlining tasks – it’s about aligning your message, your energy and your structure so that your business becomes a true expression of who you are.
“This award recognises a more intuitive, deeply personal approach to business systems – one that holds both strategy and self-awareness as vital to sustainable success.”
Council recognised at annual excellence awards
The City of Onkaparinga took home two coveted gongs of its own at the recent LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding achievement and innovation in local government.
The council was named winner in the Excellence in Customer Service or Experience Award, recognising a procedure developed by the Customer Relations and Libraries teams to manage unacceptable behaviour at council facilities.
The procedure offers a clear, compassionate framework that protects staff while supporting community access at community facilities. With a focus on safety, consistency and re-engagement, this procedure has reduced notifiable incidents and staff downtime.
The council also claimed the Excellence in Community Services and Development Award, recognising the Community Development team’s innovative Leadership Onkaparinga program.
It was honoured for fostering democratic participation, inclusive governance and social impact, empowering more than 300 participants to become active citizens and change-makers in their communities.
Have an award win to submit?
Eligibility
For inclusion in the column, all of the following criteria must be met:
- Businesses, organisations, groups or individuals located in the City of Onkaparinga
- Winners of state, national or international awards in their chosen field
- Award received up to two months before submission.
Submission
Email to onow@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Please include:
- Your name and contact details
- Name and (if known) contact details of the winner
- Name and details of the award
- If available, web links to the award
- If available, high-resolution images.