Black & Ginger Wines Wins Business of the Year at 2026 East Grampians Business Awards
Ararat Rural City's local businesses were celebrated at Ararat Town Hall tonight at the ninth annual East Grampians Business Awards Gala. Black & Ginger Wines took home the Business of the Year Award for their commitment to continuous innovation, authentic hospitality and championing local collaboration.
Black & Ginger Wines were also the recipients of several accolades, including winners of the Future Ready Business and Made Here Awards, and finalists in several other categories.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders, congratulated Black & Ginger Wines for utilising customer-focused technology and partnering with other local businesses to create an experience beyond that of the typical cellar door.
"Black & Ginger Wines have really excelled in demonstrating how fast-paced growth and community connection can work together to create a unique experience for visitors and tourists. Rather than responding to trends, they've pushed forward with passion, and an ambitious vision for the future".
The Mess & Barracks took home the People's Choice Award, and Barkly Street Dental were named the winner of the Outstanding Customer Service Award.
Kerrie's Kreations won the Experience Creator Award in recognition of their unique tasting and hands-on workshop experiences that bring the community together, and the Grampians Golden Mug Award for serving the best local coffee.
Ararat Turf Club received the Experience Creator Award in the non-for-profit category for their contributions to the community and regional tourism for providing premium local food and hospitality, track-side entertainment and fostering community pride.
Laneway Pilates were the winners of the Bold Move Award for creating a dedicated wellness space beyond standard healthcare services, where people can continue to invest in their health through movement.
Hosted by Ararat Rural City Council, this year's East Grampians Business Awards attracted 57 entries across all categories.
"Tonight is all about celebrating the outstanding achievements and innovation of our local businesses, as well as the incredible diversity and resilience of our community." Mayor Sanders said it was particularly pleasing that over 1,100 votes were received for the People's Choice Award. "The overwhelmingly positive response from our community really shows just how valued our local businesses are, and how significant and appreciated their work is," he said.
Mayor Sanders also extended his thanks to the many sponsors who contributed to the awards, prizes and overall success of the gala event.
Council would like to thank all our sponsors Ace Radio and The Weekly Advertiser, Channel Seven, Commonwealth Bank, Cre8 Video Production, Gaia, Greater Ararat Business Network, Lighting Lab, NBN Australia, Nevett's Lawyers, and RDA Grampians.
East Grampians Business Awards 2026 winner and runner-up summary:
Business of the Year Award
- Winner: Black & Ginger Wines
- Runner Up: The Leopold Hotel
Future Ready Business Award
- Winner: Black & Ginger Wines
- Runner Up: E2E Growth Consultants
Experience Creator Award (Non-for-profit)
- Winner: Ararat Turf Club
- Runner Up: Ararat City Band
Experience Creator Award (Commercial)
- Winner: Kerrie's Kreations
- Runner Up: Black & Ginger Wines
Bold Move Award
- Winner: Laneway Pilates
- Runner Up: The Leopold Hotel
Made Here Award
- Winner: Black & Ginger Wines
- Runner Up: IRIS by Block and Clever
Outstanding Customer Service
- Winner: Barkly Street Dental
- Runner Up: The Mess & Barracks
Grampians Golden Mug Award
- Winner: Kerrie's Kreations
People's Choice Award
- Winner: The Mess & Barracks
- Runner Up: Maroona Hotel
- Third Place: Oak & Hound Bar
