New business Winchelsea Larder has opened its doors. Situated in the premises previously known as Pepperjacks Restaurant (and still bearing the old signs!), Winchelsea Larder specialises in regional gourmet produce - high quality food and drink from the Southwest Victoria (approximately the diamond-shaped area between Geelong and Warrnambool, Ballarat and the coast). Ideally situated on the Princes Highway, Winchelsea Larder offers light lunches including regional Wines of the Day or boutique local beers, organic fairtrade coffee, loose-leaf tea, cakes and sweets, and gourmet sandwiches, wraps and rolls.

The shelves are stocked with jams, chutneys, honeys, spices, olives and olive oils, teas, gift hampers and more. Much of the produce is used in the menu, which is available for takeaway too (including as an eco-friendly picnic complete with bio-degradable or recyclable plates, cutlery and wrapping). Wednesdays and Fridays see the delivery of La Madre artisanal sourdough breads.

Facilities include a disabled toilet, internet access, comfortable leather chairs, daily newspapers and a range of information on some of the producers. Winchelsea Larder also exhibits local artworks - framed photos and paintings by local artists, available for sale and rotated on a monthly basis. Ask for a Coffee Card, to get every 6th cup free - and Winchelsea Larder has announced that Thursdays are Half-Price Senior's Days, with hot drinks, cakes & slices, and Devonshire Teas at half-price for each Senior's Card presented.

Most of WInchelsea Larder's items are avaiable for purchase online, and in fact a large range of wines and beers can be included in any orders (not currently available in the retail outlet due to liquor licencing restrictions). See www.aTasteOfTheRegion.com.au for details.

Drop in for a coffee & cake Special, and see what Southwest Victoria has to offer.

Winchelsea accommodation provider Countrywide Cottages has won the Geelong Chamber of Commerce Micro Business Award for 2008. Announced at the end of July, the judges commented that "This is a very switched-on, multifaceted business in a competitive market, which has increased its occupancy in the past two years. Countrywide Cottages has a strong base of return customers and has created a niche market by accommodating families, pets and people with disabilities."

Countrywide Cottages owner Di Schulze is an active member of the Winchelsea & District Tourism and Traders Association , and keen to realise Winchelsea's potential for tourism income. Countrywide Cottages is located in Bambra, and has achieved a four-star rating for its four fully self-contained cottages.

The Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Awards program is run annually, with a range of sponsored categories. Overall winner for 2008 was Truffleduck , the catering and reception venue business in Fyansford. Congratulations to Di Schulze and her team at Countrywide Cottages for a magnificent win in a very competitive industry.