McLaren Vale Bakery

In the Main Street of McLaren Vale there's a Bakery that on the surface appears like most others. However, it is different, the only clue you find in the shop is the stream of baked goods that almost mysteriously appear behind the counter. They are brought to the surface via a conveyor belt that is a vital link between the shelf and the Bakery below. A workforce of 46 people work shifts around the clock ... they produce 8 thousand pies per week which is one of 300 different lines. Six years ago this place was in the hands of the receivers ... last year the turnover was one and a half million dollars. It's enough to make you break out the champagne. The bubbly is part of the reason for the success. Margaret Davey was looking to develop something unique for McLaren Vale so using local drops - she developed wine pies. The creations such as Lamb Piquant and Champagne Chicken are a first for Australia and last year beat off six thousand others to win a medal at the Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition. Quality is a big deal for Margaret - she even employs a full time butcher Bill Kennedy to look after the meat - possibly a first for a Bakery in this country.

"The local Flour Mill provides all our Flour ... we use local fruit and vegetables ... we like to support our local industry. McLaren Vale has very high youth unemployment so the more we support the local industry the better." Initially Margaret's husband Nicholas ran the Bakery - he has won prestigious industry awards - but a serious accident has left him permanently incapacitated. Margaret took over in 1995 and in addition to building the business through long weekends, she is the first woman elected Vice-President of the Baking Industry Association ... all while looking after four teenage kids! "It's a tiring occupation ... one I've chosen and I'll stick to it." The McLaren Vale Bakery is in the Central Shopping Centre in Main Road at McLaren Vale. It's open 7 days a week - opening at 6:30 in the morning and proving a favourite with seasonal Wine Industry Workers. For more information email: info@postcards.sa.com.au