In 2008, along with the top award of Australia's Wine List of the Year, key category awards are:
The following are presented in conjunction with Australia's Wine List of the Year:
Inaugurated in 2008, this award is presented annually to the person most responsible for creating the Australian Wine List of the Year. It is presented in memory of Judy Hirst who, with Tucker Seabrook, established and managed the Awards for the first decade following their inception in 1994.
This celebrates the Best New Wine List in Australia. Inaugurated in 2001, it is named in memory of founding judge and respected wine writer, Tony Hitchin. Any licensed on-premise establishment that has been operating for 12 months or less is eligible for this Award.
Carefully thought-out and impeccably balanced lists are a delight to any judge of these Awards. That such a list does not need to be extensive is the focus of attention with this Award. Any licensed on-premise establishment with a wine list of 50 wines or less is eligible.
There is interest, like never before, in regionality. Much work has been done over the past decade to define and market the distinctive styles of our Australian wine regions. Here the judges are looking for wine lists, or sections of wine lists, that provide a comprehensive insight into a wine region. The classiest regional lists will focus predominantly on the varieties which the region does best and will offer some of the finest vintages – both recent and older.
An important part of the art of being a sommelier is working with the chef to create food and wine matches that tantalise diners, transforming both the chosen wine and the dish in ways that make for a memorable dining experience. With this Award, wine lists which dare to match food and wine can be rewarded. The judges expect that most who enter will focus attention on a degustation menu in which each dish is paired with an appropriate wine.
With the exception of the Judy Hirst Award, establishments must indicate on their entry form that they wish to be judged for these Awards.
The winner of the Australia's Wine List of the Year Award will receive:
The 2008 Wine List of the Year award winners have been announced. Click here to download the full list of winners. 
