Australia’s most prestigious awards program for wine and beverage lists,
established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook and Rob and the late Judy Hirst
Congratulations to all the 2023 Finalists and Winners
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Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards were established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook, Sydney’s first Wine and Spirit Merchant (established 1838).
The aim of the Awards is twofold – to recognise and reward the enormous investment by restaurant owners, managers and sommeliers in the time, skill and resources that go into developing the best quality wine lists and teams and the cellars behind them. At the same time the Awards recognise, pay tribute to and reward the dedication and talent of those individuals, those sommeliers who create these lists for Australia’s best restaurants, hotels, clubs, wine bars, pubs and cafes – large and small.
Peter Forrestal, current Chairman of Judges and Chair since taking over the role from Huon, and a member of the judging panel since 1994, endorses Huon’s comments and salutes the rise to prominence of Australia’s sommeliers over the past 20 years particularly. ‘Not only does Australia now boast an abundance of sommeliers but those we have are as well educated and as experienced as those of any country in the world. They have been fortunate to have a vigorous and enthusiastic industry body in Sommeliers Australia and strong support from international organisations such as the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Importantly, the Awards have also had an impact on the public’s interest in fine wine generally and have improved their appreciation of those establishments which have successfully participated in the Awards over the years and been celebrated.
QANTAS Magazine and Travel Insider are the Awards Consumer Communications Partner, and since 2016, the Drinks Association have been the official Awards Trade Communications Partner.
The Awards:
The late, great Tina Turner once belted out ‘you’re simply the best’ for the rugby league all those years ago yet it could be an anthem for Cirrus. This is a spectacular, innovative and thrilling list showcasing 1200 special bottles with 50 by the glass. Plenty of joy and difference on each page – and who else could offer an extensive mix of French chenin blanc or 17 aligoté with each desirable and perfect for this top seafood restaurant. Bravo.
24 Sep 2023
Download Media Release HERE Sydney waterfront restaurant Cirrus Dining has been crowned Australia’s Wine List of the Year at the 30th anniversary of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards ceremony, held tonight at the Ovolo Hotel in Woolloomooloo NSW. The seafood jewel in Bentley Restaurant Group’s crown of fine dining establishments, Cirrus Dining stood […]
15 May 2023
Download media release HERE Calling all creators of the nation’s leading drinks lists – there is less than one week left to submit your lists for consideration in the 2023 edition of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. Venue owners, sommeliers and beverage directors have until 11:59 PM on 15 May 2023 to submit […]
01 Apr 2023
Download Press Release HERE Calling all creators of the nation’s leading drinks lists – entries for the 30th edition of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards will officially open on Monday, 3 April 2023. Venue owners, sommeliers and beverage directors have less than one month to go until they can submit their entries to […]
24 Sep 2022
Download Media Release HERE Celebrating an outstanding 20 years in operation in 2022, in addition to taking out the major award, Cru Bar + Cellar also took the titles of Australia’s Best Wine Bar List and Australia’s Best Champagne List. At the same time, the venue’s sommelier Chris Walker received the prestigious Judy Hirst Award […]
Qantas magazine and Travel Insider, an official partner of the AWLOTY Awards, is the leading destination for travel content in Australia. It is not only a celebration of travel and all that it offers but also an insider’s guide to the best experiences in Australia and overseas. The partnership with AWLOTY is an opportunity to recognise Australia’s best wine lists and share the restaurants that are excelling with a very premium audience.
The drinks association is the AWLOTYA’s official Trade Communications Partner. It’s Australia’s leading membership body providing services and information to the drinks industry, with a well-respected portfolio of trade publications targeting an extensive cross-section of the on-premise drinks community – in excess of 13,000 restaurants, clubs, pubs, hotels, resorts, bars and wine bars.