Best Wine Lists Category Winners 2026

• Cuisine: International
• Sommelier: Henry Bampton
• Number of Wines: 236
• Wines by the Glass: 31
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

The Canopy drinks list is both eclectic and eccentric in a most positive way. The deep dive into cocktails sets the scene with the tour of Spanish rivers and their regional wines, a surprise and delight. That said, the core of the list remains solid benchmarks from across Australia and around the wide world of wine. Rarities add gravitas, such as aged Barolos like the 1971 Paolo Conterno and 1979 Pio Cesare. Likewise, a swathe of older Kaesler reds and Pascal Cotat Sancerres brings depth to this most unusual wine list. Revel in its eccentricity.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Noah Rozenfeld
• Number of Wines: 1622
• Wines by the Glass: 117
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

A genuinely biblical list that is full of classics with the odd surprise packet. The detail provided on the wines, the mass of older vintages, the exquisite Champagne offering and international benchmarks are jaw-dropping, yet there is some real personality as well, which sometimes gets lost in a collection of this scale. Some of the highlights include wine flights, an extraordinary by-the-glass listing and multiple vintages of premier wines. Despite its global breadth, it also takes a deep dive into the local wines of the Mornington Peninsula and wider Victoria. It is immaculately tended and highly impressive. Bravo.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Chris Walker, Annetta Hunter
• Number of Wines: 2349
• Wines by the Glass: 86
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$

A world-class wine list that never sits still and continues to astound. This year, there are more wines listed (2349!), a completely new selection of 'feature' world wineries to explore, and the opportunity exists to try some of the world's greatest wines by the glass (in two size pours, 75ml & 150ml) that we can rarely afford by the bottle from Raveneau, Coche-Dury, Vega Sicilia, Hudelot-Noëllat, to René Rostaing. Youth and age combine in equal measure, new names take it up to classic producers, the edgy are given equal time with the more conventional, and the opportunity exists to explore featured wine producers and their wines. This is also a listing that carves out new ground for the depth of wines from New Zealand, the USA, the Jura, and the Rhône, in addition to one of the more stunning listings of France, Italy and Australia. There is no weak link here, even low-no alcohol options are first class.

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Loïc Avril, Yuki Hirose MS, Lee Sangyeop
• Number of Wines: 1650
• Wines by the Glass: 88
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

This ranks among Australia’s and the world’s great wine lists, exceptional in its vintage depth and curation and broad in both local and international scope. At heart, it’s a celebration of quality in all its forms. There are close to 90 wines by the glass, ranging from well-priced Australian favourites like MMAD Vineyard chenin through premium local chardonnay from By Farr and Tolpuddle to icon reds including Mount Mary pinot, The Armagh and Grange poured from magnums. Rarities from further afield, including the likes of Benjamin Leroux 1er Cru Meursault or Domaine de la Pousse d’Or Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses, are available as a taste, half-pour or glass. For those wanting a quick start, The Shortlist offers a hand-picked selection of well-priced small players plus recognisable labels which punch well above their weight. Beyond, in the main list, is a formidable collection of Dom Pérignon, grower Champagne and top Australian chardonnay, with due focus on the wines of Victoria, followed by the dazzling white Burgundy pages. From there, the list sails through impressive local pinot noir, shiraz, cabernet and friends, plus a curated New Zealand set, before drifting into a vinous fantasy land, including legendary holdings of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy, followed by Left- and Right-Bank Bordeaux and a crescendo of Château d’Yquem stretching back to 1914. Oh, one can dream. Then it is back to reality, though only just, with quality Beaujolais, Rhône, Loire and beyond, and worthy detours through Italy and Spain and an unusually deep selection from the USA. A fabulous spirits collection, including an extensive range of single malts, ensures the evening can close in suitable style.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Christopher Entwistle, Will Almond
• Number of Wines: 545
• Wines by the Glass: 42
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$

A fabulous list in every respect, not least of which is the exceptional by-the-glass offering, impressive in both size and content. Attention to detail throughout reflects that Blackbird runs a curated, disciplined wine program that proudly champions the wines of Australia, including those of the local Granite Belt. There is a well-judged balance between established and emerging producers, and an excellent mix of international wines, including revered classics alongside entry-level options that encourage exploration. A top addition is Blackbird’s ‘Favourite 50’, a selection chosen by the team that highlights wines which over-deliver on quality, including aged examples in their peak drinking window. A varietal feature on grenache highlights local and global styles and blends thereof, while the Australian-themed cocktails at the start of the list, including those using seasonal and native Queensland produce, provide a fitting introduction to proceedings.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Grace Washer, Jay Chapman
• Number of Wines: 275
• Wines by the Glass: 38
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Winner of the 2025 Best Listing of ACT Wines continues to highlight the breadth and depth of local regional wines across 8 districts from Bungendore and Murrumbateman to Wallaroo, with riesling and shiraz the standouts. The list also incorporates the broader Australian and international wine scene, and presents wines according to your drinking mood: Luscious & Lightweight, Smashable White, Provocative Pinot Noir, Ripped Red and more. Aged wines are a feature right across the list, and for something a little extra special, dive into wines "From The Cellar."

• Cuisine: British
• Sommelier: Foni Pollitt
• Number of Wines: 437
• Wines by the Glass: 73
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

An original and thoroughly considered wine list suited to any occasion. The “Local Sips” pages ground you firmly in place, offering a clear sense of your immediate surrounds, while thoughtful attention is given to the broader continent beyond. WA wines show a true dedication to community and the insider knowledge of someone who loves their state. A nod to wines grown on volcanic soils, guided by Foni Pollitt’s own journey of discovery, unfolds like a treasure hunt across the pages, bringing a sense of whimsy to the experience of exploration. Maps and wine classifications offer moments of clarity without ever feeling overly educational, and the illustrations evoke a sense of nostalgia. This is a list with the guest and diner firmly in mind, delivering genuine value, flair, and a sense of enjoyment in finding the right wine for the moment.

• Cuisine: International
• Sommelier: Matt Young
• Number of Wines: 87
• Wines by the Glass: 87
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$

A rare, sake-exclusive listing offering one exciting - and educational - deep dive into the traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made by fermenting polished rice. The list - 87 sake long and all available by the glass/carafe in 90ml, 230ml and 400ml - is divided into sake first by style and then a second part devoted to 23 individual producers. A sake flight is also offered. Not sure what to try or where to start? Each sake comes with information on style, rice, polishing ratio, yeast and a tasting note. Outside of sake, a small offering of cocktails, beers, amari, spirits and whiskies is also offered.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Mathilde Tytgat
• Number of Wines: 199
• Wines by the Glass: 31
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Lives up to its reputation - and its 2025 award for Best Wine List (max. 200) - with a list that continues to excite, surprise, challenge and warm the wildest of wine hearts. The world of wine opens up before the diner, and fortunately for those who wish to discover more, there is plenty of information to guide your journey. This year two new categories of wine are noted and explained - natural, certified - in addition to sustainable, organic, biodynamic and vegan. Another new feature are the sub-headings in addition to wines listed in weight, from the lighter to the heavier. And the wines? Well, the Aussies - led by South Australians, hold their own against a world of wine from Corsica to Chile, Switzerland and Portugal to Germany, France to Italy and more. The Museum Collection offers a South Australian-only view of that state's age-worthy wines.

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Elle Foster, Alma Pasalic
• Number of Wines: 252
• Wines by the Glass: 25
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

A layered and beautiful list full of old friends and new acquaintances. There is adventure to be had here with trusted wines from all over the world and plenty from nearby. If you like the idea of the wines being chosen for you, this is the place, with four pairing options on offer across a range of prices, including a creative zero-alcohol option, including exotic house-made drinks and small-batch sodas.

• Cuisine: French
• Sommelier: Loic Avril, Yuki Hirose, Roberto Lombardo
• Number of Wines: 1994
• Wines by the Glass: 98
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$-$$$

This is an impressive, mind-blowing tome of magnificent wines, nearly 2,000 in total. One could happily be content with the by-the-glass selection alone, one of the finest around, which reads like a who’s who of the wine world, allowing the diner to indulge in a cleansing Eden Valley riesling, a grand cru Chablis or perhaps a Cheval Blanc. The premium wines are made a little more ‘accessible’ with the option of a small pour, which greatly aids and encourages experimentation. There are also special features by the glass, allowing one to explore Bâtard-Montrachet by producer, enjoy a Sauternes Experience, or perhaps savour just one perfect glass of Château d’Yquem. On to the magnums: does it get any better, with six pages of options? In line with the restaurant’s French theme, the key regions of France receive appropriate attention, allowing diners to tour by appellation. If money is no object, you will be in heaven, with spotlights on Coche-Dury, Vincent Dauvissat, Armand Rousseau and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, not to mention a cellar of first-growth Bordeaux. But there is also an excellent collection of Victorian wine, including a vertical of Giaconda chardonnay and Bass Phillip Estate pinot noir. Wider Australia has not been forgotten, with key producers represented through the different varieties, including numerous options from Henschke and Yalumba. It’s a hedonistic, aspirational list to satisfy all your wildest vinous dreams, though there is also a distinct entry-level tier, making it a destination for all serious wine lovers.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Sommelier: Alex Meikle-Briggs
• Number of Wines: 1650
• Wines by the Glass: 52
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

A wonderful list celebrating all things Italian. What wine lover amongst us would not be thrilled to encounter a list which kicks off with a selection of wines by the glass from the legendary Angelo Gaja? There is much more, of course, with the team employing Coravin to broaden the choices. The list does not limit itself to Italy, and we have fine wines from top regions and producers throughout – everywhere from the Barossa Valley to Champagne, England and even Slovenia. While it is a high-end list, there is also value to be found throughout. Endless mature options as well. A cracking list.

• Cuisine: French
• Sommelier: Callie Poole
• Number of Wines: 1450
• Wines by the Glass: 67
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

This is a serious wine program of a grandeur that matches the impressive vaulted ceilings and elegant dining room. The by-the-glass offering is sensational, with the main list, Coravin program, and Sommelier Selections all offering the diner a path to exploration. The rarest wines are available by the 50 ml and 75 ml pour, providing access to some of the world’s great producers, such as Château Rayas. There is an elegance to the layout, complete with charming illustrations, that celebrates the local wines of Victoria and wider Australia within the context of diverse global styles, mixing the classic and contemporary in a heady, temptation-filled spell. Champagne is a highlight, beautifully curated with disgorgement dates listed, offering the refined diner insights into the subtleties of style, age and complexity. Across the key regions of France, the highest echelons are reached, particularly in Burgundy and Bordeaux. There is also a fabulous feature on savagnin. One of the unique aspects of the list is its wide range of American wines, including lesser-seen producers such as Ceritas and Hirsch. There’s also a fine selection of sweet and fortified options, not to mention an exceptional spirits listing. The level of curation is impressive, giving confidence in all selections, making it difficult for the diner to put a foot wrong.

• Cuisine: Greek
• Sommelier: Zoe Brunton, Sam Christie
• Number of Wines: 438
• Wines by the Glass: 39
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$

This is not your usual, casual Greek wine list, this is a list masterfully constructed to highlight what Greece does so well, and it's not only restricted to the exciting new generation of winemakers now making waves. From beer, Greek-inspired cocktails, vermouth and ouzo right through to the odd retsina to brandy, rum and digestifs - the Greeks rule. But the wines - together with a bunch of Aussies and the odd Mediterranean-based producer - bring the real excitement factor. Producer Profiles on Owen Latta and Gaia help set the scene with some aged lovelies to enjoy. Choose your Greek variety and dive in - maybe the popular assyrtiko and moschofilero whites or classic agiorgitiko red? You can test them and more because many are available by the glass.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Chris Walker, Annetta Hunter
• Number of Wines: 2349
• Wines by the Glass: 86
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$

A world-class wine list that never sits still and continues to astound. This year, there are more wines listed (2349!), a completely new selection of 'feature' world wineries to explore, and the opportunity exists to try some of the world's greatest wines by the glass (in two size pours, 75ml & 150ml) that we can rarely afford by the bottle from Raveneau, Coche-Dury, Vega Sicilia, Hudelot-Noëllat, to René Rostaing. Youth and age combine in equal measure, new names take it up to classic producers, the edgy are given equal time with the more conventional, and the opportunity exists to explore featured wine producers and their wines. This is also a listing that carves out new ground for the depth of wines from New Zealand, the USA, the Jura, and the Rhône, in addition to one of the more stunning listings of France, Italy and Australia. There is no weak link here, even low-no alcohol options are first class.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Shun Eto, Dominik Bentley, Freddie William Conington
• Number of Wines: 508
• Wines by the Glass: 57
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

A comprehensive Australian-focused list that is not afraid to throw up the occasional left-field surprise for those who enjoy exploration and sometimes a little fun. No escaping the seriously impressive focus on wines from New South Wales. Equally pleasing is the attention paid to wines with considerable maturity coming from ideal vintages. Highlights include all the big-name local reds one could wish for, exclusively Australian table wines on pour, plus an impressive array of Champagne for celebratory moments. Numerous organic and biodynamic wines. It's a fabulous, well-researched and considered list, with pricing more than fair throughout.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Gianmattia Giordano, Matthew O'Hara, Dario De Luca
• Number of Wines: 2660
• Wines by the Glass: 52
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

The seemingly endless collection of three glass awards over many years, and other bling, trophies, best of’s and so on, speaks to the consistent excellence of this list. Telephone book in size, granted, but wine lovers will probably spend far too long exploring each and every category. It is not just a shopping list of the world’s great wines – did you want Sake, Sherry, Corsican wines, Slovenian, Japanese, pretty much you name it. But if great wine is your thing, here you go. Someone wants to limit you to options by the glass? You’ll still have a brilliant experience. Mature options abound, verticals will entrance, and of course, the supporting cast of spirits and beverages is world-class. And among the high-end wines are plenty of well-priced gems to ensure a good night. Magical list!

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Kyle Poole
• Number of Wines: 49
• Wines by the Glass: 17
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

The wine list at Surry Hills cocktail bar The Rover may be small, but it sure is mighty. Lots of interest by the glass (or 500ml carafe), from a Fighting Gully Road Verdicchio to Momento Mori's skinsy vermentino and an artisanal Bierzo-sourced mencía. Just 50 bottles on hand, and they're easy to navigate thanks to flavour profiles like Crisp & Aromatic, or Light & Bright. Local names are a blend of edgy and iconic (Battles v. By Farr, for example), though Europe has the most real estate here. Prices are more than reasonable for this end of town, too. Kudos.

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Georgina Larsson
• Number of Wines: 2023
• Wines by the Glass: 77
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$-$$$

Once again, I'm in awe of this list. It's been assembled with clinical precision and, undoubtedly, a great deal of care and research, including the helpful wine matching suggestions for every dish. It truly caters to every palate and type of drinker. Just when you start to feel intimidated by the overall seriousness and pedigree of the selection, you're met with the skin-contact and amphora sections, the wine region maps, and the visual explanation of Champagne bottle formats, from the humble 375ml bottle to the glorious 6L format. The wines-by-the-glass section is a universe of its own, offering remarkable variety and breadth, including non-alcoholic wines, an extensive selection of sweet and fortified wines, and a thoughtful apéritif section in the European tradition. The alternative-format pages are equally well curated, and the shiraz collection is one of the best I've seen. The same level of care and research is clearly reflected in the bar list.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Alexander Keene
• Number of Wines: 169
• Wines by the Glass: 17
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

The Agrarian Kitchen lives up to its name, sourcing over 90% of its ingredients from the on-site garden, while the wine list is likewise around 90% Tasmanian. It offers a celebration of the best of the isle, focusing on its undoubted strengths in sparklings, riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir. The rise in aromatic and alternative varieties, including pinot gris, grüner veltliner, chenin blanc and more, makes the white wine listing a little more adventurous. The list seeks out lighter local reds like gamay and explores the continuing growth of syrah and cabernet sauvignon. Supporting locals is important here, for example, with artisans like Two Metre Tall and R. D'Meure given their own dedicated features. But for some styles, especially fuller-bodied reds, the list turns to the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Victoria for those looking for weightier options.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Nina Throsby Throsby, Alexander King, Nicole Wewiorski
• Number of Wines: 1040
• Wines by the Glass: 59
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

Take a suggestion for your first drink, as you might need to settle in with this tome of beverages. From the cocktails and spirits to the 1000-plus wine offering, this list is a journey. Feature pages guide you throughout, expanding your knowledge whilst you sip, with well-known producers and new discoveries ready to be explored. The highlights, of which there are many, include a celebration of Western Australian labels, multiple vintages of most wines, a carefully chosen selection of producers, a compendium of half-bottles, an anthology of dessert and fortified wine, and an exquisite Champagne library complete with a helpful index. The main list features a mix of classic labels and ‘contemporaries’, with the criteria for each elegantly defined and the finest examples drawn from both camps. This is the sort of rare wine list that allows you to relax and place your trust in the sommelier team, led by the ever-impressive Nina Throsby, knowing that countless hours of tasting, reading and exploring have gone into presenting one of the finest collections around.

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Seth Piszczuk, Tony Venn
• Number of Wines: 1680
• Wines by the Glass: 45
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

A formidable 1680 wines available. To stutter, 1680. This is one heck of a collection, and it runs from just-up-the-road Basket Range parish of Adelaide Hills natural wine icons through to cellared collections of Yarra Yering and then righteously jaw-dropping offerings from the who's who of prestigious Burgundy, a very serious selection of Bordeaux, Champagne galore and then a treatise to South Australian wine from the likes of Shaw + Smith, Ashton Hills and Yangarra, with a very good selection of German riesling on hand. It's a striking, deeply flavoured offering and one that should set hearts on fire of wine nerd and casual drinker alike. This is a huge experience writ large through the dedication of a very special cellar at a very lovely pub.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Noah Rozenfeld
• Number of Wines: 1622
• Wines by the Glass: 117
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

A genuinely biblical list that is full of classics with the odd surprise packet. The detail provided on the wines, the mass of older vintages, the exquisite Champagne offering and international benchmarks are jaw-dropping, yet there is some real personality as well, which sometimes gets lost in a collection of this scale. Some of the highlights include wine flights, an extraordinary by-the-glass listing and multiple vintages of premier wines. Despite its global breadth, it also takes a deep dive into the local wines of the Mornington Peninsula and wider Victoria. It is immaculately tended and highly impressive. Bravo.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Shun Eto, Dominik Bentley, Freddie William Conington
• Number of Wines: 508
• Wines by the Glass: 57
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

A comprehensive Australian-focused list that is not afraid to throw up the occasional left-field surprise for those who enjoy exploration and sometimes a little fun. No escaping the seriously impressive focus on wines from New South Wales. Equally pleasing is the attention paid to wines with considerable maturity coming from ideal vintages. Highlights include all the big-name local reds one could wish for, exclusively Australian table wines on pour, plus an impressive array of Champagne for celebratory moments. Numerous organic and biodynamic wines. It's a fabulous, well-researched and considered list, with pricing more than fair throughout.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Sommelier: Julian Izzillo
• Number of Wines: 500
• Wines by the Glass: 50
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$-$$$

There's incredible choice at this long-time Italian restaurant, from the considered cocktails and non-alcoholic bitter sodas to the many aperitivos and amaros that bookend the list. The wine offering is equally extensive – 50 are offered by the glass alone (in two sizes, no less). The list puts the spotlight on Italy's key regions and producers, while also showcasing standouts from Australia and France, with back vintages included. South Africa, Greece, Spain, and more add further international appeal.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Trent Everitt
• Number of Wines: 700
• Wines by the Glass: 28
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Besk combines the best of both worlds - a pub and wine bar with comprehensive lists of beers, wines and spirits. Quality, discovery and a sense of adventure go hand in hand here, where familiar names mix with the new and hard-to-source. Hence, you will be seduced by beers from around Australia through to Texas, Prague, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and more. Similarly, wines are sourced from far and wide, and this year the number increases from 550 to 700. Fair mark-ups mean prices are reasonable. Seeking out something special? Older vintages can be found from makers such as Cullen, Henschke, Woodlands, Dauzac and Lopez de Heredia.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Nina Throsby Throsby, Alexander King, Nicole Wewiorski
• Number of Wines: 1040
• Wines by the Glass: 59
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$$

Take a suggestion for your first drink, as you might need to settle in with this tome of beverages. From the cocktails and spirits to the 1000-plus wine offering, this list is a journey. Feature pages guide you throughout, expanding your knowledge whilst you sip, with well-known producers and new discoveries ready to be explored. The highlights, of which there are many, include a celebration of Western Australian labels, multiple vintages of most wines, a carefully chosen selection of producers, a compendium of half-bottles, an anthology of dessert and fortified wine, and an exquisite Champagne library complete with a helpful index. The main list features a mix of classic labels and ‘contemporaries’, with the criteria for each elegantly defined and the finest examples drawn from both camps. This is the sort of rare wine list that allows you to relax and place your trust in the sommelier team, led by the ever-impressive Nina Throsby, knowing that countless hours of tasting, reading and exploring have gone into presenting one of the finest collections around.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Polly Mackarel, Louella Mathews
• Number of Wines: 555
• Wines by the Glass: 42
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

An all-Australian list including spirits, fortifieds and beers, and what a stunning showcase. Exceptionally fine bottles on every page from high-end producers such as Mount Mary and Henschke to lesser-known ones such as ChaLou and Entropy. Depth and detail plus personality all here with a superb collection of House of Arras, and aside from the varietal headings, a thrilling white and red section called ‘Off The Beaten Vine’ features cool stuff such as grüner veltliner and pecorino or tempranillo and nero d’Avola. And, by-the-glass is terrific. Brava sommelier Louella Mathews, who also points out female producers and viticulturists.

• Cuisine: Pub Dining
• Sommelier: Kerri Thompson, Priscila Cunha, Guy Parkinson
• Number of Wines: 285
• Wines by the Glass: 17
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

The Rising Sun is a much-loved historic pub that has an energetic list that celebrates the wines of the Clare Valley. Talented winemaker/sommelier Kerri Thompson has (naturally) focused on her eponymous KT brand and the wines she crafts for Skillogalee. Adding breadth is KT's wide-ranging collection from her Clare Valley colleagues with a special focus on the cult favourite, Wendouree. A skim across other South Australian regions and a tight selection of cornerstone wines from across the world rounds out this excellent 'pub' wine list. Of course, beers feature strongly as does a solid selection of spirits and liqueurs. Drop into The Rising Sun soon, your day will shine.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Polly Mackarel, Louella Mathews
• Number of Wines: 555
• Wines by the Glass: 42
• Wine Price by the Glass: $-$$

An all-Australian list including spirits, fortifieds and beers, and what a stunning showcase. Exceptionally fine bottles on every page from high-end producers such as Mount Mary and Henschke to lesser-known ones such as ChaLou and Entropy. Depth and detail plus personality all here with a superb collection of House of Arras, and aside from the varietal headings, a thrilling white and red section called ‘Off The Beaten Vine’ features cool stuff such as grüner veltliner and pecorino or tempranillo and nero d’Avola. And, by-the-glass is terrific. Brava sommelier Louella Mathews, who also points out female producers and viticulturists.

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Georgina Larsson
• Number of Wines: 2023
• Wines by the Glass: 77
• Wine Price by the Glass: $$-$$$

Once again, I'm in awe of this list. It's been assembled with clinical precision and, undoubtedly, a great deal of care and research, including the helpful wine matching suggestions for every dish. It truly caters to every palate and type of drinker. Just when you start to feel intimidated by the overall seriousness and pedigree of the selection, you're met with the skin-contact and amphora sections, the wine region maps, and the visual explanation of Champagne bottle formats, from the humble 375ml bottle to the glorious 6L format. The wines-by-the-glass section is a universe of its own, offering remarkable variety and breadth, including non-alcoholic wines, an extensive selection of sweet and fortified wines, and a thoughtful apéritif section in the European tradition. The alternative-format pages are equally well curated, and the shiraz collection is one of the best I've seen. The same level of care and research is clearly reflected in the bar list.

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Louella Mathews, Polly Mackarel
• Number of Wines: 94
• Wines by the Glass: 32
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Experienced sommelier, Louella Matthews, is the driving force behind this highly individual and exciting list of Australian wines (bar the Champagne and English sparkling). The setting in Taronga Zoo sets the scene for cocktails to start, many made with native indigenous ingredients. Then, it is on to wines with a distinct sense of adventure, with many made according to vegan, organic, biodynamic and sustainable winemaking principles. And 50% were made by women. A taste across the Orange wine region is a featured highlight, as is the selection of wines that include many not usually seen on lists, such as Munda, Little Frances, Moon, Aphelion, Jane Eyre, La LInea and more. It's a mix of the new, the daring, the classics and the timeless. The adventurous theme continues into local spirits and liqueurs. Check them out.