26 Sep 2026
Society
Entries for the 2026 Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards are now open!
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In addition to the major trophy, Society also picked another three major titles including Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List; Best Wine List Victoria and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass. The venue was also a finalist in another three categories: Australia’s Best Listing of Victorian Wines; Australia’s Best Listing of New Zealand Wines; and Australia’s Best Listing of Cellared and Museum Wines. Society’s Head Sommeliers Loïc Avril, Yuki Hirose MS and Sommelier Lee Sangyeop were awarded the prestigious Judy Hirst Award, which is awarded to the sommeliers responsible for the winning list.
Other front runners for this year’s awards include Perth’s Gibney which was awarded Best Wine List WA; Australia’s Best Digestif List, and The Peter Forrestal Award for Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines. Gibney was also a finalist for four categories including the major title of Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2026 with judges noting the list’s depth and balance of well-known and up-and-coming producers. Sydney’s Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La also took home three titles with judges praising the comprehensive list that also highlights some “left-of-centre” options for those looking to explore.
This year’s state and territory stand-outs included The Boat House (Best Wine List ACT); Shell House Dining Room & Terrace (Best Wine List NSW); Otto Brisbane (Best Wine List QLD); 2KW Bar + Restaurant (Best Wine List SA); and Black Cow Bistro (Best Wine List TAS). It’s the first time Shell House Dining Room & Terrace and 2KW Bar + Restaurant have taken out these major category wins.
Society’s winning list was praised by Chair of Judges Toni Paterson MW for its impressive range and versatile offering to cater for those looking for something familiar or new.
“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,” noted Paterson.
“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.”
Society, operated by the Lucas Group, opened in 2021 and first entered Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards in 2023 where it picked up the award of Australia’s Best Listing of French Wines. Since then, it has continued to build its reputation by taking out the same category in 2024, and for the third year in a row in 2025 alongside Australia’s Best Listing of Museum & Rare Wines and Australia’s Best Digestif List. It’s the third year in a row that a Victorian venue has won the coveted title, with Circl taking out the win last year and Gimlet at Cavendish House in 2024.
On this year’s results, Chair of Judges Toni Paterson MW commented: “Despite recent challenges, our restaurant sector has great energy, with fabulous wine and beverage lists compiled by confident, knowledgeable sommeliers…The best lists are showing greater support for Australian wines, including those from their home state, which is heartening, especially when local wines represent excellent value, are better than ever, and offer great style and varietal diversity.”
“This year has seen the rise of grenache, mini-cocktails, chilled reds and small pours by the glass, the latter encouraging experimentation while staying mindful of cost. The international offering is incredibly varied, allowing people to explore the world of wine without leaving our shores. We have also seen a wider range of cuisines and menu formats, with share plates increasingly popular.”
An incredible eight venues were added to the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards – Hall of Fame. To be applicable, venues must have won Australia’s Wine List of the Year once or a State/Territory or Australian category Award three times while also maintaining their glass rating each year. Among the new inductees for 2026 were Circl (Australia’s Wine List of the Year); Agnes (Best Listing of Queensland Wines 2023, 2024, 2025); Fico (Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines 2021, 2022, 2025); Settlers Tavern (Best Country Restaurant 2022, 2023, 2025); Woodcut (Best Hotel List 2023, 2024, 2025); Society (Best Listing of French Wines 2023, 2024, 2025); Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (Best Listing of South Australian Wines 2017, 2021, 2025).
Additionally, Amanda Yallop of Fink Group was added to the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards – Hall of Fame. This prestigious award is presented periodically to recognise an outstanding individual and their contribution to industry education, the service of fine wine and the standard of wine lists within the Australian hospitality and tourism industries over recent times. She is only the third individual in 33 years to receive this honour and joins David Lawler (2018) and Franck Moreau MS (2014).
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards was established in 1993 by Rob Hirst OAM and his late wife, Judy, after whom the main Award is named, together with Tucker Seabrook. The awards honour the time, skill, and resources that go into developing the highest-quality wine lists and pay tribute to the talented sommeliers, owners, their teams and the cellars behind them.
2026 continued to showcase the breadth and depth of Australia’s wine lists with another year of record entry numbers from across the country. Hirst says of this year’s results: “It is wonderful to see the outstanding level of support for the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards again this year and the recognition that they deliver to those in the industry continuing to pursue excellence with the list they present to their customers. The quality of wine lists across the country has never been better”.
“These awards are about the recognition and celebration of the outstanding commitment, work and investment of the sommeliers, owners, beverage directors, venue managers and entrepreneurs who make Australia’s hospitality industry one of the best in the world. We congratulate all award winners and glass-rated venues for their achievements this year.”
New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland saw the most growth in terms of entries, while the fastest growing type of trade categories were Australia’s Best City Restaurant List and Australia’s Best Hotel Wine List. Once again, Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass and Australia’s Best Listing of Australian Wines received the highest number of nominations while the most keenly contested category was Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 100 Wines).
This year, Toni Paterson MW, herself a fourteen-year judge of the Awards and immediate past Deputy Chair, has led the judging panel as the Awards Chair of Judges. It follows Peter Forrestal stepping down as Chair of Judges and assuming the role as Emeritus Chair after 33 years as a judge –and 23 as Chair– of Judges of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. Jeni Port continued as the Awards Deputy Chair and Brian Julyan, MS President and Founder of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe also continued as International Chair of the Awards.
The Australia’s Wine List of the Year judging panel comprises more than 35 renowned experts from Australia and internationally. This distinguished group includes Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, wine writers, commentators, show judges, and former Award winners.
Every submitted list is independently and confidentially appraised by judges. Criteria for evaluation include content, balance, appropriateness for the venue, presentation, and pricing structure. Submissions meeting the required standards earn a glass rating: One Glass for recommended lists, Two Glasses for excellent offerings, and Three Glasses reserved strictly for outstanding lists.
Following the initial assessment and scoring, the nation’s premier wine lists undergo a comprehensive re-evaluation and ranking by the full Australian and International Panel to determine the winner of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Award.
“Each year, these awards offer a compelling snapshot of the talent shaping Australia’s hospitality scene. It was wonderful to see a number of admired names recognised again, alongside newer entrants bringing a fresh perspective and helping broaden the field. That balance of consistency and change is what keeps the industry moving forward and we’re proud to partner with an awards program that celebrates the very best of Australian dining and wine culture,” Genevra Leek, Editor-in-Chief of Major Awards Partner Qantas Magazine | Travel Insider said.
“After 33 years, Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards have become one of the most respected measures of quality in Australian hospitality. This year’s record entry field shows how much that recognition means to venues. The Drinks Association is proud to support an initiative that continues to raise the standard of what an exceptional beverage list can be,” Georgia Lennon, CEO of the Drinks Association.
For more information on Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards see here.
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
NSW
New South Wales continued its strong presence in the Awards with a total of 16 major category wins. Altitude Restaurant led the way for the state with three major category wins for Australia’s Best Listing of NSW Wines, Australia’s Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Wines, and Australia’s Best Hotel/Resort Dining Wine List. It was also a finalist for Australia’s Best Listing of ACT and Canberra District Wines and Australia’s Best Listing of Australian Wines.
Newcomer Infinity by Mark Best made an impressive debut with two wins: Australia’s Best Listing of Australian Wines and The Tony Hitchin Award for Australia’s Best New Wine List. Hall of Fame member Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel continued to make its mark by winning Australia’s Best Food & Wine Matching List and the consumer-voted Australia’s Choice Award.
Shell House Dining Room & Terrace won the overall Award for Best Wine List NSW, while inner-west favourite ANTE made its debut through the title of Australia’s Best List of Japanese Sake. Olympus Dining was awarded Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines for the second year running, and Devine Food & Wine won Australia’s Best Aperitif for the third time, previously winning in 2018 and 2024.
Other highlights include Hall of Fame members Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney acknowledged with Australia’s Best Listing of Cellared and Museum Wines; The Rover being awarded Australia’s Best Wine List (Max. 50 Wines) and Me-Gal being named Australia’s Best Wine List (Max. 100 Wines).
VIC
Victorian venues took out a total of 10 major categories, with Society leading the way through its overall win alongside its titles of Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List; Best Wine List Victoria and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass. The Mornington Peninsula’s Ten Minutes by Tractor added to its successful history with the Awards by winning Australia’s Best Champagne List and Australia’s Best Listing of Victorian Wines.
Another Mornington Peninsula local, Laura at Pt. Leo Estate, was acknowledged with the title of Australia’s Best Country/Regional Dining Wine List. Last year’s winner of the Tony Hitchin Award, Maison Bâtard, was awarded Australia’s Best Listing of French Wines. Florentino marked its first entry under the stewardship of Edition Hospitality with the win of Australia’s Best Listing of Italian Wines while sister venue Reine & La Rue was acknowledged with Australia’s Best Listing of USA Wines.
WA
Perth’s beachside brasserie Gibney continued its dominance as top performer for the West by taking out Best Wine List WA; Australia’s Best Digestif List, and The Peter Forrestal Award for Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines. It was also a finalist for four categories including the major title of Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2026, Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List, Australia’s Best Champagne List, and Australia’s Best Cocktail List.
West Leederville’s neighbourhood pub Besk celebrated back-to-back wins for the title of Australia’s Best Beer List. Foni Pollitt of Hall of Famers Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room was acknowledged by her peers to be awarded the Sommelier’s Choice Award.
SA
South Australia’s charge was led by The Crafers Hotel which was awarded Australia’s Best Pub Dining Wine List and Australia’s Best Listing of South Australian Wine. 2KW Bar & Restaurant were crowned Best Wine List SA, with judge Andrew Graham praising the list’s ‘Local Heroes; selection championing cult-status SA producers alongside the up-and-coming.
Adelaide CBD haunt A Prayer for the Wild at Heart received Australia’s Best Wine List (Max. 200 Wines) for the second year running, while Restaurant Botanic continued its streak of Australia’s Best Non-Alcoholic List by winning it for the third year in a row.
Other highlights include CBD venue Canopy acknowledged with Australia’s Best Cocktail List plus the Clare Valley’s The Rising Sun made its debut with the title of Australia’s Best Listing of a Single Region’s Wines.
TAS
Launceston’s Black Cow Bistro received the award for Best Wine List TAS with judges noting its diversity in producers and varieties across The Apple Isle. The Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk continued its respected celebration of Tasmanian produce by securing the Award for Australia’s Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines for the second year in a row and also being named as a finalist for Best Wine List TAS.
Hobart restaurant Fico was acknowledged as a finalist for Best Wine List TAS, Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine List and Australia’s Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines. Fellow Hobart local Peppina was also named a finalist for Australia’s Best Hotel/Resort Dining Wine List and Best Wine List TAS.
QLD
Following its six inductions into the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards Hall of Fame last year, Cru Bar + Cellar continued its dominance by being named Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine List and Australia’s Best Listing of New Zealand. The Fortitude Valley favourite was also a finalist for Australia’s Best Listing of USA Wines.
Fink Group’s Otto Brisbane was awarded the overall title of Best Wine List QLD, while Hall of Famers Blackbird Brisbane was named Australia’s Best Listing of Queensland Wine for the second year in a row and a finalist for Australia’s Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Wines.
ACT
Canberran Italian restaurant Capitol Bar & Grill celebrated its win as Australia’s Best Listing of ACT and Canberra District Wines for the third consecutive year with judges noting its breadth of local producers from across eight regions. Following its induction into the Hall of Fame last year, The Boat House was awarded the title of Best Wine List ACT for its thoughtful selection of benchmarks and newcomers from the area. The riesling-led wine bar Rizla was also acknowledged as a finalist for Australia’s Best Wine List (Max. 200 Wines) and Australia’s Best Listing of ACT and Canberra District Wines.
Click HERE to view full list of winners
Click HERE to view Hall of Fame Inductees
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Media – Amy Northcott, Blend PR
E: amy@blendpr.com.au M: 0400 371 296
A special thanks to this year’s Awards Partners and Supporters on behalf of the Industry and the Awards.
