Wine List of the Year Award 2026

• 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.

Society’s Loïc Avril, Yuki Hirose MS and Lee Sangyeop received the 2026 Judy Hirst Award as the sommeliers responsible for Australia’s Wine List of the Year. Society also won Best Wine List VIC, Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass.