Best Wine Lists Venue Type 2021

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Nick Hildebrandt, Polly Mackarel
• Number of Wines: 1000
• Wines by the Glass: 40
• Wine Price: $$$

Cirrus is one of Sydney's premier restaurants, and with Nick Hildebrandt behind the list, the wine is guaranteed to be outstanding. The list has grown in size, with 1000 wines now listed. It offers the sophisticated diner all they could wish for: stylish cocktails, classy non-alcoholic options, hand-picked beers, ciders, spirits and sake, plus an impossibly perfect wine list to satisfy all your vinous desires. The highlights are many, but one must mention the fabulous listing by-the-glass, the original selection of sparklings and Champagne, the astute global riesling set, the French chenins and local Hunter semillon. And then there's the stunning white and red Burgundies, aged Bordeaux and tailored local wine offering, including many rare wines. Of course, one could keep gushing over the glorious details, though what sets this list apart is its confidence, curation, and comprehensive nature. Hildebrandt is a leader in his field - constantly learning and refining to reach perfection.

• Cuisine: Modern Australia
• Sommelier: Xavier Vigier
• Number of Wines: 1021
• Wines by the Glass: 65
• Wine Price: $$$

A love letter to wine if ever there was one, this list takes absolute joy in the people, the regions and the ever-changing moods of wine whether it be on the Mornington Peninsula, the rest of the country or the world. You see it in each wine listing which includes the name of the winemaker, in the photos sprinkled throughout, the memories shared; lovely personal touches all. At its core, this is essentially an outlet for the vineyard's own wines. But, as the introduction says, they are placed into context by what follows. Many will be happy to explore the wines by the glass but should you look further, the selections from France and Italy excel.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Chris Walker
• Number of Wines: 1517
• Wines by the Glass: 113
• Wine Price: $$$

So, are you Raveneau or Dauvissat? French or Aussie grenache? A set of old vine stars. Volcano wines. Old rieslings. Some of the world’s most exciting emerging makers. Coche Dury. And we have not even got out of the ‘by the glass’ section. More than 60 wines under Coravin. Sake. A cracking Queensland collection. And more. A brilliantly compiled, incredibly thoughtful wine list. Great pricing. This is where I want to be for the next lockdown. Wine lists don't get much better.

• Cuisine: Steakhouse
• Sommelier: Addy Lam
• Number of Wines: 1200
• Wines by the Glass: 34
• Wine Price: $$$

For anyone who has just cleaned up on the Blackjack table, look no further than this superb list to invest some of your winnings. A veritable tome that has everything from Grange & Mt Edelstone by the glass, right through to verticals of Ridge Geyserville. A special mention to the Champagne selection and the aperitifs, both of which can be forgotten in other venues.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Matt Underwood
• Number of Wines: 496
• Wines by the Glass: 18
• Wine Price: $$

As The Bar 40 intro suggests, this list really is 'our take on the classics and gives you a taste for the future'. Sure, that's the bar direction, but it works for the broader list too, and this compilation carefully presents some true benchmark classics with an eye to the modern world too. Strong on local Hunter and NSW wines, and helpfully broken down into a shorter list, this is a masterfully compiled list.

• Cuisine: Farm to Plate
• Sommelier: Warrick Duthy
• Number of Wines: 165
• Wines by the Glass: 16
• Wine Price: $$

Warrick Duthy is a wine industry stalwart who finally has the chance to share his love of fine wine and food at this cleverly thought out 'gastro-pub'. Naturally the focus is on Clare Valley wines with regional benchmarks seamlessly blended with more edgy styles. The carefully selected imports add another layer. Pricing is modest - where else an you buy a Perrier Jouet Blason de France at $140 a bottle. The vertical of Wendouree reds are likewise enticingly priced. Well done Warrick.