Best Wine Lists Venue Type 2018

• Cuisine: Modern Classic
• Sommelier: Ian Trinkle
• Number of Wines: 1040
• Wines by the Glass: 39
• Wine Price: $$$

A beautifully constructed, refined wine-list showing the deep understanding that sommelier Ian Trinkle has of the wine industry. It's a distinguished list, showcasing top wines from Australia, as well as the world beyond. Its clarity and seamless nature make perusal of its pages a dream, and despite listing over 1000 wines, it is inviting, rather than overwhelming. There are multiple vintages of classic labels, the inclusion of many local Granite Belt wines, a host of reds from the Jura and southern France, and an extensive collection of alternate varietals. The listings from Burgundy and the Rhone Valley are impressive.

• Cuisine: Steak
• Sommelier: Kent Comley
• Number of Wines: 715
• Wines by the Glass: 22
• Wine Price: $$$

Mt. Gambier's wine gem, The Barn Steakhouse, gets better with age. This year it celebrates 30 years of out-performing many a city restaurant in the wine stakes, with a superlative wine list that manages to put the wines of Mt. Gambier and nearby Coonawarra on equal footing with those of the rest of Australia and the world. Comprehensive across all categories, it is hard to fault whether it's a scintillating selection of half bottles, Australian rieslings, French chardonnays or Italian reds. And do spare time for a peek at the dessert wines and fortifieds. You will be well rewarded,

• Cuisine: Seafood Brasserie
• Sommelier: Andres Aragon Perez/Franck Moreau
• Number of Wines: 720
• Wines by the Glass: 27
• Wine Price: $$$

Another instalment from the tireless Merivale Group, which sees the Newport pub revamped into a stylish brasserie and bar simply called Bert's. It would be easy to have a list that plays safe but its 700-strong bottle collection offers excellence on every page. It kick starts with a spot-on by the glass selection, a raft of champagnes and mini-verticals add another depth such as Jim Barry The Florita riesling, Brokenwood ILR reserve semillon, Clonakilla shiraz-viognier and in the iconic shiraz section, Penfolds Grange starting at 1969.

• Cuisine: French Gastro Pub
• Sommelier: Liinaa Jaumdally(Berry)
• Number of Wines: 1900
• Wines by the Glass: 46
• Wine Price: $$$

Sommelier Liinaa Berry is a superstar on the Australian wine scene, overseeing the formidable, 1900-strong wine collection of Crafer's owners, Ed and Julie Peter. It is a world-class wine list by any measure, made all the better by Liinaa's attention to detail. Guests can arrange for a Session With The Sommelier with a guided tasting, a unique opportunity not to be missed. Local Adelaide Hills hold their own against the best of Australia and abroad. Fans of newer, edgier styles of "natural" wines will be familiar with many of the names listed, while multiple vintages of some of the great classics will delight.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Matt Underwood
• Number of Wines: 565
• Wines by the Glass: 17
• Wine Price: $$

It might be in Newcastle with a history dating back to the 19th century but this club is far from parochial. Yes there's a stunning line-up of Hunter Valley semillon because sommelier Matt Underwood has a love of the variety. But he also says drinkability is key so the 565 wines on offer represent just that with a strong range from Australia and Europe. It's a cracking list.

• Cuisine: Delicious
• Sommelier: Banjo Harris Plane
• Number of Wines: 450
• Wines by the Glass: 20
• Wine Price: $$

More than a list of wines, this is a jaunty drinks list that not only makes for a good read but encourages and tempts the guest to explore everything on offer, which is an art in itself. A terrific selection of unusual and intriguing beverages with the right amount of accompanying text and interesting observations to keep the you coming back for more. A very tidy beer selection is another highlight, and the range of prices is in keeping with a lively local wine bar that encourages exploration and learning. A refreshing and lively selection.