Best Wine Lists Venue Type 2023

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Sommelier: Polly Mackarel, Nick Hildebrandt
• Number of Wines: 1200
• Wines by the Glass: 50
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

The late, great Tina Turner once belted out ‘you’re simply the best’ for the rugby league all those years ago yet it could be an anthem for Cirrus. This is a spectacular, innovative and thrilling list showcasing 1200 special bottles with 50 by the glass. Plenty of joy and difference on each page – and who else could offer an extensive mix of French chenin blanc or 17 aligoté with each desirable and perfect for this top seafood restaurant. Bravo.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Karen Gough
• Number of Wines: 600+
• Wines by the Glass: 38
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Karen Gough has kept this Margaret River icon at the top of its game for more than a decade; offering the ultimate insiders' view of the local wines as well as a classy range of the most drinkable wines from around the country. All this and an international collection that offers significant delights at a extensive range of price points. Great service in an incredibly busy and vibrant venue. Brilliant by the glass. Not to be missed.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Addy Lam
• Number of Wines: 500
• Wines by the Glass: 28
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Addy Lam builds upon a wealth of experience to craft Woodcut's outstanding wine list. And he has the rare ability to list wines of intrigue and satisfaction at all price points so that you can have a thrilling wine experience irrespective of your spend. The list has been carefully curated, with every wine earning its place, and it includes an impressive number of cellared wines. The mix of local contemporary labels, favoured classics and international icons of the highest calibre make Woodcut a must-visit destination for all wine lovers.

• Cuisine: Gastro Pub
• Sommelier: Foni Pollitt, Iesha Poor
• Number of Wines: 490
• Wines by the Glass: 49
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

There's amazing energy that comes from the list at Mayfair Lane: it tends to vibrate in the venue itself, too. Perhaps, it has something to do with Foni Pollitt. Who else would make the connection with the wines using a wine by the glass preservation system as 'Foni's Posh Tipples'? Incidentally, impressive yet lesser-known wines from around the world. With a total of 50 wines by the glass, mostly modestly priced (as you'd want your pub to be). Especially by the bottle, there's heaps of opportunities to try something new from home or abroad. Great pub food at fair prices. Relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Just what a top pub should be.

• Cuisine: Pan Asian
• Sommelier: Wes Morgan
• Number of Wines: 237
• Wines by the Glass: 22
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

Gee there’s plenty of depth and delight here with the list hovering around 237 bottles and suitably matched to the cuisine. Follow the prompts for riesling and aromatics as they are ‘Asian food friendly’ off-set by a compact chardonnay selection. More aromatics reds feature although die-hards can order choice cabernet sauvignon or shiraz.

• Cuisine: mediterranean
• Sommelier: Bridget Raffal, Steve Summerlin
• Number of Wines: 385
• Wines by the Glass: 38
• Wine Price by the Glass: $

A cutting-edge list by the impressive Bridget Raffal, which leads the way in approach, attitude and accessibility. The non-conformist, individualistic selection is thrilling in its diversity and tangential slant. You visit 'Where's Nick' to learn, be inspired and transform your view and expectations about what wine should be. While the list moves to an original beat, championing independent growers with sustainable mindsets, it has great honesty and integrity. Wines have been passionately hand chosen for their beauty, charm, and sometimes irreverence, but always because they delight and satisfy one's palate and fire one's mind. What's more, the markups are incredibly fair, making this one of the best places in Australia to drink remarkable, memorable wines.