Best Wine Lists Venue Type 2020

• Cuisine: Australian
• Sommelier: Dom Robinson, Jane Lopes
• Number of Wines: 500
• Wines by the Glass: 32
• Wine Price: $$$

An excellent compilation with the focus on paths less trodden. That does not mean that quality producers like Clonakilla, Yalumba, Mt Mary, Henri Bonneau and many others are not littered throughout, but there are many more obscure producers which have also earnt their positions here. Excellent by the glass, aperitifs, digestifs and more. A list which will thrill the adventurous wine explorer – Sparkling Sake, anyone?

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Andrew Murch
• Number of Wines: 783
• Wines by the Glass: 23
• Wine Price: $

Laura's wine list is immaculate in its presentation and layout, with the descriptors written in plain English. Here the guest is invited to enjoy the process of choosing wine without fear of pretension. And there is much to enjoy. The enticement begins with numerous aperitif concoctions, a super interesting all-Victorian beer list and a myriad of Martini and Old Fashioned recipes. The champagne cellar is very well stocked and an artful pairing menu thoughtfully considers non-drinkers and day trippers. The wine side is supportive of local producers including Port Leo Estate (of course), and ventures across the country and world-wide, stretching to over 750 bottles, many with the added luxury of bottle age. Every section on this list is carefully arranged and constructed, including the pricing which is fairly tagged considering the spectacular, fine dining real estate.

• Cuisine: Modern Asian fusion
• Sommelier: Casey Sullivan-Myers
• Number of Wines: 320
• Wines by the Glass: 28
• Wine Price: $$$

New on the Sydney wine scene, and what an entrance! Saga is exciting and different with sommelier, Casey Sullivan-Myers presenting a very personal interpretation and selection of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails that work in sync with modern Asian fusion. His unapologetic promotion of aromatic whites (particularly from Australia, Germany, Austria and France) and light and medium-bodied reds is spot on with food matching. Wine and spirit flights are offered, a must really, and the mix of old school and low intervention/natural wines works. There's enough here to satisfy the fussiest drinker.

• Cuisine: Coastal European
• Sommelier: Amandine Rouviere
• Number of Wines: 1230
• Wines by the Glass: 43
• Wine Price: $-$$$

Unbelievable. Bert's boasts an unbelievable wine list. This is an exciting and sensitive curation of some of the best wines from the best vintages, from Australia and the rest of the world. The selection of iconic Australian wines (including the great and difficult to obtain Wendouree) is thrilling, and the nuance and level of knowledge required to dance across the continents, as this wine list does, is frankly impressive. Whether you are a 'by the glass' type or 'by the bottle', there is a plethora of choices made available to you. And not just limited to wine, either. Pre-dinner aperitifs, sherries, beers, spirits, digestifs... the list, quite literally, goes on. There is not much more to say. This list is incredible and should not be missed. Bravo.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Sommelier: Robyn McInerney
• Number of Wines: 254
• Wines by the Glass: 17
• Wine Price: $$

The simple yet beautiful hand-drawn maps and the personal staff recommendations add an approachability, friendliness and gentle depth to this list which is clearly serious about all fine wines, though particularly those produced in Tasmania. Local wines are presented alongside interstate and global representatives. The result is a list which champions the local, though is also outward-looking and offers interesting wines to locals and alike who want to engage in the wide world of wine. Bravo.

• Cuisine: Gastro Pub
• Sommelier: Foni Pollitt
• Number of Wines: 394
• Wines by the Glass: 52
• Wine Price: $$

Mayfair Lane’s Foni Pollitt strives to present her customers with the finest selection of wines and spirits and continually refines her list to ensure it is current, innovative and fresh. The choice is outstanding, and every bottle is there on merit. Pollitt has a penchant for wines grown on volcanic soils, and these wines are dotted throughout the list. The highlights are many, from the solid selection of German riesling to the stunning array from France, not to mention the numerous gins, rums and whiskeys. There is also a good number of wines from America, which is rare to see. Though it must be said that the Australian wines shine bright, particularly those from the west.