The top wine lists in each State / Territory are Sixpenny (NSW), Attica (VIC), Black Cow (TAS), Italian & Sons (ACT), Hardy’s Verandah (SA), Il Lido (WA) and Blackbird (QLD).
Sommelier: James Tuxworth, Sally Lovell, Michael Mori, Alex Ch'ng
Number of Wines: 385
Wines by the Glass: 23
Wine Price: $$$
Il Lido presents a wide selection of wines including local hip labels, contemporary interstate producers and a strong focus on Italy. Avid wine lovers will adore sifting through the list which is diverse in its varietal and regional offering. Enjoy Sicilian carricante or perhaps one of the many wines made from nerello mascalese? There are also numerous Barolos and Barbarescos from respected producers. Those that know their vintages will enjoy hunting for notable wines with age.
An excellent compilation with the focus on paths less trodden. That does not mean that quality producers like Clonakilla, Yalumba, Mt Mary, Henri Bonneau and many others are not littered throughout, but there are many more obscure producers which have also earnt their positions here. Excellent by the glass, aperitifs, digestifs and more. A list which will thrill the adventurous wine explorer – Sparkling Sake, anyone?
Diners can take confidence in the highly curated nature of Black Cow's wine list, and delight in the exploration of Tasmania's superb cool-climate wines. It's a compact, balanced list which shows maturity and sophistication in its selection. Small local producers are the deserving main act, though there is also a thoughtful global and interstate spread. The artisan spirit listing is impressive, with a good set of gin and whisky, and Tasmanian beers are well-represented.
Cuisine: South Australian Modern Cuisine with Asian Influence (Fine Dining).
Sommelier: Liinaa Jaumdally (Berry)
Number of Wines: 685
Wines by the Glass: 30
Wine Price: $$$
Hardy’s Verandah, at the historic Mount Lofty House in South Australia, has fine wine at its core and with Head Sommelier Liinaa Jaumdally behind the list, you are in excellent hands. It’s a compelling selection, simultaneously edgy and classic. There is immense respect for local Adelaide Hills producers, but at the same time, the international suite is mesmerising. The highlights are numerous: fine Champagne and sparkling wine; verticals of top Australian producers; a Loire Valley spotlight; impressive listings of Burgundy and Barolo. As well as varietal listings, you will find wines arranged by style, so you can try a ‘juicy red with crunch’ or a ‘minerally, salty white’. Whether you choose to be safe or experimental, there is much joy to be found. Don’t be afraid to live out of your comfort zone and do take advantage of the immense knowledge of the wine team to guide your selection.
Mount Lofty Estate & Sequoia Lodge, 1 Mawson Drive Crafers SA 5152
One could just enjoy relaxing and reading the wine list here at Blackbird. It has all the bases covered with a vast array of wines, varieties, styles, regions and price points to suit any diner and occasion. This comprehensive list provides a virtual tour around the world of wine, from the classics and iconic producers to the up and comers. The wine by the glass list offers a beautiful selection including a choice of pour size, so you can take the opportunity to try a few wines you might not normally be able to. And perfect for this Queensland restaurant is a great selection of Queensland wines which beautifully showcase the region.
Tenancy 4 Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
One of the more innovative and exciting wine lists going, Sixpenny delves deep into the world of the small wine producer, touching on wines that are innovative, edgy and a little left-field. Sommelier, Bridget Raffal, looks to Australia and Europe for inspiration presenting featured makers like Jacquart, Josmeyer, Nicolas Joly and Domaine de L'Anglore. This is a wine list full of discovery and the odd surprise, of amphoras and unusual varieties (Sciaccarello, Aleatico, etc), of Amber coloured white wines and savoury wines aged under flor. The odd classic also can be found.
Italian and Sons presents an outstanding collection, not just of Italy's wine establishment and elite, but its most subversive and interesting producers as well. Sommelier Pasqual Trimboli has compiled a specialist list that leaves no stone unturned, with a detailed selection that winds its way from north to south. The cellar is presented with confidence and ease, instilling faith in the consumer that they are in the hands of a professional guide who will take them on a fulfilling journey. An original and progressive collection that expresses its author's knowledge and compulsive passion.
The Hall of Fame is a prestigious list of establishments who have achieved leading status either by winning the Main Award or the same State/Territory or Category award three times. Each year, new successful establishments are added to Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards Hall of Fame. To maintain a current listing however, they must enter and maintain their glass rating each year, which is no easy feat!
Glass Ratings 2020
The key objective of the awards is to recognise and reward exceptional sommeliers, their wine lists an the owners who have invested in them. Each entering venue is awarded 3, 2, or 1 glasses based on their wine list submission. Judges submit their scores based on the guiding principles of appraisal. AWLOTYA allocates glasses with the utmost integrity, albeit in acknowledgement that all reviews are subjective.
Explore wine lists near you
A well-curated wine list is exciting to explore and guaranteed to enhance your dining experience. Discover Australia's best wine lists developed by talented sommeliers from restaurants, wine bars, cafes, brasseries, pubs, clubs and hotels by suburb or postcode.
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Penfolds
The success of Penfolds has been driven by the generations of visionaries and innovators. From the beginning in 1844 to today, the merging of science, art and innovation has driven Penfolds to become one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers.
