Here are the winning wine lists around the country selected by our judges for the skill and creativity of restaurateurs, managers and sommeliers in sourcing and curating both wines and other beverages in lists large and small. See the winners for categories including wines by the glass, non-alcoholic drinks list, sparkling wine list, champagne list, beer list, cocktail list, aperitifs, digestifs, sake, food & wine matching, listing of a region’s wines as well as best listing of a state wines.
There’s a newcomer to the dining hub of Summer Hill in Sydney’s east, with Apéritif & Co. adding a Wine Bar to the happening Lackey Street. The menu is Mediterranean with dishes infused with flavour from a broad stretch of the coastline, alongside distinctly Australian flavours. This also means there are lots of interesting wines, including quirky Greek and Portuguese varieties. Naturally though, you need to start with an apéritif, of which there is a vast range of options, including a barrel-aged selection of cocktails and absinthe fountains.
Unashamedly, this ever-changing list is a tribute to riesling – with owner/wine guy Andy Day calling it the Queen of Grapes. Who are we to argue? Of course examples from Canberra feature first and foremost before offering other Australian and international bottles. Such a brilliant selection and yes, there are obviously other choices and what’s on offer is very, very good. And thanks for injecting personality into this list – the love of wine, not just riesling, shines brightly.
Sommelier: Elle Foster, Alma Pasalic, Christopher Littlejohns
Number of Wines: 332
Wines by the Glass: 26
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
Arguably, South Australia's finest restaurant has a wine list to delight. And the setting in the grounds of Adelaide's picturesque Botanic Gardens launches any meal there with aplomb. Four pairing menus, the Temperance Pairing, the Botanic Pairing, the Sommelier's Reserve and the Cellar Selection offers a range of possibilities to match its food to a range of gems from its wine list. Or test them with a non-alcoholic possibility. Choose, then enjoy. Or work your way through the world class list.
Cuisine: Italian inspired contemporary Australian cuisine
Sommelier: Georgina Larsson, Niels Sluiman
Number of Wines: 1880
Wines by the Glass: 59
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
If you don't manage to exclaim at least once "wow" while reading Jonah's wine list, then you don't like dining out. Meticulously assembled list, where a load of time, heart, and soul have clearly been put into it, from beginning to end. It is particularly impressive in its listing of Australian wines. The bar list is equally curated and loved in every minimum detail. A great selection of non-alcoholic drinks, as well as spirits, beers, and sake, will make everyone happy and feel well taken care of. The museum program is something quite exceptional, with many vintage wines from both Australia and overseas that will remind us why wine is a wonderful thing and can age well. You don't have to break the bank if you want to drink something a bit older. I would go for a 2000 Mt Mary 'Quintet while dreaming of a 1990 Henschke 'Hill of Grace' or a 1971 Penfolds Grange and still being happy. And if you feel lost with some technical terms, jump into the last couple of pages; there is a handy and very clever wine glossary waiting for you.
Australia's Best Listing of a Single Region's Wines
The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale
Australia's Best Listing of a Single Region's Wines 2025
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Alex Marchetti
Number of Wines: 623
Wines by the Glass: 41
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
This is one of the finest lists in South Australia, carefully crafted by Alex Marchetti. The cellar is still down the stairs for you to browse through and, perhaps, fondly handle the wine you've chosen to try. The McLaren Vale, and more broadly, South Australia, is at the heart of this comprehensive list - as it should be. And the experience is always memorable. The Coravin listing almost defies belief and lures…
Australia's Best New Wine List (Tony Hitchin Award) 2025
Cuisine: French
Sommelier: Loic Avril, Roberto Lombardo
Number of Wines: 2000
Wines by the Glass: 100
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
What an absolutely unbelievable list at Maison Bâtard. For those of us fortunate enough to have dined at upmarket restaurants in France, this feels familiar and luxe, for those who haven't yet, let us tell you - this is about as good as it gets. With one hundred wines available by the glass, a seemingly never-ending list of cocktails, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, and an attractively generous selection of martinis, Maison Bâtard has left nothing off the table in its authoritative opening year in Melbourne. Long may it reign.
Cuisine: Modern Australian With European Influences
Sommelier: Loic Avril, Yuki Hirose
Number of Wines: 1400
Wines by the Glass: 90
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Whatever your format, whatever your pleasure, the Society list has you covered: from the superior selection of half bottles and magnums, through to the incredibly impressive offering of wines by the glass, Then there's its Digestif list, its French wines, the selection of tea, whisk(e)y gin or aged amaro. This all adds up to a formidable drinks experience that you can lose yourself in. For somewhere to start, don't miss the Sommelier's Rare Finds or its Museum selections. There the option of 50ml or 75ml pours really encourages a grand exploration.
Besk, named Pub of The Year in the 2025 WA Good Food Guide awards, sets a high bar with its impressive glass list: with the exception of sparkling (for practical reasons), order by the glass, half bottle or whole bottle. There's some 25 beers on tap, too, craft pours sourced from WA, NZ and even Japan, and an extensive collection of spirits — the whisky selection is especially slick. The 550-bottle strong wine offering is clearly bolstered by the presence of an on-site wine shop, with an eclectic selection for all tastes and budgets.
Detail, detail, detail . . . Where's Nick is full of impressive detail as it goes about exploring its Mediterranean patch with excitement and a real sense of discovery, daring and joy. These are sommeliers to trust, who don't mind challenging expectations as well as supporting quality makers from Australia and Europe with a strong emphasis on organic/biodynamic/no added sulphur/low intervention winemaking. It's easy to get hooked into the creative style categories such as Atlantica, Volcanic, A Love Letter To Friuli, Ancient Seabeds, Alpine Whites and loads more. But, to get the full kaleidoscope of flavours, colours, scents and more, go straight to wines by the glass, including Rare & Special offerings, which are mind-blowing. We might also add that this is a list that elevates sherry to a place it fully deserves but few go - it is enlightening and brave and helps define a wine list that leads.
Australia's Best Listing of New South Wales Wines 2025
Cuisine: Farm to Table/ Modern Australian
Sommelier: Angelica Nohra
Number of Wines: 251
Wines by the Glass: 222
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
The love and dedication toward local wines are clearly felt on The Blue Door wine list, where every occasion is good to showcase each and every wine style coming out of NSW. In the sommelier's words, NSW is not all about Semillon and Shiraz, and I agree with her. There is so much more to discover from this state, with trailblazers and newcomers working around the clock to highlight the strengths of the region, its varied landscape and wine styles. Exciting times ahead.
So often, the great wines of the world seem almost mythical. They're things that drinkers dream about, but so rarely get to experience. Yet the astonishing list from Circl Wine House resets what is accessible. Led by a truly sublime offering of wines by the glass, which is gleefully heavy with famous 'unicorns', there is eye-watering depth throughout this list. You can start with the wonderfully well contextualised Champagne offering, take a flight of rare rosé and end up with a dive into magnificent rare old Australian Shiraz. What a journey!
Australia's Best Listing of South Australian Wines 2025
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Maxime Martin, Kye Watkins
Number of Wines: 1350
Wines by the Glass: 35
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
This is an outstanding upmarket list, perfect for a venue such as Hardy's Verandah. The collection of local icons offered by the glass is exemplary. So, too is the wonderful range of white and red wines offered by the glass. The range available will appeal to visitors as well as locals with fascinating choices of overseas wines as well. In fact, the most difficult thing you'll do all day is narrowing your choices and making a decision.
Mount Lofty House & Estate, 1 Mawson Drive Crafers SA 5152
Australia's Best Listing of Western Australian Wines 2025
Cuisine: Seaside Brasserie & Grill
Sommelier: Nina Throsby, Aaron Commins , Alex King
Number of Wines: 745
Wines by the Glass: 40
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
Gibney's wine list reads like a catalogue woven with narrative, inviting guests to either learn something new, or deepen an existing knowledge of the heritage and nuance of each selection. Thoughtfully detailed notes throughout aim to foster a deeper connection between diner and bottle. The list is a celebration of Western Australia, and respectfully honours local icons, as well as championing innovative expressions from a new generation of makers, with the inclusion of carefully chosen international touchstones.
The Agrarian Kitchen is synonymous with local. Local food – the majority of it grown in their onsite market garden; and local drinks - creative cocktails, inspiring mocktails, and beers and spirits with very low delivery mileage. The menu is degustation, with paired beverages, or choose your own adventure. The concise wine list of less than 150 bottles is packed with interesting drops. Again, most are local, and these relationships pay off with multiple vintages from highly-reputed independent and lower-intervention winemakers. It’s worth planning ahead to partake in a house-made cheese course, perhaps matched with one of the excellent range of stickies.
The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room, Balmain
Australia's Choice Award 2025
Cuisine: Modern European, French Provenance
Sommelier: Alessandro Nelli, John Clancy
Number of Wines: 471
Wines by the Glass: 37
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
This is once again one of the best pub restaurant lists in the country; impressive by the glass (at 150 and 250ml) with classy wines from around Australia and France and Coravin carefully used. Sweet and especially fortifieds are too often not given enough emphasis. Not here. With an impressive array especially from Australia and France. Note the list of chenin blancs. And so much more.
Sommelier: Elle Foster, Alma Pasalic, Christopher Littlejohns
Number of Wines: 332
Wines by the Glass: 26
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
Arguably, South Australia's finest restaurant has a wine list to delight. And the setting in the grounds of Adelaide's picturesque Botanic Gardens launches any meal there with aplomb. Four pairing menus, the Temperance Pairing, the Botanic Pairing, the Sommelier's Reserve and the Cellar Selection offers a range of possibilities to match its food to a range of gems from its wine list. Or test them with a non-alcoholic possibility. Choose, then enjoy. Or work your way through the world class list.
So often, the great wines of the world seem almost mythical. They're things that drinkers dream about, but so rarely get to experience. Yet the astonishing list from Circl Wine House resets what is accessible. Led by a truly sublime offering of wines by the glass, which is gleefully heavy with famous 'unicorns', there is eye-watering depth throughout this list. You can start with the wonderfully well contextualised Champagne offering, take a flight of rare rosé and end up with a dive into magnificent rare old Australian Shiraz. What a journey!
So often, the great wines of the world seem almost mythical. They're things that drinkers dream about, but so rarely get to experience. Yet the astonishing list from Circl Wine House resets what is accessible. Led by a truly sublime offering of wines by the glass, which is gleefully heavy with famous 'unicorns', there is eye-watering depth throughout this list. You can start with the wonderfully well contextualised Champagne offering, take a flight of rare rosé and end up with a dive into magnificent rare old Australian Shiraz. What a journey!
So often, the great wines of the world seem almost mythical. They're things that drinkers dream about, but so rarely get to experience. Yet the astonishing list from Circl Wine House resets what is accessible. Led by a truly sublime offering of wines by the glass, which is gleefully heavy with famous 'unicorns', there is eye-watering depth throughout this list. You can start with the wonderfully well contextualised Champagne offering, take a flight of rare rosé and end up with a dive into magnificent rare old Australian Shiraz. What a journey!
Blackbird, in the WLOY Hall of Fame, refuses to sit still. This year it returns with a list full of more of the same energy and adventurous spirit we have noted over the years with some exciting additions, including a Seasonal Favourite 50 - 50 wines to suit the seasonal menu - and a feature devoted to the wines of Queensland's premier wine region, the Granite Belt. Plus, the overall number of wines and wines by the glass has increased considerably. Where to start? It's a big question but you can't go past the multi-cultural approach combining some of the excellent Aussies with quality Europeans and the odd American wine. Vegan, organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines are noted, and among the list you will note some of the leading edge, low intervention names.
Sommelier: Ram Agrawal, Stephen Hollow, Grace Washer
Number of Wines: 281
Wines by the Glass: 39
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
While a few more current releases would flesh out this otherwise good list, there’s no question diners do drink well whether at the bar or enjoying something off the grill. A solid offering of cocktails and spirits plus by the glass options feature. The diversity of the Canberra region is proudly on show from icons, think Clonakilla to more recent and exciting producers such as MADA.
So often, the great wines of the world seem almost mythical. They're things that drinkers dream about, but so rarely get to experience. Yet the astonishing list from Circl Wine House resets what is accessible. Led by a truly sublime offering of wines by the glass, which is gleefully heavy with famous 'unicorns', there is eye-watering depth throughout this list. You can start with the wonderfully well contextualised Champagne offering, take a flight of rare rosé and end up with a dive into magnificent rare old Australian Shiraz. What a journey!
A dynamic, extensive and curated selection that will excite novices and experts alike. Highlights include the 'Sake Hall of Fame’, an ‘Iconic Daijingo Collection’, plus tasting sets and flights, as well as an impressive range by the glass/carafe. It is a comprehensive list that will thrill diners with its energy, detail and diversity.
This is an impressive list: bold, lively and challenging and with something interesting for everyone. The quote from Tennessee Williams gives the restaurant its name and hints at the direction it takes. It's wide-ranging, offers pleasing choice by the glass with seasonality much more important than with most lists. It is an international collection with good choice by Coravin to add a dimension to what is offered.
Sommelier: Ali Pinnington, Dirk De Beer, Michael Pyrgos
Number of Wines: 180
Wines by the Glass: 19
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
Do you go to Paper Daisy for the wines or the spirits, which include one of the largest selections of gins in the country? Well, probably both because either way you are going to enjoy some excellent drinking. The choices are plenty. The wine emphasis is on Australia but not exclusively, hence, the Notable International White and Red sections sit side by side with Favourite Australian Whites and Reds offering some comparative tasting pleasure. Everything is built to make the wine choice that little bit easier with style categories to assist the process. Fancy a citrus, crisp white? You have 15 to choose from. Or, maybe an Aromatic Red? There are six listed. And, of course, spirit and gin lovers will be in seventh heaven with the second half of the list, including the Halcyon House of Gin listing.
Cuisine: Modern Australian With European Influences
Sommelier: Loic Avril, Yuki Hirose
Number of Wines: 1400
Wines by the Glass: 90
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Whatever your format, whatever your pleasure, the Society list has you covered: from the superior selection of half bottles and magnums, through to the incredibly impressive offering of wines by the glass, Then there's its Digestif list, its French wines, the selection of tea, whisk(e)y gin or aged amaro. This all adds up to a formidable drinks experience that you can lose yourself in. For somewhere to start, don't miss the Sommelier's Rare Finds or its Museum selections. There the option of 50ml or 75ml pours really encourages a grand exploration.
Sommelier: Luca Zampieri, Michael Mori, Sally Lovell
Number of Wines: 815
Wines by the Glass: 26
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
Il Lido's wine list demonstrates thoughtful curation, and exceptional depth with a strong Italian heart. The list's regional storytelling is compelling, with well-crafted notes that guide, educate and engage. The representation of Italian sparkling wine is particularly impressive, with a breadth of Italian styles rarely seen on local lists. The Barolo section is flawless, meanwhile the inclusion of lesser-known Italian varieties such as Timorasso and Ruché offer diners the opportunity of discovery. It's a pleasure to see vermouth, amaro and grappa as strongholds, adding authenticity and punctuating the Italian experience.
By any criteria that is a wow! list, one of the best in the land that excites and astounds. A major renovation of the list sees it return bigger in number with a fresh new look that includes a detailed presentation of the wines of the USA, a major departure and talking point to be sure. This is a list that both aspires to astound - and it does - as well as provide insight into the bigger world of wine with internationals sharing equal space with the Australians. The 2000-plus list boasts an extraordinary, comprehensive selection of wines by the glass, including under Coravin, together with sparkling wines and Champagne. Fancy a Dom Pérignon '15, Raveneau Chablis '18, Tyrrell's Vat 9 '17 by the glass? It's yours. Left-of-centre wines mix with First Growths and aged lovelies, freely and effortlessly. This is where unusual, little known grapes such as taganan, ramisco, carricante, viura and more get equal time with the classics. No-lo alcohol options also impress so that every taste is well catered for.
Olympus might be home to the gods but here, it’s a stunning architectural dining space serving exceptional Greek taverna-style food matched to a stunning drinks list. It’s brimming with the finest Greek producers, naturally, the likes of Domaine Sigalas, Argyros, Gaia, Kir-Yianni and so many more. Yet the list has extra depth and definition because t’s bolstered by key and cool Australian, New Zealand, French and Italian producers from Little Frances, Kumeu River and Marco de Bartoli. A great deal of thought has gone into this list and it shows. We salute you.
Australia's Best Listing of New Zealand Wines 2025
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Addy Lam, Cristian Casarin
Number of Wines: 645
Wines by the Glass: 43
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Each year, Woodcut just gets stronger and stronger. This year sees more wines listed and more wines served by the glass. The class, attention to detail and same excitement factor, remain. It starts off locally highlighting the wines of NSW and then swiftly casts the net wider and wider. Along the way, the path is made easy with introductions to celebrated regions and styles and producers worth noting such as Munda Wines, a First Nations winery, and a captivating winery spotlight on Tyrrell's with vintages going back to 2011. A wide tasting experience is offered, strong categories definitely worth exploring including Champagne, Iberian and Italian white wines, Piedmont, Burgundy and pinot noir.
Australia's Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Australian Wines
O Bar and Dining, Sydney
Australia's Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Australian Wines 2025
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Alexis Maton
Number of Wines: 479
Wines by the Glass: 34
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
A mouth-watering wine list by any measure. It's hard to know where to start, maybe a whisky or tequila flight, or a super creative cocktail - fig and apple gimlet, perhaps? - a 2015 Cristal by the glass or 2018 Tyrrell's Vat 1 semillon served via Coravin? This is a list that embraces some of the great iconic wines and quality wine names of Australia and Europe, and embraces a strong selection of biodynamic and organic producers. Feature producers include Penfolds, Henschke, Grosset, Torbreck and others. Well-aged wines mix with the young and fresh, and it's hard not to get excited by the white Burgundy and cellared Italian red selections. Keep room for a dessert cocktail to close. Vegans and non-imbibers are well catered for.
Australia Square, Level 47, 264 George Street Sydney NSW 2000
Australia's Best Listing of Museum and Rare Wines 2025
Cuisine: Modern Australian With European Influences
Sommelier: Loic Avril, Yuki Hirose
Number of Wines: 1400
Wines by the Glass: 90
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Whatever your format, whatever your pleasure, the Society list has you covered: from the superior selection of half bottles and magnums, through to the incredibly impressive offering of wines by the glass, Then there's its Digestif list, its French wines, the selection of tea, whisk(e)y gin or aged amaro. This all adds up to a formidable drinks experience that you can lose yourself in. For somewhere to start, don't miss the Sommelier's Rare Finds or its Museum selections. There the option of 50ml or 75ml pours really encourages a grand exploration.
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 2025
The key objective of the awards is to recognise and reward exceptional sommeliers, their wine lists and 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 acknowledgment that all reviews are subjective.
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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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Qantas magazine and Travel Insider, an official partner of the AWLOTY Awards, is the leading destination for travel content in Australia. It is not only a celebration of travel and all that it offers but also an insider’s guide to the best experiences in Australia and overseas. The partnership with AWLOTY is an opportunity to recognise Australia’s best wine lists and share the restaurants that are excelling with a very premium audience.
