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.
NOBU - Southbank VIC
Best Wine Lists Category Winners 2023
Australia's Best New Wine List - the Tony Hitchin Award
A superb new entrant, the Olivine Wine Bar lists eccentricity befits the fascinating backdrop of a 170yr old bluestone prison. With a wonderful design that is setup more like a thriller than a wine list, this meticulously prepared selection is very charismatic, from the dedicated verticals of the Producer Series to the verticals of luscious Pichot Vouvray. It's a tome, and well worth exploring.
Adina Hotel Pentridge, 1, Champ Street Coburg VIC 3058
A smart, low intervention, idiosyncratic, mostly Australian wine listing that sings in complete harmony with its modern Vietnamese cuisine. Sommelier, Shelly Greaves, deserves congratulations on presenting such an engrossing small list of just 49 wines. She does it with style, choosing some innovative winemakers to champion - Athletes of Wine, Unico Zelo, La Violetta, William Downie - as well as solid, quality names from home and abroad such as Bream Creek, Quartz Reef, John Duval and Mount Mary. The imaginative cocktail listing offers a good starting point. Vegan wines and low sulphur wines are now designated to assist with choice.
Rizla as a name denotes the focus of this list, with riesling the metier and spotlight. In that, you're in for a relatively myopic experience, where riesling is the main experience and all else falls in its wake. That being said, rose and red wines are well selected and offer a decent diversity of alternatives, but really, you're here to lean into the one variety that defines this venue. In that, the best of Australia and Germany are really well done, the listings explained in detail for the uninitiated or generally interested, and everything 'rizza' is superbly chosen to give acid hounds an ultimate experience. The enthusiasm for the variety is writ large and well delivered, so strap in, dive in, go the whole hog here and expect a unique offering therefore. By virtue of that, this is very well done.
This in an exemplary winelist perfectly pitched to the Botanic's freshly foraged food. The wine pairings show Elle Foster's vinous talents - and her non-alcoholic sensibilities. South Australian wines from the core with the rest of of Australia succinctly covered. The Champagne list is outstanding with Burgundy treated with due respect. A tight selection from across the wide world of wine completes this enticing winelist. A masterpiece achieved in less than 200 wines.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Plane Tree Drive Adelaide SA 5000
Sommelier: Christian Baeppler, Nikola Chakarov & Gordon Jamison
Number of Wines: 3000
Wines by the Glass: 65
Wine Price by the Glass: $
There appears to be a lift in quality at Rockpool Perth taking it back to the glory days when it won Australia's Wine List of the Year (2014). A premium selection by the glass include wines from all parts of Bordeaux with 75 and 150ml pours. As well as this, there is a remarkable collection of 65 wines by the glass, grounded in the West but covering the rest of Australia and the globe. About half of these are kept using a wine by the glass preservation system ensuring ideal freshness. New wave producers are well represented as well as the great winemakers of Australia and the world. Occasional mini verticals are found throughout the list offering depth as well as breadth to the selection. It is a world class list.
Crown Casino, Great Eastern Highway Burswood WA 6100
The introduction to this extensive wine list offers a clear indication of its philosophy, featuring a curated selection of "Traditionalist" and "Non-Conformist" wines, in addition to "Made In-House" zero alcohol ferments and cordials. In other words, expect a wide range of flavours, winemakers - including biodynamic, organic and low-fi - and styles from Australia and around the world as you venture further into this exciting, if slightly expensive, listing. Highlights include Champagne, Burgundy and Piedmont, but a big world of wine is offered. Maybe a sparkling Cremant de Jura or smart palo cortado Spanish sherry to start? Small family makers abound whether it's Tasmania's Hughes & Hughes, South Africa's Sadie Family, New Zealand's Neudorf or Piedmont's Brezza and more. And do leave room to finish with with Amaru's own house made liqueurs and amari.
A consistently impressive wine list befitting the incredible location and Peter Gilmore's extraordinary food. The list celebrates the stunning wines of Australia along with renowned global labels. There is great diversity in origin, varietal and style, making this the perfect place to expand your vinous horizon. The highlights are numerous, but one must mention the stunning selection of Champagnes, the fabulous listing by the glass, the mix of contemporary and classic labels and the slick spirit selection.
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
What. A. List. And that's just the by the glass...Cru Bar + Cellar seems to have the encyclopaedia of wine at their fingertips, an incredibly broad-reaching collection that doesn't just have something for everyone, but also has something for those who wish to be stumped by awesome or find a place they never knew grew grapes. Back to the by the glass, though, some 100-plus cuvees on offer with a ludicrously good wine by the glass preservation system program makes for a visit in itself. But settle into the never-ending fine wines, the Aussie classics, an homage to Queensland producers, the nouveau, younger gen avant garde and score yourself a vinous journey of epic proportions on each visit. There's an extra gold star in the Hall of Fame for Cru.
Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel & Spa, Killcare Heights
Australia's Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks List 2023
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Sommelier: Michaela Clayton, Brian Barry
Number of Wines: 800
Wines by the Glass: 37
Wine Price by the Glass: $
Year in, year out Bells at Killcare offers one of the most exciting and professional wine lists in the country. It caters for everything from Mediterranean wines and grape varieties well-suited to its cuisine, to a strong New South Wales listing of wines - as befits its proximity to the Hunter Valley - through to quality Australian and European wine stars. Few will wish to stray too far from the wines by the glass listing with its standard and premium offerings by the glass and half bottle. Organic, biodynamic, vegan friendly and low-fo wines abound as you work your way through a mouth-watering selection with the emphasis on Australian, French and Italian artisanal wines. And for a special treat turn to the birth year fortifieds dating back to a 1927 Seppelt Para liqueur.
Sommelier: Sebastian Brogen, Alex Rusinko & Nick Hildebrandt
Number of Wines: 1400
Wines by the Glass: 120
Wine Price by the Glass: $
This is truly a stunning and rare collection of wines. From classic regions and iconic producers there are vintage verticals you won’t find elsewhere. Over 100 wines by the glass sets the tone for this extensive and exhaustive wine list.
Sommelier: Lilly Heenan, Rani Parish & Luke Willis
Number of Wines: 412
Wines by the Glass: 31
Wine Price by the Glass: $
A benchmark wine list that should be the envy of sommeliers and wine selectors nationally. Stupendous in its breadth, succinct enough without being a weighty tome, but delivering a who's who of wine producers, wine styles and vintages that will delight everyone from wine geek to aspirational drinker. It shows off some of the world's most sought after cult producers while presenting the familiar, a place where Cotat and Ganevat can rub shoulders with Grosset and Tyrrell's. Burgundy, Jura, Champagne and Piedmont are brilliant collections, while a feature page of near 20 Ganevat cuvees is ridiculously special. Mature wines, fancy wines and prestigious local wineries abound. It's a list to repeat offend in, heavily. Bravo.
Jake Atkinson has been a champion of Bunbury's Geographe region for many years as well as a promoter of less well-known Margaret River labels and the 2022 winner of Best Listing of Western Australia's Wines. He is perhaps even more enthusiastic about beer and Mojo's has built up a strong following for the breadth and depth of his beer range. There are four beers on tap, four cellar beers available by the glass, half a dozen non-alcoholic beers: an unbelievable range of beers from WA's South-West and heaps from other parts of the state and around Australia. The globe is his oyster, too, with the USA and Belgium prominently represented. Then there's the wines. This is one family business which deserves its success.
Sommelier: Melissa Mills , Kantaro Okada & Sean Then
Number of Wines: 73
Wines by the Glass: 70
Wine Price by the Glass: $
Unquestionably one of the finest sake lists in the country, with excellent explanatory notes and a range that goes from easy and approachable to the truly magnificent. With only a very limited range of non-sake beverages, however, this list will always be incomplete.
Level 1, 15 -17 Lincoln Square South, Carlton VIC 3053
The list begins with an impressive collection of Penfolds wines, including some fine vintages of Grange and some of their special releases. Sarino's wine by the glass preservation system means that wines like the 2016 Grange are available to diners. The highlight of this list is simply that there are so many fine wines which offer such astounding value. Stunning collection of whiskies and other spirits.
With a 10,000 bottle cellar to call on, it's little wonder that the glorious Society wine list is so very impressive. With a strong focus on blue chip wines and icons, the sheer depth here is wonderful. But the real hero is the by the glass selection, which is eye-popping, let alone the wine by the glass preservation system wine journeys into Domaine Leflative, Henschke etc. A magnificent selection.
A wonderful collection of all things vinous from Italy, supported by local versions. The ‘by the glass’ array is carefully considered, varied and full of high quality choices. Worth paying particular attention to the Brunello and the SuperTuscans. Fantastic collection of Amari, spirits in general. Fans of Italian wines will struggle to do much better.
A stellar array of wines by the glass is an impressive way to kick off this superb list. Their wine by the glass preservation system offers winelovers the chance to sample such wines as chardonnays from Cloudburst and Leeuwin Estate, Pinot Noir from Au Bon Climat as well as Henschke’s Mt Edelstone among many. And so goes the list. Wonderful collection throughout, with a focus on the best of local Queensland wines. Impressive set of spirits.
The Calile Hotel, Ground Floor, 48 James Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Sommelier: James Welsh , Oliver Field & Bryony Bull
Number of Wines: 166
Wines by the Glass: 15
Wine Price by the Glass: $
For more than 20 years, Stillwater has nestled gracefully alongside the Tamar, serving impressive food and a wonderful range of wines. Its strengths are those of Tasmania - outstanding bubbly, impressive chardonnay, pinot noir and stellar gins. But there's more to this list - an introduction to the names of many local vignerons who may well be unfamiliar to visitors. More importantly, Stillwater displays the vast array of local wines alongside the finest examples from the mainland and the world. It is an iconic destination.
It's easy to drink well and joyously at Cafe Sydney starting with its cracking by the glass list featuring plenty of diversity and not the usual suspects. Aside from Champagne and riesling, it mostly focuses on excellent Australian renditions of French varieties so expect producers such as Best’s Great Western, Mount Mary and L.A.S to grace the pages. Real diversity and perhaps more interesting choices feature under headings such as ‘medium-bodied dry red styles’ think Clare Valley’s Koerner Nielluccio or Thistledown She’s Electric grenache.
Customs House, 5th Floor, 31 Alfred Street Circular Quay NSW 2000
A truly epic list more or less defined by its ballistic by the glass selection, a tour de force of international and local producers with an Enomatic machine allowing for a stupendous selection on hand, including true rarities and many, many cellared gems. Getting past that glass selection is tough, one could pause there for a whole meal, but John Ing's selection of local, Canberra District producers is worth a browse and then the main frame of the list is a near ludicrous collection of global fine wine. In the mix, avant garde, organic, biodynamic and natural wines appear alongside the greatest of great stalwarts of the finest fine wines. Clonakilla gets a worthy and deep feature page, Italian wines, as are apt, are very deep, with Brunello perhaps the pick of the regional offerings, though deep wallets unlock the best here. It is a fantastic, encyclopaedic selection here, done incredibly well.
Australia's Best Listing of New South Wales Wines 2023
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: David Collins
Number of Wines: 853
Wines by the Glass: 38
Wine Price by the Glass: $
Every page of this comprehensive compilation gives joy. It is a cracking list starting with a stunning by-the-glass selection which is a great way to taste a variety of wines and styles from Domaine Tempier rosé, Hoosegg cabernet to Château d’Yquem. While Orange producers are a fixture, it’s not tokenism or even favouritism, the selection is excellent and adds more depth. There’s a lot of care, attention to detail and love of all things vinous imprinted into this list. Bravo.
A stellar array of wines by the glass is an impressive way to kick off this superb list. Their wine by the glass preservation system offers winelovers the chance to sample such wines as chardonnays from Cloudburst and Leeuwin Estate, Pinot Noir from Au Bon Climat as well as Henschke’s Mt Edelstone among many. And so goes the list. Wonderful collection throughout, with a focus on the best of local Queensland wines. Impressive set of spirits.
The Calile Hotel, Ground Floor, 48 James Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Australia's Best Listing of South Australian Wines 2023
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Jack Miller
Number of Wines: 1021
Wines by the Glass: 34
Wine Price by the Glass: $
Jack Miller has crafted an astonishing wine list with a focus on his local Adelaide Hills locale. His vinous neighbours in McLaren Vale and the Barossa are justly celebrated along with icon winegrowers like By Farr and Yarra Yering. The international selection is strong especially Burgundy and the Jura region. Verticals abound with an astonishing flight of Kaesler and Tapanappa wines. The enticing 'by the glass' list continues the celebration of all things Adelaide Hills with Miller's blue and bold highlights adding some fun - as do the quirky yet informative hand-drawn maps. All in all a triumphant winelist. Emerge yourself in it along with the Uraidla's tasty 'pub grub'.
One of Tasmania's finest lists, Peppina's split focus between Tasmania and Italy delivers a wonderful sense of identity, with a smorgasbord of Barolo and a feast of Tamar Pinot included for the ultimate diversity. Extremely strong by the glass (with carafe and the offer of half glasses. Great!) with a huge swathe of pricepoints covered, this versatile selection is incredibly impressive.
Sommelier: Claude Le Goff, Filippo Ranieri & Robin Wilson
Number of Wines: 1100
Wines by the Glass: 23
Wine Price by the Glass: $
Lake House proudly sits in the Hall of Fame, winning Wine List of The Year way back in 2014. It's such a pleasure to see how the list has continued to perform too, with selections that firmly push the glory of wines, beers and spirits from southern Victoria. What's so satisfying is how seamlessly the Lake House list celebrates blue chip legends like Rockford Basket Press Shiraz (served by the glass thank you every much) then dips neatly over to a surprising collection of Austrian Blaufrankisch, before finishing off with legendary Bordeaux. Wonderful drinking here and well priced too.
Australia's Best Listing of Western Australian Wines 2023
Cuisine: Modern Australian/Italian
Sommelier: Jake Atkinson
Number of Wines: 444
Wines by the Glass: 22
Wine Price by the Glass: $
Jake Atkinson has been a champion of Bunbury's Geographe region for many years as well as a promoter of less well-known Margaret River labels and the 2022 winner of Best Listing of Western Australia's Wines. He is perhaps even more enthusiastic about beer and Mojo's has built up a strong following for the breadth and depth of his beer range. There are four beers on tap, four cellar beers available by the glass, half a dozen non-alcoholic beers: an unbelievable range of beers from WA's South-West and heaps from other parts of the state and around Australia. The globe is his oyster, too, with the USA and Belgium prominently represented. Then there's the wines. This is one family business which deserves its success.
A stellar array of wines by the glass is an impressive way to kick off this superb list. Their wine by the glass preservation system offers winelovers the chance to sample such wines as chardonnays from Cloudburst and Leeuwin Estate, Pinot Noir from Au Bon Climat as well as Henschke’s Mt Edelstone among many. And so goes the list. Wonderful collection throughout, with a focus on the best of local Queensland wines. Impressive set of spirits.
The Calile Hotel, Ground Floor, 48 James Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
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.
Sommelier: Andrew de Vries, Pauline Perotto & Javier Coindreau
Number of Wines: 832
Wines by the Glass: 48
Wine Price by the Glass: $
While Catalina’s cover page and introduction could do with a revamp, there’s nothing outdated about this exceptional list. Expect a cracking by-the-glass selection, which includes eight premium whites and reds thanks to their wine by the glass preservation system. French wines and varieties feature strongly but the addition of top names from Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain and of course Australia ensure there’s diversity, delight and delicious options on every page.
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 2023
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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Bollinger
Bollinger has been part of the history of the Champagne region for more than 180 years. Members of the family came from many different horizons, and over the decades they have patiently built up an impressive heritage, always devoted to the service of what has become one of the most emblematic Houses the Champagne region has ever known.
