Australia’s most prestigious awards program for wine and beverage lists,
established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook and Rob and the late Judy Hirst
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S WINNERS, FINALISTS
AND HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES!
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Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards were established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook, Sydney’s first Wine and Spirit Merchant (established 1838).
The aim of the Awards is twofold – to recognise and reward the enormous investment by restaurant owners, managers and sommeliers in the time, skill and resources that go into developing the best quality wine lists and teams and the cellars behind them. At the same time the Awards recognise, pay tribute to and reward the dedication and talent of those individuals, those sommeliers who create these lists for Australia’s best restaurants, hotels, clubs, wine bars, pubs and cafes – large and small.
Peter Forrestal, current Emeritus Chair of Judges and Chair from 2004 to 2025, as well as a member of the judging panel since 1994, endorses Huon’s comments and salutes the rise to prominence of Australia’s sommeliers over the past 20 years particularly. ‘Not only does Australia now boast an abundance of sommeliers but those we have are as well educated and as experienced as those of any country in the world. They have been fortunate to have a vigorous and enthusiastic industry body in Sommeliers Australia and strong support from international organisations such as the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Importantly, the Awards have also had an impact on the public’s interest in fine wine generally and have improved their appreciation of those establishments which have successfully participated in the Awards over the years and been celebrated.
QANTAS Magazine and Travel Insider are the Awards Consumer Communications Partner, and since 2016, the Drinks Association have been the official Awards Trade Communications Partner.
The Awards:
This ranks among Australia’s and the world’s great wine lists, exceptional in its vintage depth and curation and broad in both local and international scope. At heart, it’s a celebration of quality in all its forms. There are close to 90 wines by the glass, ranging from well-priced Australian favourites like MMAD Vineyard chenin through premium local chardonnay from By Farr and Tolpuddle to icon reds including Mount Mary pinot, The Armagh and Grange poured from magnums. Rarities from further afield, including the likes of Benjamin Leroux 1er Cru Meursault or Domaine de la Pousse d’Or Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses, are available as a taste, half-pour or glass. For those wanting a quick start, The Shortlist offers a hand-picked selection of well-priced small players plus recognisable labels which punch well above their weight. Beyond, in the main list, is a formidable collection of Dom Pérignon, grower Champagne and top Australian chardonnay, with due focus on the wines of Victoria, followed by the dazzling white Burgundy pages. From there, the list sails through impressive local pinot noir, shiraz, cabernet and friends, plus a curated New Zealand set, before drifting into a vinous fantasy land, including legendary holdings of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy, followed by Left- and Right-Bank Bordeaux and a crescendo of Château d’Yquem stretching back to 1914. Oh, one can dream. Then it is back to reality, though only just, with quality Beaujolais, Rhône, Loire and beyond, and worthy detours through Italy and Spain and an unusually deep selection from the USA. A fabulous spirits collection, including an extensive range of single malts, ensures the evening can close in suitable style.
26 Sep 2026
Download full media release here Images for editorial use are available here In addition to the major trophy, Society also picked another three major titles including Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List; Best Wine List Victoria and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass. The venue was also a finalist in another three […]
07 Apr 2026
Download media release HERE Curators of the nation’s top beverage lists are invited to enter the 33rd edition of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards Entries will officially open for the 33rd edition of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards — the nation’s most prestigious program celebrating Australia’s finest wine and beverage lists […]
24 Sep 2025
Images for editorial use are available here Press Release available here In addition to the major trophy, Circl – which only opened last year – also picked up another staggering seven category awards across the night including Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – City, Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass, Australia’s Best Champagne […]
08 Apr 2025
Download media release HERE Calling all curators of Australia’s finest wine and beverage lists: Are you ready to have your venue recognised as one of the nation’s most prestigious wine and beverage lists? Now is the time to submit your entry: The 32nd edition of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards has officially opened […]
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.
The drinks association is the AWLOTYA’s official Trade Communications Partner. It’s Australia’s leading membership body providing services and information to the drinks industry, with a well-respected portfolio of trade publications targeting an extensive cross-section of the on-premise drinks community – in excess of 13,000 restaurants, clubs, pubs, hotels, resorts, bars and wine bars.