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.
Australia's Best New List (Tony Hitchin Award) 2024
Cuisine: Seaside Brasserie & Grill
Sommelier: Nina Throsby, Aaron Commins
Number of Wines: 500
Wines by the Glass: 33
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Serious champagnes kick off this list with a fine selection of wines by the glass, from around the globe, supporting it. The list looks to top varieties and regions and focuses on the wines from the top producers. The approach is continued with offshore offerings. So, for example, Burgundy gives us the wines of DRC, Denis Mortet and Rousseau. Operations like Yarra Yering, Clonakilla and Swinney are also featured. An extensive and impressive list, including a curated Western Australian set. A brilliant supporting cast of spirits as well. It may be a new list, though its complexity and breadth suggest it has been years in the making.
A new name on the Potts Point food scene, one that delivers both the cooking and wine of Spain with great passion and originality. Sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak looks to Spain as her main focus, but also chooses to highlight women winemakers and producers throughout the list from Australia and beyond, starting with a stirring wines by the glass selection with introductions detailing a little more about those she wishes to highlight. Low intervention wines, organic and biodynamic, are scattered throughout this well-priced small list that truly excites on so many levels.
Cuisine: Ethical produce from Tasmanian growers, fishers and farmers.
Sommelier: Louise Radman
Number of Wines: 100
Wines by the Glass: 13
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
So cool . . . literally and figuratively. Cooler climate sources, whether they be wine or spirits, are the light and inspiration behind this small but distinguished wine list which is awarded Best Wine List (Max. 100 Wines). Ostensibly a cellar door for the owners and their wine label, Domaine Simha, and their spirits company, Süd Polaire, this Hobart wine bar and kitchen is so much more. It celebrates the artisanal, the family-owned and the sustainable (including organic, biodynamic and low intervention), whether it be some scintillating small house Champagne producers, German rieslings of the highest order, Burgundy at its most natural and sustainable, or some palate-awakening New Wave Tasmanian pinots, as well as leaders of the "natural" or low intervention wine world. Finish with a fab amaro, grappa, single malt or absinthe and it will be a night to remember.
Pulling together a tighter list always requires an artful hand, and the Poodle list feels extremely well picked at every turn, so much so, it easily takes out Australia's Best Wine List (Max 200 Wines). From the charismatic beer selection, clever non-alcs, the tidy by the glass selection and the even the great-to-see array of sparkling reds. All of it shows a bit more than just drink picking. The bent here leans towards lofi listings, but the Poodle selection avoids falling into the trap of excess drinks esoterica. A little more aged wines wouldn't go astray, although not at the expense of value and drinkability.
Jonah's Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Whale Beach
Australia's Best List Of Wines By The Glass 2024
Cuisine: Italian inspired contemporary Australian cuisine
Sommelier: Georgina Larsson , Niels Sluiman
Number of Wines: 2031
Wines by the Glass: 75
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Sakes, sherries and a very extensive list by the glass, including the use of Coravin, are a great beginning to this comprehensive list. Many mature options and plenty of left field choices as well, but unlike some lists, they are not just to be trendy but rather expose the diner to exciting and emerging producers. A thrilling list.
The verdancy of the view from the window-lined dining room of Restaurant Botanic sets the scene for a wonderland of gastronomy. This is seasonal dining at its best, with fresh produce sourced from the gardens and beyond. The abundant degustation features an astonishing variety of Australian flavours. Four drink-matching options includes an alcohol-free pairing so creative that even bona-fide wine lovers might be tempted. However, delving into the wine list will not disappoint - showcasing a beautifully curated range of enticing styles, varieties and regions, including some lesser known gems. Little wonder this list wins two awards: Best Food & Wine Matching List and Best Non-Alcoholic List.
Sommelier Xavier Vigier has done a stellar job here, a thunderous and comprehensive wine list that should inspire and delight in equal measure. The attention to detail contained within, and information supplied alongside the listings, is stupendous and wonderful, best seen in the incredible by the glass program that details so very many wines and wine styles alongside rarities offered in allocated offerings each week. The main frame of the selection travels the globe of wine as an encyclopaedic proposition, with runs of marquee producers that often get scarce light of day; think Clos Sainte Hune, Domaine Belargus, Sandhi from import listings through to inspired lists of locals like Sentio, Hurley and Australian nebbiolo. A stupendous collection here, and the themed sections are superb in their layout and intent, including an ultra-fine collection of Champagne. This is a wine list for the ages, feeling quite original and inspired while offering accessibility and delight at every turn of the page. Wow.
A formidable wine list that stands among the best in Australia. Proudly Australian, it places local wines within a broader international context and confidently shows them alongside the best of Europe, North America and New Zealand. That makes for some hard decision-making, but diners can always choose between four wine & food pairings (including temperance). The Champagne and sparkling wine listing positively demands your attention it is THAT good. There are no weak categories here. You will love the comparative nature of the list with top examples of wines, listed by grape variety and broken down into country, listed side by side at comparable prices, particularly the comprehensive chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz/syrah and cabernet offerings. Mouth watering stuff. And some of the aged Aussie reds, still well affordable, are to die for, e.g., back vintages of Wynns John Riddoch cabernet, Cullen cabernet, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea and more. This diverse, exciting list wins both Best Sparkling Wine List and Best Listing of New Zealand Wines.
Upper-Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
The verdancy of the view from the window-lined dining room of Restaurant Botanic sets the scene for a wonderland of gastronomy. This is seasonal dining at its best, with fresh produce sourced from the gardens and beyond. The abundant degustation features an astonishing variety of Australian flavours. Four drink-matching options includes an alcohol-free pairing so creative that even bona-fide wine lovers might be tempted. However, delving into the wine list will not disappoint - showcasing a beautifully curated range of enticing styles, varieties and regions, including some lesser known gems. Little wonder this list wins two awards: Best Food & Wine Matching List and Best Non-Alcoholic List.
Sommelier: Jeremy Croft, Alex Rusinko, Nick Hildebrandt
Number of Wines: 1200
Wines by the Glass: 40
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
One of the few wine lists that can literally stop you in your tracks such is its brilliance, its depth and breadth and sheer delight. Bring a hungry palate and a full credit card and sit back and take in some 1200 wines from some of the world's greatest wine producers, in addition to the rising stars of the modern wine world. France holds pride of place with numerous feature pages given to makers from Burgundy, the Loure, Jura and Rhône Valley. Australia brings its stars and its fresh new faces to the list. Europe contributes its mix of class and nuance (this is where riesling stars!). And there are options aplenty available by the glass and half bottle. And, to start and finish the night there are some stunning aperitifs and digestives making this a stand out for both Best Aperitif List and Best Digestif List awards.
Sommelier: Jeremy Croft, Alex Rusinko, Nick Hildebrandt
Number of Wines: 1200
Wines by the Glass: 40
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
One of the few wine lists that can literally stop you in your tracks such is its brilliance, its depth and breadth and sheer delight. Bring a hungry palate and a full credit card and sit back and take in some 1200 wines from some of the world's greatest wine producers, in addition to the rising stars of the modern wine world. France holds pride of place with numerous feature pages given to makers from Burgundy, the Loure, Jura and Rhône Valley. Australia brings its stars and its fresh new faces to the list. Europe contributes its mix of class and nuance (this is where riesling stars!). And there are options aplenty available by the glass and half bottle. And, to start and finish the night there are some stunning aperitifs and digestives making this a stand out for both Best Aperitif List and Best Digestif List awards.
Sommelier: Sean Then, Melissa Mills, Kantaro Okada
Number of Wines: 95
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
At Leonie Upstairs, it's all about celebrating sake. Wine is eschewed, with the spirits and liqueurs following the same (Japanese) path as the extensive sake list. The educational content is outstanding, with multiple sake flights adding depth. The integration of the Japanese-inspired menu and the sake list is admired, as is its singular approach, making it the best place in Australia to enjoy this much-loved, on-trend drink.
Level 1, 15 -17 Lincoln Square South, Carlton VIC 3053
A fine list with an excellent array of aperitifs and spirits (most especially gin) to begin proceedings, but it is the world class array of beers that will astound many. Its comprehensive listing of styles has earned it the award for Best Beer List. Local wines are a big feature. An extensive list of fine wines, which eventually move away from the West and include others from Australia and offshore.
With views over the Noosa River and rolling green lawns, Noosa Waterfront Restaurant takes your breath away from the outset. The creative Italian menu features locally sourced produce and offers degustation or à la carte dining. Begin with the vast and imaginative cocktail list, including an international Gin and Tonic Experience, whilst perusing the impressive wine list. Italians do more than feature, the list is filled with superstar producers and their flagship wines. French and Australian icons also share the stage. However, there’s also a lot of delight to be found within quality smaller producers and at price points to suit every diner.
An incredibly impressive wine and drinks list that boldly offers some 1600-or-so wine listings and an incredible160-plus wines by the glass. Within the pages a truly mind-boggling array of wines and winemakers, with many of the world's greatest producers laid bare and across multiple vintages, many aged well over a decade and beyond - a true vinous treasure trove. That one can drink by the glass Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru ($440!) or go on a 'wine journey' across glasses from multiple vintages of Comtes Lafon and Pontet-Canet (back to 1995!) is unique and amazing alone, though dig into the bottle collection and find a stupendous Dom Perignon feature or Vincent Dauvissat Les Clos through multiple back vintages, or Wendouree back to the 90s or around ten vintages of Henschke Hill Of Grace and you know things are really firing. Strap in. This is a truly great, great wine collection of magnitude and importance, really, where drinkers can explore a global tome that highlights absolute greatness in wine with so much consideration for drinkers. It wins this year's Best Listing of French Wines.
Australia's Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Australian Wines 2024
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Alexis Maton
Number of Wines: 482
Wines by the Glass: 45
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Extensive use of Coravin ensures an exciting selection of by the glass options, with a serious focus on the wines from Shaw & Smith (more in the main body of the list than the by the glass selection), but much more. The champagnes of Louis Roederer are also a highlight. This is an extraordinary list of brilliant quality wines throughout, which also pays serious attention to vintages. Also a wonderful accompanying list of spirits and other drinks. No one is going home unhappy with this list.
Level 47 Australia square 264 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Australia's Best Listing of Museum and Rare Wines 2024
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Peter Dillon, Leonardo Lupattelli, Susan Coghlan
Number of Wines: 4500
Wines by the Glass: 71
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Could this be Australia's deepest wine list? With some 4500-or-so wines on offer, it certainly persecutes its case well! Alongside, some 70-plus offerings by the glass and we've got one of the most comprehensive wine lists in the country. It's a list so rich in treasures that it needs a thorough guide, the choices so mind-boggling that settling into sommelier service is an ideal thing. Extensive listings from Champagne nestle up next to lengthy line ups of riesling, hello Grosset from so many vintages, hello nearly 30 wines from JJ Prum alone. Amongst all of this, Champagne and Burgundy seem to be a deep focus, with a brilliant representation of all creeds and kinds from these vaunted regions. The investment in wine goes right through to rarities and hidden gems of the kind most wine lovers beg to see in the wild, proudly here on display. Outstanding spirits, aperitifs, digestifs, amaros and all sorts of sundry cocktails, non alcoholic drinks (including those created in house), also adorn this folio. A keen eye on local (Victorian) producers is inherent too, delivering additional value amongst the wealthy intrigue of imports. A colossal list of great importance and greatness generally, including an abundant selection of museum wines.
Royal Mail Hotel, 98 Parker Street Dunkeld VIC 3294
An Australian-only wine listing is rare these days, but here is one and it entices, shining a light on some of the country's unsung - and sung - quality winemakers. So much so, it takes out Best Listing of Australian Wines. The begins with welcome wine suggestions for the degustation menu where diners can choose between a classic, discovery, premium or reserve selection of sommelier recommended wines. It goes on to a wine by the glass group that includes a tempting pick of museum wines such as Savaterre chardonnay 2012, Tyrrell's Vat 1 semillon 2011 and Mount Mary Quintet 2005. It then continues in a main listing with highlights such as Aussie sparklings, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, shortz and fortifieds. Prepare the credit card in advance.
Capitol Bar & grill celebrates the wines of Canberra with a sparkling collection of winemakers, styles and years on display. And while the regional strengths of riesling and shiraz are lauded, there are emerging stars, too. Its list takes out both Best Listing of ACT Wines and the Best Wine List ACT. Tap into the regions through the extensive wines by the glass listing, try the Women of Canberra Wine Flight and study the section - and map -under the Canberra feature page. This is also a list devoted to wines well suited to the menu heavily stocked with steaks straight from the grill. Here, is where the wines of Australia, Europe and, in particular, Italy, really shine. The "Ripped Red" section with shiraz and cabernet from Coonawarra, Clare, Maragret River and the Barossa offer great matches as do the "Textural" reds from Spain and Italy. The cellar list is also a must see.
Australia's Best Listing of New South Wales Wines 2024
Cuisine: Modern
Sommelier: Matt Underwood
Number of Wines: 455
Wines by the Glass: 18
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
In this year's Best Listing of NSW Wines, the Hunter Valley, understandably, takes pride of place in this extensive list, both by the glass and in the body of the list. Pricing is seriously impressive with gems throughout. Great to see aged Hunter Semillon on offer but there is so much more. Superb array of fine wine.
Sophistication is the keynote of SK Steak and Oyster. Sleek design and a menu showcasing, you guessed it, premium steak and seafood, adds a New York-esque vibe, set amongst the buzzing James Street precinct of Fortitude Valley. With an extensive list of wines 'by the glass', inspired cocktails, and local Queensland wines, you can take your time exploring the comprehensive wine menu. The best-of-the-best feature here, with the likes of Vincent Dauvissat, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Luciano Sandrone sharing the limelight. The list dances between continents, varieties, styles and price points with pizazz.
The Calile Hotel, Ground Floor, 48 James Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Australia's Best Listing of South Australian Wines
The Uraidla Hotel, Uraidla
Australia's Best Listing of South Australian Wines 2024
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Ben Gough, Arthur Craig, Micheal Kittel-Neil
Number of Wines: 998
Wines by the Glass: 36
Wine Price by the Glass: $$
The Uraidla Hotel, in the Adelaide Hills, looks like an old-school pub. Indeed it is, licensed in 1867. However, today’s custodians are focussed on the future, with a strong sustainability ethos; environmental and in supporting and building their community. The almost 1000-strong wine list offers pleasure at every price-point with an engrossing list of Australian, and particularly South Australian choices. Its comprehensive South Australian listing sees it awarded Best Listing of South Australian Wines. Similarly a very strong international showing means there’s joy at every page turn. The menu is centred around local produce cooked in the Josper grill and caters for all, with excellent dietary options. As an extra bonus, you can book a tasting the 'The Tank', the original water tank, now renovated into a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar.
Molto keeps going from strength to strength, significantly increasing both its number of wines and wine by the glass this year which raises an already fine wine list to new heights. The emphasis remains on wines sourced from the "hood," from across Tasmania with a strong supporting cast from mainland Australia and the rest of the world. It has well-earned both Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines and Best Wine List Tasmania. You are never too sure what you might come across here - the excitement and discovery factor is high. It might be a boutique Tassie maker rarely seen outside the island, a classic Alsatian producer of note, Burgundies to stop you in your tracks, a champion of oxidative/sous voile wines, a stunning New Zealand pinot noir, a well-aged Barolo or emerging stars from Sardinia and Puglia.
Sommelier: Peter Dillon, Leonardo Lupattelli, Susan Coghlan
Number of Wines: 4500
Wines by the Glass: 71
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
Could this be Australia's deepest wine list? With some 4500-or-so wines on offer, it certainly persecutes its case well! Alongside, some 70-plus offerings by the glass and we've got one of the most comprehensive wine lists in the country. It's a list so rich in treasures that it needs a thorough guide, the choices so mind-boggling that settling into sommelier service is an ideal thing. Extensive listings from Champagne nestle up next to lengthy line ups of riesling, hello Grosset from so many vintages, hello nearly 30 wines from JJ Prum alone. Amongst all of this, Champagne and Burgundy seem to be a deep focus, with a brilliant representation of all creeds and kinds from these vaunted regions. The investment in wine goes right through to rarities and hidden gems of the kind most wine lovers beg to see in the wild, proudly here on display. Outstanding spirits, aperitifs, digestifs, amaros and all sorts of sundry cocktails, non alcoholic drinks (including those created in house), also adorn this folio. A keen eye on local (Victorian) producers is inherent too, delivering additional value amongst the wealthy intrigue of imports. A colossal list of great importance and greatness generally, including an abundant selection of museum wines.
Royal Mail Hotel, 98 Parker Street Dunkeld VIC 3294
Australia's Best Listing of Western Australian Wines
The Shorehouse, Swanbourne
Australia's Best Listing of Western Australian Wines 2024
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Nina Throsby , Alexander King , Aaron Commins
Number of Wines: 765
Wines by the Glass: 32
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
An extensive and impressive list which begins with a fine range of spirits and aperitifs, and, thrilling for some, exciting sherries. An understandable effort to feature the wines of the West but so much more. If one had to pick a favourite region here, it would have to be Burgundy, but the supporting cast of spirits and other drinks comes close.
All the key Greek producers imported into Australia feature on this excellent list such as Gaia, Argyros, Kir-Yianni and Gerovassiliou. And plenty by-the-glass with wines described by palate weight, which all help the diner to choose something delicious and appropriate to the dishes. Lots of diversity with the selection of Champagne, Australian and Italian wine to further add interest. Yassou!
The Calile Hotel, Level 1, 48 James St Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
After almost a century, Grossi Florentino remains an institution, and with the wine list to match. A tome, with unparalleled diversity, the joy here is just how deep the collection goes, especially in the magnificent Italian selection. You won't see a greater collection of Timorasso anywhere in this hemisphere, for example, let alone the joyful array of Friulian whites, Sicilian rarities, an appasimento smorgasbord and much more. Beyond the grandiosity and the aged wine array, the studious attention to life beyond big names wines is welcome. A shout out in particular to the very strong non-alcoholic section or a beer list with a layer of taxonomy. Here's cheers to another century!
Australia's Best Listing of New Zealand Wines 2024
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Sommelier: Steven Pietersma
Number of Wines: 650
Wines by the Glass: 46
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
A formidable wine list that stands among the best in Australia. Proudly Australian, it places local wines within a broader international context and confidently shows them alongside the best of Europe, North America and New Zealand. That makes for some hard decision-making, but diners can always choose between four wine & food pairings (including temperance). The Champagne and sparkling wine listing positively demands your attention it is THAT good. There are no weak categories here. You will love the comparative nature of the list with top examples of wines, listed by grape variety and broken down into country, listed side by side at comparable prices, particularly the comprehensive chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz/syrah and cabernet offerings. Mouth watering stuff. And some of the aged Aussie reds, still well affordable, are to die for, e.g., back vintages of Wynns John Riddoch cabernet, Cullen cabernet, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea and more. This diverse, exciting list wins both Best Sparkling Wine List and Best Listing of New Zealand Wines.
Upper-Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
Sommelier: Gianmattia Giordano, Hanna Brugnolli, Corrado Ferla
Number of Wines: 3555
Wines by the Glass: 57
Wine Price by the Glass: $$$
A world class list which is incredibly comprehensive. Great names, superb vintages, the top regions, unicorn wines and emerging stars. You name it… One could suggest that champagne was the leading selection but then one could suggest that about nearly every style, variety and region, including hard-to-find labels from New Zealand and the USA. A list to revel in.
The Salopian Inn offers elegant, modern Australian dining with a focus on local, environmentally sensitive and ethical ingredients. The restaurant uses solar power and everything that can be, is composted. An extraordinary kitchen garden (complete with indigenous plants, fruit trees, chickens and bees) provides fresh produce, with supplementation by local suppliers. The cellar is substantial, amassing choices sourced from emerging to iconic producers. A fantastic by-the-glass list invites discovery, with quirky varieties and regions from Australia and abroad, with captivating wines to suit every budget. The Salopian Inn takes out three major awards this year: Best Listing of a Region's Wines, Best Wine List South Australia and Best Country Restaurant Wine List.
Driven by a mantra of 'discovery, familiarity, value and experience', the Gimlet list artfully blends the great and the good with a dose of variety and complexity. The intentions here are pretty clear when Selosse & Rousseau get their own feature pages - and what a huge treat to try such great wines by the glass. Indeed, the selection by the glass here is exceptional, with a nice blend of essential drinks vs indulgences. Very clever! There's a subtle playfulness here too - just like the 'neither red nor white wine' section, just to remind that not everything has to be serious. It's a list with high appeal for all wine lovers, outstanding in its breadth, depth, balance and originality.
This is an ambitious, Italian-focused list that showcases the best of Italy's regions, and is particularly impressive with nebbiolo. An occasional mini-vertical offers a range of vintages from key producers. It is also strong with its Australian choices and has a comprehensive range of non-alcoholic choices - an increasingly important market segment.
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 2024
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.
