Rizla won the national award for Best Wine List (under 100 wines). Photo: Supplied.
The Australian Wine List of the Year Awards has once again highlighted the exceptional quality of wine lists in Canberra. Over 300 industry leaders from around the country gathered in Sydney last week to celebrate the awards.
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards was established in 1993 by Rob Hirst and his late wife Judy while they were running Sydney’s first wine and spirits merchant, Tucker Seabrook (est 1838).
“This year, a record number of venues received the coveted ‘Three Glass’ rating, an increase of 10 per cent on last year. Many of these venues have received this distinction for the first time … It’s an incredible achievement and one that reflects the importance of a wine and drinks list to the overall dining experience,” said Rob Hirst.
Venues receive a rating of one, two or three ‘glasses’, indicating that their wine list is recommended, excellent or outstanding.
One Canberra venue to receive the three glass accolade is Romanée Wine Bar in Braddon, which entered for the first time this year. Owner Chester Mok said that he has worked hard to build a list of wines that people don’t often see.
“We’ve worked really hard to get some key things from producers around the world. We’ve got a good representation of winemaking regions and grape varietals, but also some key vintages,” he told Region.
“When you make your own list, you’ll always think it’s good! So it’s nice to be reviewed by your peers and to have that validation that you’re doing a good job.”
The winners at the Wine List of the Year Awards. Photo: Supplied.
Down the road from Romanée, Rizla was also awarded three wine glasses and took out the national prize for Best Wine List (under 100 wines), a title they also won in 2023.
Owner Andy Day told Region that it was both their wine list and the way they present it that tipped them over the edge for the win.
“Sometimes wine lists can be quite exclusive or stuffy. We offer tasting notes which give people some knowledge but also give them an understanding of the personality of the wines,” he said.
“We try to make it fun, so it’s not just the quality of wine, but also the styling and that element which has set us apart this year.”
Venues must submit their wine list for judging quite early in the year. Multiple judges independently assess the lists for content, balance, suitability to the venue, presentation and pricing.
“The level of production and the quality of judges is amazing. They have judges from all over the world help them out, as well as wine writers and master sommeliers deciding whose lists are really good,” said Andy Day.
Capitol Bar & Grill took out the ACT best wine list award and best listing of ACT wines. Photo: Supplied
Capitol Bar and Grill at QT Canberra won Best Wine List for ACT, and The Boat House was inducted into the Hall of Fame, which recognises venues that have been consistently highly awarded.
Best Wine List ACT – Capitol Bar & Grill
Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 100 Wines) – Rizla
Australia’s Best Listing of ACT Wines – Capitol Bar & Grill
‘Three Glass’ Canberra Winners
Capitol Bar & Grill
Rizla
Romanée Wine Bar
Italian and Sons
Mezzalira Ristorante
Raku
The Boat House.
Find the complete list of winners at the Australian Wine List of the Year.
