Do you champion NSW wine on your list? Do you take pride in curating thoughtful, diverse selections that celebrate the best of NSW’s unique wine regions? If so, it’s time to put your wine list in the spotlight and become the next #NSWWineStar.

Sommeliers, restaurant owners and hospitality and bar managers across NSW are invited to submit their wine lists for the 2026 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards. From intimate neighbourhood venues and relaxed eateries to hatted fine-dining restaurants and hotel dining rooms, the awards recognise wine lists that showcase the outstanding quality, diversity, and regional expression of NSW wine.

Entries are welcomed from restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, clubs, caterers, and function venues, with wine lists of all sizes considered, provided they demonstrate a genuine commitment to NSW producers and thoughtful wine curation.

Now in its seventh year, the awards continue to shine a spotlight on the venues and sommeliers championing local wine. NSW Wine is proud to again host the awards supported by major partner Destination NSW.

President of the NSW Wine Industry Association Mark Bourne said: “The NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of sommeliers across our state who are championing local wines and crafting exceptional dining experiences.

"These awards highlight the vital role they play in bringing NSW wines to the forefront, from the iconic regions of Hunter Valley and Canberra District to emerging destinations such as Orange and beyond.

"By curating exceptional wine lists, these sommeliers are helping diners explore the diversity and quality of our local wines, while also strengthening NSW’s reputation as a world-class food and wine destination.”

The 2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards attracted 40 outstanding finalists, with six venues ultimately awarded trophies across a range of categories. In 2026, entries will once again be assessed by a judging panel bringing deep expertise across wine, hospitality, and tourism.

Entrants will be eligible to win one of six category awards, as well as the prestigious 2026 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year title.

2026 Award categories include:

  • Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW Venue (<60 seats)
  • Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW Venue (>61 seats)
  • Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney Venue (<60 seats)
  • Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney Venue (>61 seats)
  • Best NSW Wine List by a Caterer or Function Venue
  • Best NSW Wine List in a NSW Pub or Club
  • NSW Wine President’s Award for Outstanding Support of the NSW Wine Industry

Not only will they be crowned #NSWWineStar, but they will also be featured as 'hero venues' during the NSW Wine Month campaign in November.

Winners will be announced at NSW Parliament House on 2 June 2026.

Entries close at 11.59pm on 15 April 2026.

The awards are free to enter. Learn more here.