NSW continued its strong presence in the 2026 Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards with a total of 16 major category wins.
Celebrating its 33rd anniversary, the Awards ceremony was presented at NSW Parliament House in Sydney on 28 September.
Altitude Restaurant led the way for the state with three major category wins for Australia’s Best Listing of NSW Wines, Australia’s Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Wines, and Australia’s Best Hotel/Resort
Dining Wine List.
It was also a finalist for Australia’s Best Listing of ACT and Canberra District Wines and Australia’s Best Listing of Australian Wines.
Newcomer Infinity by Mark Best made an impressive debut with two wins: Australia’s Best Listing of Australian Wines and The Tony Hitchin Award for Australia’s Best New Wine List.
Hall of Fame member Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel continued to make its mark by winning Australia’s Best Food & Wine Matching List and the consumer-voted Australia's Choice Award.
Shell House Dining Room & Terrace won the overall Award for Best Wine List NSW, while inner-west favourite ANTE made its debut through the title of Australia’s Best List of Japanese Sake.
Olympus Dining was awarded Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines for the second year running and Devine Food & Wine won Australia’s Best Aperitif for the third time, previously winning in 2018 and 2024.
Other highlights include Hall of Fame members Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney acknowledged with Australia’s Best Listing of Cellared and Museum Wines; The Rover being awarded Australia’s Best Wine
List (Max. 50 Wines) and Me-Gal being named Australia’s Best Wine List (Max. 100 Wines).
Chair of Judges Toni Paterson MW said: “Despite recent challenges, our restaurant sector has great energy, with fabulous wine and beverage lists compiled by confident, knowledgeable sommeliers.
“The best lists are showing greater support for Australian wines, including those from their home state, which is heartening, especially when local wines represent excellent value, are better than ever, and offer great style and varietal diversity.
“This year has seen the rise of grenache, mini-cocktails, chilled reds and small pours by the glass, the latter encouraging experimentation while staying mindful of cost.
“The international offering is incredibly varied, allowing people to explore the world of wine without leaving our shores. We have also seen a wider range of cuisines and menu formats, with share plates increasingly popular.”
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards was established in 1993 by Rob Hirst OAM and his late wife, Judy, together with Tucker Seabrook.
The awards honour the time, skill, and resources that go into developing the highest-quality wine lists and pay tribute to the talented sommeliers, owners, their teams and the cellars behind them.
Mr Hirst said: “It is wonderful to see the outstanding level of support for the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards again this year and the recognition that they deliver to those in the industry continuing to pursue excellence with the list they present to their customers.
“The quality of wine lists across the country has never been better.
“These awards are about the recognition and celebration of the outstanding commitment, work and investment of the sommeliers, owners, beverage directors, venue managers and entrepreneurs who make Australia’s hospitality industry one of the best in the world.
“We congratulate all award winners and glass-rated venues for their achievements this year.”
For more information on Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, click here.
