Just 18 months after opening at one of the city’s flagship new hotels, BTWN at W Sydney has been awarded the 2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year.

The 2025 awards were held at Strangers Dining Room in NSW Parliament House and hosted by NSW Wine Industry Association (NSW Wine) in partnership with Destination NSW.

The awards were attended by NSW wine producers, Members of Parliament, sommeliers and industry and recognised the venues and sommeliers that have gone above and beyond in their support of NSW wines this year.

Each year the NSW Sommelier Wine List Awards provides an opportunity for the wine and hospitality industries to come together and celebrate NSW wine and the venues that proudly support the commitment of grape growers and winemakers of NSW to premium wine production for more than 230 years.

The 2025 awards program saw 40 finalists selected across six categories.

The awards were judged by Dane Richards, editor of News for the Food Lover and President NSW Bailliage of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and writer and editor Dom Sweeney.

Judge Dom Sweeney, Daniele Campo, Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper

NSW Wine President Mark Bourne said: “Sydney is a global city, and the wine lists in Sydney venues will always reflect this.

"Where BTWN stood above the rest was in its elevation of local producers and its resolve to highlight local wineries first. The wine list was wonderfully balanced, interesting, promotes the best of NSW to domestic and international visitors and is complimented by a broader commitment to local produce - which we love to see.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “I congratulate the winners of these awards and thank them for their passion and dedication to championing NSW wine, which is amongst the best in the world.

"By curating wine lists featuring our local produce, not only are they spotlighting our world-class wine sector, but they are also showcasing the beautiful regions, vineyards and cellar doors that offer exceptional wine experiences for visitors to NSW, which is a key ingredient in our state’s tourism offering.”

The winners for 2025

2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (<60 seats): Katrina Hiltbrunner, Mélange Bilpin

2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (>60 seats): Andres Aragon, Blaq at The Kyah Hotel, Blue Mountains

2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (<60 seats): Lisa Guenther-Strauss, The Art Syndicate, Surry Hills

2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (>60 seats): Daniele Campo, BTWN at W Sydney

2025 Best NSW Wine List by a Caterer or in a Functions venue: William Wilson, ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour

2025 NSW Wine President’s Award for Outstanding Support of the NSW Wine Industry: Sonia Greig, SOUTH on Albany, Berry

2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year: Daniele Campo, BTWN at W Sydney

All 40 finalists will now be featured as NSW Wine’s hero venues this November for the second NSW Wine Month.

NSW Wine Month 2025 will host and curate a program of events, festivals, masterclasses and other activities for wine lovers across the state.

The 2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year awards partner was Destination NSW. Prize partners included Riedel, Australia’s Wine List of the Year, Chaine Des Rotisseurs Young Sommeliers Competition, Sommeliers Australia, News For The Food Lover, Mudgee Wine Association, Shoalhaven Coast Wine, Hilltops Wine, Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism, Upper Hunter Region, Orange Region Vignerons Association and the Canberra Wine District. 2025

#NSWWineStars 2025

#NSWWineStars offer customers a great wine experience and a range of local wines that showcase the quality and diversity of wines being produced in our state.

These are the #NSWWineStars for 2025:

  • Sydney Opera House
  • Poetica
  • SOUTH on Albany Restaurant
  • Altitude Restaurant
  • TWOTRIPLEFOUR by Bills
  • Bills Fishhouse + Bar
  • Me-Gal at Taronga Zoo
  • Three Blue Ducks Bellingen
  • Bar NSW at the Lookout Botanic House
  • Ammos Restaurant
  • The Blue Door
  • The Art Syndicate
  • The Cranfield
  • Bennelong Restaurant
  • Glass Brasserie @ Hilton
  • Otto Ristorante
  • The Grand Hotel
  • Woodcut Restaurant
  • taste @ cassegrain
  • The Newcastle Club
  • The Library Bar
  • ESCA
  • Bat & Ball Hotel
  • Strangers Restaurant
  • Little Beach Boathouse
  • Atelier by Sofitel
  • Little Betty's
  • Blaq Restaurant
  • BTWN
  • Three Blue Ducks Rosebery
  • Heywood at Nick O'Leary
  • ICC Sydney
  • Three Blue Ducks Nimbo
  • Flight Path Wine Bar
  • Restaurant 2317
  • Mélange Bilpin
  • Whitney's Restaurant & Bar
  • Harvest HQ
  • The Old George and Dragon

ICC Sydney honoured for outstanding local wine curation


International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) said winning the 2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Caterer or Functions Venue accolade at the 2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards was a testament to the expertise of its Food and Beverage Manager and Sommelier William Wilson.

Rob Hirst and William Wilson

ICC Sydney serves 100 per cent NSW wines to millions of event attendees across the venue each year. Since opening in December 2016, the venue has facilitated the distribution of more than 400,000 bottles of NSW wine at events and directed more than $77 million towards NSW food and wine producers.
 
Wilson’s industry connections and knowledge of local wines have played a key role in the venue’s contribution to regional suppliers, which in FY2024/25 is expected to reach $9.8 million in direct expenditure for NSW food and beverage suppliers. 

ICC Sydney Chief Executive Officer Adam Mather-Brown said: “At ICC Sydney we’re proud to showcase the exceptional produce of our state. By sourcing our wines through local supply chains, we’re not only crafting a premium experience for our delegates but also supporting the communities that make regional NSW so vibrant.
 
“It’s an honour to share our 100 per cent NSW Wine List with visitors from around the world in celebration of the very best our state has to offer."

Wilson said: “We’re truly honoured to be recognised in the 2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards, alongside 40 finalists from across the state who are all doing incredible work to showcase NSW wines.
 
“Our focus has always been on creating an exceptional experience for every guest — whether they’re attending a gala dinner or enjoying a live entertainment event in our theatres, we want them to enjoy some of the finest wines our state has to offer. 

“We warmly congratulate all the winners and finalists, and we look forward to continuing to support local producers and share their stories with audiences from around the world."