Australia's
Wine List
of the Year
Awards
2019

Wine List of the Year
Judy Hirst Award
Best City Restaurant
State Winner Victoria
Best Non-Alcoholic List

ATTICA, VIC

The Tony Hitchin Award
(Best New List)

MIMI's, NSW

Best Listing of a Region's Wines

THE BOAT HOUSE, ACT

Best Small Wine List
(50 Wines)

COTT & CO, WA + ISHIZUKA, VIC

Best Small List (100)

SPICE TEMPLE, NSW

Best Food & Wine
Matching

ARIA, NSW

Best Wine Bar List

SAGA BAR, NSW

Best Pub Restaurant List

MAYFAIR LANE, WA

Best Club Restaurant List

TERRACE KITCHEN, TAS

Best List of Wines by the Glass

CRU BAR & CELLAR, QLD

Best Country Restaurant List

LAURA, VIC

Best Hotel Restaurant List

BERT'S, NSW

Best Listing of Australian Wines

BENNELONG, NSW

Best Wine List ACT

ITALIAN AND SONS

Best Wine List NSW

SIXPENNY

Best Wine List NT

Best Wine List QLD

BLACKBIRD 

Best Wine List SA

HARDY's VERANDAH

Best Wine List TAS

BLACK COW BISTRO

Best Wine List VIC

ATTICA

Best Wine List WA

IL LIDO

Best Beer List

THE AVOCA HOTEL, VIC

Best Aperitif List

BANKSII BAR + BISTRO, NSW

Best Digestif List

ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL, NSW

Best Champagne List

ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL, NSW

Best Sparkling List

REIGN AT THE QVB, NSW

Best Sake List

HARBOURSIDE BAR, QLD

Readers' Choice Award

MITCHELL HARRIS, VIC

Sommeliers' Choice

LOUELLA MATTHEWS, BIBO WINE BAR, NSW

Hall of Fame

South Australia Winner

Hardy’s Verandah

Hardy’s Verandah

1 Mawson Drv, Crafers
‍ (08) 8339 6777


hardysverandah.com.au

CUISINE South Australian Modern Cuisine with Asian Influence (Fine Dining)
WINE LIST Liinaa Berry and Henry Bampton
WINEs ON LIST 685 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($65-$14 by the glass)

With sweeping views over the Adelaide Hills, it’s easy to get lost in the moment, with a glass in hand, at Hardy’s Verandah. Wine-loving diners are treated to an impressive list that celebrates local heroes as well as presenting a global selection, including favoured classics and lesser-known treats. Wines are included on their merit, so you have contemporary skin-contact styles alongside verticals of revered wines such as Penfolds Reserve Bin or Tapanappa Chardonnay.

When a wine is obscure or curious, there is helpful prose detailing its merits. There are so many things to love, such as the inclusion of small winemakers like Joshua Cooper, the fine selection of sparkling wines and Champagnes, producer and regional spotlights, delicious wines-by-the-glass, helpful maps, prestigious global labels and a commendable range of back vintages. It’s a list with personality and flair, and with Liinaa Berry at the helm, you’re in excellent hands.

Toni Paterson MW

Finalists

The Salopian Inn

Corner Main Rd & McMutrie Rd, McLaren Vale
 (08) 8323 8769
 salopian.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Alex Marchetti
WINEs ON LIST 551 (28 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$$$ ($80-$10 by the glass)

There’s a lot happening in the McLaren Vale with a host of new-wave producers, alongside the more traditional players. All this energy is captured and showcased at the Salopian Inn. Enjoy wines from Lino Ramble, Sherrah, Aphelion and Bondar as well as established quality players like Yangarra, Pannell and Bekkers. Despite the large selection from McLaren Vale, including a fine selection of grenache, the list is diverse in its offering, showcasing great producers from around Australia and the globe. They also have a good range of local beers and an exceptional selection of gin with more than 200 on offer.

Penfolds Magill Estate

78 Penfold Rd, Magill
 (08) 8301 5551
 magillestaterestaurant.com

CUISINE Australian
WINE LIST Marcell Kustos
WINEs ON LIST 523 (41 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($290-$10 by the glass)

For the Penfolds wine acolytes, this is nirvana: the ultimate collection of the estate’s wines including amazing runs of vintages, rare releases, experimental batches and some unicorn wines that have rarely seen light of day. It reads wonderfully, a history lesson on each page, with each cuvée given judicious space to flex across decades. If a Penfolds wine isn’t to your liking, you’re probably in the wrong restaurant, but rest assured there’s a seriously good and huge collection of Champagne to wade through, too. Likewise, dessert wines flex a little further afield than expected, and spirits, particularly whisky, cognac and armagnac, are well chosen. There is also a wonderful addendum of Madeira and sherry, for those inclined. While focused on the namesake brand, the restaurant does spread itself a little further, but the sheer gobsmacking volume of amazing Penfolds wines is almost too much to resist.

Glass-Rated

2KW Bar & Restaurant

Level 8, 2 King William Road, Adelaide
(08) 8212 5511


2kwbar.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Daniel McEvoy and Brendan Cantrall
WINEs ON LIST 759 (34 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($150-$10 by the glass)

Adelaide wine lovers flock to this rooftop bar for good reason: the food is great, the views are spectacular and most importantly, the wine list is on point. The list champions small local producers such as Deviation Road, Ashton Hills and S.C. Pannell, though there are also plenty of high-quality classic names like Penfolds, Henschke and Yalumba. From interstate, there are many top labels, including Tolpuddle, Yarra Yering and Sailor Seeks Horse. The international selection is astute, with the classic regions of France well represented, as well as a good spread from Italy. It is a thoughtful, considered list and finds the perfect balance between the contemporary and the classic.

Apoteca Bar & Restaurant

118 Hindley St, Adelaide
‍(08) 8212 9099


apoteca.com.au

CUISINE European
WINE LIST Paola Coro
WINEs ON LIST 300 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($24-$10 by the glass)

With subtle refinements in styling and a new catchy name, Paola Coro’s fabulous Hindley St venue still provides the same sleek wine offering that made it famous. To accompany the new share plate menu is an extensive spread of local and international wines. Apoteca makes experimentation a breeze with its by-the-glass selection available by the taste, glass, quarto (250ml) or mezzo (500ml). The listings are careful, deliberate and well-priced, encompassing a broad range of varieties, origins and styles. Die-hard wine lovers will rejoice at the number of back vintages and eclectic small producers on offer.

The Barn Steakhouse

747 Glenelg River Road, Mount Gambier
‍(08) 8726 9999

barn.com.au

CUISINE Steak
WINE LIST Kent Comley
WINEs ON LIST 840 (24 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($35-$9 by the glass)

The Barn Steakhouse is in the Hall of Fame for winning Best Wine List in South Australia for three years, so clearly this is one of the premier places in Australia to drink fine wine. Not only does it champion the wines of the local Limestone Coast area, but it also offers a sublime selection of international wines across a broad range of varieties. What sets this list apart is the number of reds with age, as well as the comprehensive selection of top wines from the Coonawarra. The prices are incredibly fair, and the wines of Burgundy and Piedmont are a real highlight.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant

Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide
 (08) 8223 3526


botanicgardensrestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Contemporary Australian
WINE LIST Luca Abbatiello
WINEs ON LIST 121 (22 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($28-$13 by the glass)

A small punchy list packed with on-trend wines diverse in style and origin. Well-chosen small producers constitute the bulk of the list, and there is good support for local South Australian producers. Enjoy wines from contemporary brands such as Ochota Barrels, Koerner and Jericho, as well as classic wines from Henschke and Wynns. The beauty of this list is in its diverse varietal spread, so don’t miss the chance to try something different and exciting.

Chianti

160 Hutt St, Adelaide
‍(08) 8232 7955


chianti.net.au

CUISINE Italian
WINEs ON LIST 298 (16 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($18-$11 by the glass)

Since 1985, Chianti has been treating diners to top wine, food and hospitality. And like a fine wine, the restaurant only gets better with age. The wine list takes one on a journey through Italy, with a curated selection of top wines, many with considerable age. Barolo is a highlight, with a stunning range of wines from quality producers. There is also an extensive selection of Australian wine, including local producers who make wine from traditional Italian grapes. The list is classical in its presentation, and it has helpful descriptions on many of the wines. If you love all things Italian, this is a must-visit destination when next in Adelaide.

Clever Little Tailor

19 Peel St, Adelaide
cleverlittletailor.com.au

CUISINE Charcuterie & Cheese
WINE LIST Dana Whyte
WINEs ON LIST 97 (12 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($25-$12 by the glass)

A quirky list with a slick presentation and much to love, especially if you are a fan of experimental styles. Wines made using techniques such as skin-contact and whole-bunch fermentation pepper the list, and you’ll also find a few pétillant naturel sparklings and wines made in amphorae. If you’re looking for something more conventional, turn to the quality Champagne listing or the Red Wines of Power. It is exciting to see rising stars like Josh Cooper on the list.

Commodore on the Park

1 Jubilee Hwy East, Mount Gambier
(08) 8724 6400
 commodoreonthepark.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Tom Kosch
WINEs ON LIST 371 (21 by the glass)
WINE PRICES$$ ($14-$10 by the glass)

An extensive wine list that champions the fine wines of South Australia in all their glory. Local Limestone Coast wines are given a deserving spotlight, particularly top reds from Coonawarra. You’ll find numerous back vintages of favoured producers such as Henschke, Penfolds and Wynns, to name but a few. The interstate selection includes top-quality wines from producers such as By Farr, Dexter and Tolpuddle. It is clear that the team take their wine seriously, and there are many respected producers to choose from. Be sure to check out the phenomenal gin selection, with more than 100 bottles on offer.

The d’Arenberg Cube

58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale
 (08) 8329 4888

darenberg.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Joshua Picken
WINEs ON LIST 628 (56 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($85-$11 by the glass)

D’Arenberg’s Cube, with its dazzling architecture, is a must-visit destination when visiting the beautiful McLaren Vale – though be sure to book ahead. Be stunned by the kaleidoscope of colour on entry, followed by an optional tasting of d’Arenberg wines. You’ll then be seated in a grand multicoloured armchair for your meal. The spectacle transforms into splendour when presented with the slick international wine list. A stellar global offering is presented alongside the d’Arenberg catalogue. There are so many irresistible wines to choose from, but if it all seems overwhelming, you can always opt for a wine pairing.

D’Arry’s Verandah

58 Osborn Road, McLaren Vale
 (08) 8329 4888

darenberg.com.au/darrys-verandah-restaurant

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Jo Reschke
WINEs ON LIST 550 (37 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($21-$9 by the glass)

For die-hard d’Arenberg fans, this restaurant would be like heaven. There is a wide range by the glass, including wine flights, and plenty of options by the bottle with back vintages of premium wines. If you want to cast your vinous hat further afield, there is a sweep of top-notch international wines as well. The astute selection of spirits, beers and cocktails round out the list. Be sure to read the helpful vintage descriptions before choosing wines from the museum catalogue.

Eden Valley Hotel

11 Murray Street, Eden Valley
‍ (08) 8564 1072

edenvalleyhotel.com.au

CUISINE Regional Australian
WINE LIST Cassaly Fitzgerald
WINEs ON LIST 67 (15 by the glass)
WINE PRICES$$ ($12-$7 by the glass)

If you happen to stumble upon the Eden Valley Hotel unawares, you may be surprised by the small yet beautifully formed wine list that not only showcases wines from the surrounding area but also from wider Australia and beyond. The laid-back sophistication is no accident; the acclaimed Cassaly Fitzgerald, of Appellation fame, is the brains and palate behind the selection. The list offers a rare opportunity to taste wines from the region’s smallest wineries and the prices are incredibly fair. That said, the international wines are hard to pass up as they have been carefully selected. And don’t miss the delicious wines and olive oil from local producer Max & Me in the adjoining tasting room.

Hardy’s Verandah

1 Mawson Drv, Crafers
‍ (08) 8339 6777


hardysverandah.com.au

CUISINE South Australian Modern Cuisine with Asian Influence (Fine Dining)
WINE LIST Liinaa Berry and Henry Bampton
WINEs ON LIST 685 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($65-$14 by the glass)

Hardy’s Verandah, at the historic Mount Lofty House in South Australia, has fine wine at its core and with Head Sommelier Liinaa Berry behind the list, you are in excellent hands. It’s a compelling selection, simultaneously edgy and classic. There is immense respect for local Adelaide Hills producers, but at the same time, the international suite is mesmerising. The highlights are numerous: fine Champagne and sparkling wine; verticals of top Australian producers; a Loire Valley spotlight; impressive listings of Burgundy and Barolo. As well as varietal listings, you will find wines arranged by style, so you can try a ‘juicy red with crunch’ or a ‘minerally, salty white’.  Whether you choose to be safe or experimental, there is much joy to be found. Don’t be afraid to live out of your comfort zone and do take advantage of the immense knowledge of the wine team to guide your selection.

Hellbound Wine Bar

201 Rundle St, Adelaide
0420 322 715
 hellboundwinebar.com

CUISINE Mediterranean snacks
WINE LIST Louis Schofield
WINEs ON LIST 300 (18 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($23-$9 by the glass)

Love the collection of sherries (especially the Navazos), vermouths and various fortifieds on offer. A chatty list that delves into lesser known makers and is not afraid to venture where few lists would dare. If one had to pick a highlight, surely the Burgundies. This is a list that will reward the adventurous.

Jasmin

31 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide
(08) 8223 7837
 jasmin.com.au

CUISINE Indian
WINE LIST Amrik Singh and Lee Skrabanich
WINEs ON LIST 131 (15 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$ ($17-$9 by the glass)

A strong list for its representation of South Australian wines, with prestige wine producers and more boutique offerings from local wine regions. Grossett, Penfolds and Rockford get the spotlight, though you’ll find fun stuff from cool outfit Alpha Box & Dice alongside interesting releases from Jericho, Ochota Barrels and La Prova, as examples. Plenty in the aromatic white department is a neat fit to the cuisine, with riesling, pinot gris and good sparkling wines working their mojo. Red wine listings are long, and perhaps weighted a little too heavily to bigger, fuller flavoured reds that could clash with the cuisine, but if you’re after the bolder stuff, then you’re well catered for with Wild Duck Creek, Torbreck and Tim Adams. A mature wine collection rounds out the offering nicely. Lots to explore.

The Lane Vineyard

5 Ravenswood Lane, Balhannah
(08) 8388 1250
 thelane.com.au/visit-us/restaurant

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Nastassja Ohlson
WINEs ON LIST 49 (26 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($28-$10 by the glass)

The Lane Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills is the producer of some excellent chardonnay, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and more, all employed to great effect on its restaurant wine list. The offerings include the odd exclusive, museum find and magnum. To keeps things interesting, their wines are aligned on the list with some fantastic Old-World offerings from top producers such as Faiveley, Auguste Clape, Isole e Olena and Pol Roger. It’s a small but tantalising list.

Orana

285 Rundle St, Adelaide
 (08) 8232 3444
 restaurantorana.com

CUISINE Australian
WINE LIST Kyle Poole
WINEs ON LIST 450 (15 by the glass)
WINE PRICES$$$ ($180-$18 by the glass)

The sophisticated clientele dining at Orana will find the wine list filled with quality labels from around the globe. Despite the restaurant being focused on native ingredients, the wine list is more far-reaching with global wines entwined with Australian producers. Contemporary local producers pepper the list, including Ochota Barrels and Sami-Odi, though it is also good to see heavyweights like Wynns and Henschke included in the mix. There are some stunning interstate inclusions like By Farr and Clonakilla as well as new-wave labels like Joshua Cooper. While there is strength in the international selection, the Australian listings are impressive and to be praised for their comprehensive and eclectic nature.

Penfolds Magill Estate

78 Penfold Rd, Magill
 (08) 8301 5551
 magillestaterestaurant.com

CUISINE Australian
WINE LIST Marcell Kustos
WINEs ON LIST 523 (41 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($290-$10 by the glass)

For the Penfolds wine acolytes, this is nirvana: the ultimate collection of the estate’s wines including amazing runs of vintages, rare releases, experimental batches and some unicorn wines that have rarely seen light of day. It reads wonderfully, a history lesson on each page, with each cuvée given judicious space to flex across decades. If a Penfolds wine isn’t to your liking, you’re probably in the wrong restaurant, but rest assured there’s a seriously good and huge collection of Champagne to wade through, too. Likewise, dessert wines flex a little further afield than expected, and spirits, particularly whisky, cognac and armagnac, are well chosen. There is also a wonderful addendum of Madeira and sherry, for those inclined. While focused on the namesake brand, the restaurant does spread itself a little further, but the sheer gobsmacking volume of amazing Penfolds wines is almost too much to resist.

The Playford

120 North Tce, Adelaide
(08) 8213 8888
 theplayford.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Jovana Stajic
WINEs ON LIST 226 (33 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$$ ($15-$9 by the glass)

A well-constructed list focusing on the best makers and wines from South Australia, supported by some fine Champagnes and a sprinkling of offerings from the rest of Australia and elsewhere. Attention also paid to mature wines. Excellent pricing throughout makes this a most appealing list.

The Salopian Inn

Corner Main Rd & McMutrie Rd, McLaren Vale
 (08) 8323 8769
 salopian.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Alex Marchetti
WINEs ON LIST 551 (28 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$$$ ($80-$10 by the glass)

There’s a lot happening in the McLaren Vale with a host of new-wave producers, alongside the more traditional players. All this energy is captured and showcased at the Salopian Inn. Enjoy wines from Lino Ramble, Sherrah, Aphelion and Bondar as well as established quality players like Yangarra, Pannell and Bekkers. Despite the large selection from McLaren Vale, including a fine selection of grenache, the list is diverse in its offering, showcasing great producers from around Australia and the globe. They also have a good range of local beers and an exceptional selection of gin with more than 200 on offer.

Sean’s Kitchen

Adelaide Railway Station, North Terrace Adelaide,
(08) 8218 4244
 skycityadelaide.com.au/eat-and-drink/seans-kitchen

CUISINE Seafood & Steak
WINE LIST James Parham
WINEs ON LIST 445 (39 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$$$ ($150-$10 by the glass)

Despite the grand location, drinking wine at Sean’s Kitchen need not break the bank. Sure, you can have a fine glass of premium wine served by Coravin, including Penfolds Grange and Henschke’s Hill of Grace, but the standard by-the-glass list is very affordable with most wines priced less than $15. The main list has a similarly broad field, with fancy Champagne down to affordable bottles of whites, reds and rosé. At all price points, the wines are well chosen, putting diners at ease whatever their budget. From a fine wine perspective, there are numerous highlights including a set of Burgundy and Barolo, and verticals of favoured Australian wines like Jim Barry’s The Florita, back to ’07; Rockford’s Basket Pressed Shiraz, back to ’92; and Wynn’s Michael back to ’08. There’s also a suite of first-growth Bordeaux if you’re feeling flush.

Uraidla Hotel

1198 Greenhill Rd, Uraidla
(08) 8390 0500
 uraidlahotel.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Heath Johansen
WINEs ON LIST 515 (34 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$$$ ($20-$9 by the glass)

The improvements in this list over a short period shows how committed the venue is to delivering a fine wine experience for its customers. The by-the-bottle listings have more than doubled in the past year, and they now offer more than 30 wines by the glass. Sommelier Mattia Tognon obviously takes his job very seriously and is a talent to watch. While local wines are given due support, the list also explores top wines from around Australia and beyond. Regarding the international spread, there are many high-end producers. Along with the superb selection of wine, there is an excellent range of beers and spirits.

Wined Bar @ National Wine Centre

Hackney & Botanic Roads, Adelaide
‍ (08) 8313 3355

nationalwinecentre.com.au/wined-bar

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST James Boden
WINEs ON LIST 1009 (121 by the glass)  
WINE PRICES$$ ($180-$10 by the glass)

A glorious and comprehensive listing of more 1000 wines where Australia is the hero. If you can’t decide which bottle to drink, don’t worry – there are more than 120 available by the glass. All major regions of Australia are represented, and the varietal spread is impressive. It is a fabulous mix of new-wave and classic producers. This is a must-stop destination for those wanting to explore and engage with Australian wine.