Tasmania Winner

Terrace Launceston

Terrace Launceston

Country Club Avenue, Prospect Vale
‍(03) 6335 5777


countryclubtasmania.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Robyn McInerney, Trent Edmunds & Ross Hannah
WINEs ON LIST 260 (13 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $ ($22.5-$12 by the glass)

The beauty of this list lies in the celebration of wines from across the island of Tasmania. The collection complements the produce of local farmers featured in this premier dining establishment.

A clean layout incorporating charming hand-drawn maps illustrates the nuances of site that make up Tasmania’s spectacular terroir. They span the Tamar Valley, Piper’s Brook, East Coast, and the Coal River, Derwent and Huon Valleys. Grower Champagne and sparkling from House of Arras and Freycinet make wonderful accompaniments to oysters and caviar.

Chardonnay and pinot noir from the likes of Stefano Lubiana and Sailor Seeks Horse are highlights, while mainland heroes include Giaconda and Dalwhinnie. Classically styled icon reds that pair well with the Cape Grim eye fillet include Torbreck and multiple vintages of Penfolds Grange. A Bordeaux collection ranging from Haut-Brion to Lafite is well pitched towards high rollers from the in-house casino.

While a small selection is offered by the glass, a page of staff favourites brings colour and insight for guests wishing to dive a little deeper.  

LOUISE RADMAN

Finalists

Black Cow Bistro

70 George St, Launceston, Tas
(03) 6331 9333


blackcowbistro.com.au

CUISINE Steakhouse
WINE LIST Jim Welsh
WINEs ON LIST 100 (10 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($35-$10 by the glass)

An excellent and diverse list that pays homage to local wines while bolstering the offering with a global playlist that entices with artisan producers. Indeed, while one can drink deeply from sommelier-owners connection to Tasmania's wine producers, he's also showcasing rarities from the likes of cult, Etna natural wine producers Frank Cornelissen and enthusiasts will be pleased with the collection of back vintage wines from famed Barossa winery Rockford. By the glass is trim but offers a good spread of Tasmania's varied wine producers and unofficial sub-regions, and there's an excellent selection of beer and spirits for those seeking alternatives to wines. While the list sits at around 100 wines, it feels like a good adventure trawling through the collection, testimony to Welsh's keen eye for diversity and interest.

Me Wah Launceston

39-41 Invermay Road, Invermay
‍(03) 6331 1308

mewah.com.au/launceston

CUISINE Chinese
WINE LISTStephen Tso  
WINEs ON LIST 260 (11 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($14-$9 by the glass)

Me Wah Hobart's sister restaurant in Launceston sports a significantly pared-down wine list but don't despair, the central core of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Penfolds Grange collections remain on the list. Tasmanian wine producers mix it with a hand-picked group of internationals with all of the classic styles and makers like J.J. Prüm, Bredif, Leroy and Jadot included.

Glass-Rated

Aloft

Level 2, Brooke Street Pier, Hobart
‍(03) 6223 1619


aloftrestaurant.com

CUISINE Modern Australian/Asian Influence
WINE LIST Vicki Brewer
WINEs ON LIST 85 (19 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($24-$11 by the glass)

The wine list feels like it oscillates between more classic producers of Europe and Tasmania and more natural-wine-leaning, avant-garde producers with a small collection in the middle ground. It's a list shy of 100 wines that dials in a lot of character quickly, paying homage to the local winemakers while giving drinkers a sneak peak at what's happening contemporarily, globally. Therefore you get Tasmanian skin-fermented white wines, grüner veltliner, more classic chardonnay and pinot noir, alongside intriguing wines from Austria, Georgia, Croatia, and, impressively, a cleverly-selected fistful of high-quality, junmai (pure rice) sake. By the glass is decent, offering some more left-of-centre representations from Tasmania coupled to the expected staples, with a scattering of imports that feel safe in comparison. All up, the list is easy to navigate, good to forage for all-comers and appropriately progressive for the dining.

Black Cow Bistro

70 George St, Launceston
(03) 6331 9333

blackcowbistro.com.au

CUISINE Steakhouse
WINE LIST Jim Welsh
WINEs ON LIST 100 (10 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($35-$10 by the glass)

An excellent and diverse list that pays homage to local wines while bolstering the offering with a global playlist that entices with artisan producers. Indeed, while one can drink deeply from sommelier-owners connection to Tasmania's wine producers, he's also showcasing rarities from the likes of cult, Etna natural wine producers Frank Cornelissen and enthusiasts will be pleased with the collection of back vintage wines from famed Barossa winery Rockford. By the glass is trim but offers a good spread of Tasmania's varied wine producers and unofficial sub-regions, and there's an excellent selection of beer and spirits for those seeking alternatives to wines. While the list sits at around 100 wines, it feels like a good adventure trawling through the collection, testimony to Welsh's keen eye for diversity and interest.

Institut Polaire

1/7 Murray Street, Hobart
04 3292 5895

institutpolaire.com.au

CUISINE Local wine bar fare
WINE LISTLouise Radman
WINEs ON LIST 100 (16 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $ ($18-$12 by the glass)

A fascinating and idiosyncratic wine list shaped around the offering from local wine producer Domaine Simha. It speaks loudly of natural wines and boutique wine producers but let's in blue chip wines from famed Mosel producer JJ Prüm, Chablis's halcyon winery Raveneau and a scattering of big house Champagne, then gives drinkers a wild ride into some of the most sought-after cult wine producers under the banner of the natural wine movement. Indeed, seeing Pierre Overnoy listed freely (usually drunk well before it hits a wine list!), or select cuvees from another Jura legend Phillipe Bornard, is a thrill for the minimal intervention wine trainspotters, but the list delivers a wealth of obscure and interesting wines. The list is charismatic in its design, has unique categories to choose from, features a strong collection of riesling and a wonderful array of interesting spirits. Tasmania is also given due time in the spotlight. It's a cracking collection to drink from.

Me Wah Hobart

16 Magnet Crt, Sandy Bay
(03) 6223 3688


mewah.com.au

CUISINE Chinese
WINE LIST Stephen Tso
WINEs ON LIST 600 (12 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($125-$12 by the glass)

With the Tasmanian wine industry in its backyard, it is not surprising that Me Wah early on adopted a strong Tassie wine list. It remains a fine vehicle for the island's top producers – and there are many – from the sparkling icons of Jansz and House of Arras through to the iconoclasts Stoney Rise and Glaetzer-Dixon and industry stalwarts Domaine A and Josef Chromy. Running counterpoint to the home-grown products are a tight range of mainland producers and Europeans. An ability to match with Chinese food flavours is foremost in the mind of sommelier, Stephen Tso. Mouth-watering collections of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Penfolds Grange are the jewels in this wine list's crown.

Me Wah Lauceston

39-41 Invermay Rd, Invermay
‍(03) 6331 1308

mewah.com.au/launceston

CUISINE Chinese
WINE LIST Stephen Tso
WINEs ON LIST 260 (11 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($14-$9 by the glass)

Me Wah Hobart's sister restaurant in Launceston sports a significantly pared-down wine list but don't despair, the central core of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Penfolds Grange collections remain on the list. Tasmanian wine producers mix it with a hand-picked group of internationals with all of the classic styles and makers like J.J. Prüm, Bredif, Leroy and Jadot included.

Mures Upper Deck

Victoria Dock, Hobart
‍(03) 6231 1999


mures.com.au/upper-deck

CUISINE Seafood
WINE LIST Grigory Rodionov
WINEs ON LIST 158 (32 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $ ($15-$9.5 by the glass)

A wine list that wear its local pride on its sleeve, with a very deep collection of Tasmanian wine, with a strong focus on aromatic white varieties and pinot noir. It's a list that gives a wealth of options, indeed, reams of sauvignon blanc, riesling and pinot gris kick start the offering, almost profligate in their listings but through it you feel the generosity of this historical restaurant writ large. Sparkling wine, again, with a focus on Tasmanian product, is a compelling section, and there's 'Reserve' lists, reasonably priced too, that finish off the menu with some options for upping the dining ante. It's great to see a scattering of big name 'mainland' wines too, including Hunter Valley semillon, Penfolds Grange and bits and pieces from other marquee Australian wine regions. Whisky, the local stuff once more, is also a section to forage in. Proudly Tasmanian, this list does justice to the premium, proximate wine community very well.

The Source at Mona

655 Main Road, Berriedale
‍(03) 6277 9900

mona.net.au

CUISINE Regional Tasmanian
WINE LIST Pip Anderson & Ilo Pilve
WINEs ON LIST 3,153 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($36-$10 by the glass)

The list claims a precise 3,153 wines, but whose counting. By the end of Champagne awe has set in and the task at hand becomes epic. The incredible producers collected in this museum to fine wine is head-spinning, it's not every day you see six vintages of Jerome Prevost's rare Champagne, nearly two, micro-printed pages of J.J. Prüm wines, Didier Dagueneau for days, back vintage Bonneau du Martray followed by pages and pages of grand red Burgundy. Diners probably need an extra half hour just to pore through this remarkable collection and make a decision slowly and assuredly via gun sommeliers Pip Anderson and Ilo Pilve. Amongst all the grandeur, the drinks selectors have ensured deep representation from Tasmanian winemakers, another tick in the box for this oh-so serious wine list. Moorilla wines and beers are, of course, a strong feature too, so those feeling parochial have the full flex of the hyper-local to indulge in. Quite a remarkable list here.

Stillwater

2 Bridge Rd, Launceston
‍‍(03) 6331 4153


stillwater.net.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Jim Welsh
WINEs ON LIST 203 (13 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($25-$10 by the glass)

For a list of some 200-wines it seems way broader in scope and scale, featuring a global outlook married to an allegiance to exceptional Tasmanian wine producers – so many styles, so many interesting wines, so many things aptly chosen to add value and detail. Of course, as many sommeliers will, there's a huge collection of diverse riesling, plenty of Champagne, grower and big name alike, and a leaning to perfumed, light to medium weight red wine that feels very en pointe for the currency of Australian food and drinking culture. Then, there's the swathe of wines from Rockford, of course, and you'll find cult favourites from Foillard, Bruno Duchene and Rudolf Trossen in the mix, all providing a quixotic and engaging series of options for all-comers. Spirits aren't overlooked either, with a finely-chosen collection on offer, particularly the bent to gin and whisky from the home state. All-in-all this does the locals proud while delivering a myriad of options. It's a stellar list.

Terrace Launceston

Country Club Avenue, Prospect Vale
‍(03) 6335 5777

countryclubtasmania.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Robyn McInerney, Trent Edmunds & Ross Hannah
WINEs ON LIST 260 (13 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $ ($22.5-$12 by the glass)

The list does great justice to the great array of fine wine emerging from Tasmania, with halcyon producers set alongside those that have brought fame to the Apple Isle. It's great to see such focus on the local wine scene, with by the glass, a neat little staff pick section, back vintage wines and emerging winemakers all celebrated and listed extensively. A feature page on Stefano Lubiana Single Block wines is a tempting highlight, though you'll be leafing through names like Holyman, Pooley, Sailor Seeks Horse and the premium sparkling wines of Tassie with equal lust and vigour. If Tasmania isn't your quarry, there's grower Champagne, big name wines from Torbreck, Mount Mary and Moos Wood, with a Penfolds Grange collection of substance likewise found within these pages. Bordeaux is also a feature, with well-priced grand marques and back vintages available. The dessert list is also a clincher. Decidedly, one of northern Tasmania's best shaped lists.

The Whaler

39 Salamanca Place, Hobart
‍‍(03) 6200 1854


thewhaler.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST David Newman
WINEs ON LIST 50 (16 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $ ($16-$9 by the glass)

A snappy, fun-loving list that taps into the avant garde in pet nats, lo-fi wine producers and a shift away from Big Company wines expected in tourism precinct pubs. Indeed, this list defies the odds of its location and pushes the burgeoning culture in Hobart of favouring minimal intervention wines. That being said, you'll still get a bottle of Dom Perignon or Billecart if you want something to go with your Salamanca Market scallop pies, and if you're hankering for a classic pub wine style then Grant Burge Meschach Shiraz or Eddystone Point Sauvignon Blanc should be good for what ails you. It's great to see local wineries of all ilks being given good air time in this list too, hence Stargazer, Domaine A and Small Island Wines are desirable and on hand. Outside of the wine paradigm, there's been great effort to expand the Tasmania whisky collection too, so don't miss a snifter of Belgrove or Hellyers Road as you pass through. Admirable collection here.

Australia's
Wine List
of the Year
Awards

Wine List of the Year
Judy Hirst Award
Best City Restaurant

EST. NSW
bhatia dheeraj

The Tony Hitchin Award
(Best New List)

BISTECCA, NSW

Best Small Wine List
(50 Wines)

CONGRESS, VIC

Best Small Wine List
(100 Wines)

INSTITUT POLAIRE, TAS

Best List of Wines By the Glass

Bentley Restaurant + Bar, NSW

Best Food & Wine
Matching List

Momofuku Seiōbo, NSW

Best Listing Of Australian Wines

CAFE SYDNEY, NSW

Best Listing of a Region's Wines

STILLWATER, TAS

Best Club Restaurant List

NEWCASTLE CLUB, NSW

Best Country Restaurant List

THE BARN STEAKHOUSE, SA

Best Hotel Restaurant List

Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, NSW

Best Pub Restaurant List

MAyfair lane, wa

Best Wine Bar List

DEAR SAINTE ÉLOISE, NSW

Best Aperitif List

Banksii Vermouth Bar & Bistro, NSW

Best Digestif List

Bentley Restaurant + Bar, NSW

Best Beer List

The Avoca, VIC

Best Champagne List

QUAY, NSW

Best Sparkling Wine List

Melbourne Supper Club, VIC

Best Non-Alcoholic List

ATTICA, VIC

Best Wine List ACT

Mezzalira

Best Wine List NSW

EST.

Best Wine List NT

STONE HOUSE

Best Wine List QLD

OTTO BRISBANE

Best Wine List SA

THE BARN STEAKHOUSE

Best Wine List TAS

TERRACE LAUNCESTON

Best Wine List VIC

CUTLER & Co.

Best Wine List WA

SETTLERS TAVERN

Readers' Choice Award

MUSE, ACT

Sommeliers' Choice

Bridget Raffal, SIXPENNY

Hall of Fame