Queensland Winner

Blackbird

Blackbird

123 Eagle St, Brisbane 
(07) 3229 1200


blackbirdbrisbane.com.au

CUISINE Heritage Australian
Wine list Penny Grant
Wines on list 500 (25 by the glass)
Wine prices $$$ ($9-$55 by the glass)

Blackbird opened in 2014 and has put together a splendid list since that time. Penny Grant and her team preside over a collection that is professional without being pretentious.

 Most obvious is that they are up with all the trends. As well as successfully presenting the best of the old guard, the new wave is on show, and there is plenty to tantalise both the adventurous and the conventional. Highlights include wines from Queensland’s Granite Belt, which are not readily available outside the state. It’s great to see that they are championing these local producers, adding a real twist to the selection.

 Prices are very reasonable with something for all budgets – commendable, given the riverside real estate that the venue occupies. The wines by-the-glass selection is excellent, supported by Coravin to keep things fresh and interesting.

The wine list is bolstered by a killer cocktail selection, all glamour and indulgence, each tipple accompanied by evocative descriptions. The overall dedication and effort that has gone into the Blackbird list is clearly apparent, and the award is well deserved. SOPHIE OTTON

Finalists

Sails

75 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
(07) 5447 4235


sailsnoosa.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Scott Estrich / Bernie Molloy
WINEs ON LIST 663 (41 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$52 by the glass)

A very complete wine list with some wonderful verticals from some of the French classics and wines from almost every corner of the globe. The wine by the glass list offers diversity and interest and include a reasonable selection of rarer wines in their “premium” wine by the glass section. The sparkling wine section, perfectly suited to the climate and the cuisine, includes some pretty impressive verticals of Salon, Krug and Dom Perignon if you are wanting to splash out or indeed Château Margaux if a red is in order for that special occasion. For the more everyday, be assured too that there are plenty of quality options for a great dining experience.

Moo Moo Brisbane

39 Edward St, Brisbane
(07) 3236 4500


moomoorestaurant.com

CUISINE Steak
WINE LISTSteven Adams / Mark Ganga
WINEs ON LIST 327 (60 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8-$65 by the glass)

At the outset this wine list has an educational and welcoming feel, aiming to help diners in their enjoyment of wine. The wine list is weighted towards Australian wines but is nonetheless expansive and extensive and includes many expected global icon wines and regions as well. Just the wine by the glass list offers 60 wines, many of these Australian and quality assured by the enomatic system used. Without overdoing it, the varietal sections are supported by some helpful descriptions of what you might expect from the variety or the region. Supporting the wine list is a
very strong list of beers and other beverages.

 CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS: There’s many bright spots here, such as Sails Noosa, Moo Moo Brisbane and Cha Cha Char, but look at the rise of Vaquero with its wonderfully curated small list and impeccable choices, and also the consistency with which Bucci handles its small list with verve and finesse.

Glass-Rated

Aria Brisbane

1 Eagle St, Brisbane
(07) 3233 2555


ariarestaurant.com/brisbane

CUISINE Modern Classic
WINE LISTIan Trinkle
WINEs ON LIST 1000 (54 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($12-$266 by the glass)

This stellar list deserves its multiple accolades just for the excellent selection of Queensland's best. The succinct' by the glass' list and rare cult wines served via Coravin speaks clearly  of Ian Trinkle's talents. The artistic look adds flair, the extraordinary depth and breath a compelling reason to visit soon.

Bacchus South Bank

9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane
(07) 3364 0837


bacchussouthbank.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Andrew Giblin
WINEs ON LIST 610 (40 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($11-$50 by the glass)

Andrew Giblin has curated an amazing rollcall of local and international gems, many offered in mini-verticals – Dom Perignon, Raveneau and J.J.Prum just to start. The big names feature too – Torbreck, Henschke, Penfolds et al, as do rare delights like Grace Koshu and Chateau Musar. Spoilt for choice is a vast understatement.

Balfour Kitchen

37 Balfour St, New Farm
(07) 3358 8888


spicersretreats.com

CUISINE Australian Contemporary
WINE LIST Peter Marchant
WINEs ON LIST 48 (23 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$25 by the glass)

Peter Marchant has crafted a small and succinct list to appeal for the everyday winelover with sufficient highlights to spike the interest of a more serious 'winehead'. Vermentino and nero d'Avola rub shoulders with quirky amber wines and the pure effervescence of Pol Roger – the 2002 Sir Winston Churchill a snip at just $340 .

Balthazar Wine & Dining

Ground Floor, 2807 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
(07) 5592 9973


crowneplazasurfersparadise.com.au

CUISINE French & Modern Australian
WINE LIST David Stevens-Castro/Megan Cox
wines ON LIST 500 (24 by the glass)
WINE PRICES$$ ($12-$50 by the glass)

Immersive yourself in the plethora of Champagnes and you never discover the abundance of local and international benchmarks on the following pages. Rieslings from Australia, Alsace and Austria, a bunch of blushing rosés and plenty of pinots to please. The Old & Rare list reveals gems like Domaine A and Bests ‘Old Vine’ Meunier with plenty ofhalves and magnums adding to the fun.

Blackbird

123 Eagle St, Brisbane
(07) 3229 1200


blackbirdbrisbane.com.au

CUISINE Heritage Australian
WINE LIST Penny Grant
WINEs ON LIST 500 (25 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($9-$55 by the glass)

The celebration of Queensland wines sets the scene for this fantastic winelist. Refreshingly, its not an endless list of the 'best of the best' but rather a carefully thought-out selection of deliciousness.  All bases are covered yet there's a sense of focus and purpose with lots of good value wines from near and far. Congratulations, Penny Grant.

Bucci

11/15 James St, Fortitude Valley
(07) 3252 7848


buccirestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Italian
WINE LIST Tanja Malone
wines ON LIST 84 (23 by the glass)
WINE PRICES$$$ ($9.50-$25 by the glass)

The Bucci winelist has a focus and real sense of purpose while exuding lots of energy and Italianate flair and fun. The colourful graphics and quirky maps adding to the pleasure. Although only a short list, its all the better for that – succinct yet covering all the bases with an appropriate emphasis on  Italy. Salute.

Carmodys

Cnr Musgrave & Olsen Aves, Southport
(07) 5532 1155


southportsharks.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Socky Soares
WINEs ON LIST 106 (17 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$10.50 by the glass)

Sustainability is celebrated at Carmodys – both in the kitchen and in the bottle. Detailed descriptions add gravitas to this eclectic winelist sourced form all corners of the vinous globe. There's plenty of value on offer – be it a juicy Cotes du Rhone, a classic St Henri magnum or cult red from Wendouree.

Cha Cha Char

Shop 5, Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane
(07) 3221 9944


chachachar.com.au

CUISINE Steak
WINE LIST Dallas Bickle
WINEs ON LIST 500 (40 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($11-$120 by the glass)

Depth and breath define this amazing winelist with the predicable range of (protein friendly) reds from Australia's iconic winegrowers to mini-verticals of cult heroes Giaconda, Nashwauk, Sami and Soul Growers.  The top shelf stuff is expensive and dig deeper and you'll find plenty of vinous bargains.

Charming Squire (The)

3/133 Grey St, South Brisbane
(07) 3077 7254


thecharmingsquire.com.au

CUISINE Modern
WINE LIST Darren Khan
WINEs ON LIST 141 (23 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($6.50-$19 by the glass)

For a venue that prides itself on its beers, this is a remarkable winelist. Start at the back with the Cellar List and you'll find mature Grange at less than its current retail price. Adding to the fun are rare gems like Clonakilla, Felton Road and Bass Phillip. The main list cover all bases with the premium wine 'on tap' an added surprise.

Cru Bar + Cellar

1/22 James St, Fortitude Valley
(07) 3252 1744


crubar.com

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LISTChris Walker
WINEs ON LIST 1154 (109 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($9-$190 by the glass)

This extraordinary list makes a very serious commitment to Coravin with the detailed notes a bonus. There's an abundance of exotica by the glass with lots of halves and large format to boot. The bottle selection is an abundance of the 'good stuff' – the only difficulty is making a decision. Repeated visits a good solution.

Customs House

399 Queen St, Brisbane
(07) 3365 8999


customshouse.com.au

CUISINE  Australian Contemporary
WINE LIST Geoerge Musat
WINEs ON LIST 192 (17 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($11-$25 by the glass)

Customs House is one of Brisbane's stalwart venues with a winelist that reflects is persona. All bases are covered from local Granite Belt wines to exotica from Austria, Chile, South Africa and more. New waves varieties mingle with the classics with a solid selection of dessert and fortified wines to finish things off.

Delizioso At The Strand

Level 1, Strand Shopping Centre, 72-80 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
(07) 5536 9855


deliziosorestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Italian
WINE LIST Nick Dempster
WINEs ON LIST338 (24 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($7-$17 by the glass)

A list of a number of parts. Plenty of intriguing Italian selections to match the cuisine; numerous popular favourites which will appeal – Marlborough sauvignon blanc for example; and finally a good collection
of quality wines, especially from Australia. There’s definitely something for everyone and some excellent value as well.

Embassy Xo

Cnr Duke & Bryan Sts, Noosa Heads
(07) 5455 4460


embassyxo.com.au

CUISINE Fusion Asian
WINE LIST James Alcock
WINEs ON LIST 100 (33 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$$ ($11-$50 by the glass)

There's a sense of energy and enthusiasm to this delightful winelist with its amazing array of vinous goodies both traditional and modernist. Listing by weight and style with colourful descriptions adds to the fun, as does the top notch offerings by the glass via Coravin. Well done Chris (Burton).

Fireplace (The)

Manor Circle Sanctuary Cove
 (07) 5530 1234


intercontinentalsanctuarycove.com

CUISINE Wood-fire International
WINE LIST Hayley Norman
WINEs ON LIST 368 (21 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$28 by the glass)

A list rich in treasures, few more precious than the gems of Australia's rich winemaking history. Indeed, the list celebrates some of the great Australian wine producers in feature profiles that include Henschke, Penfold's, Kay Brothers, right alongside the lofty wines of some of Bouchard Pere et Fils best vineyards. Great to see Australian wine so richly celebrated, especially the classics. Then there's judicious selections from Australia's avant garde ranks of winemakers, with Mac Forbes, Quealy, Eden Road and Bekkers in the roll call. International wines are intriguing too, and it's great to see such a spread of the global wine community in the collection – keep an eye out for some of the unique, premium producers of Chile, Argentina and South Africa. Styles cover all bases from serious, mature wines through to flighty, fresh, youthful expressions, leaving little in gaps for all comers. Take a look at the whiskies too, it's impressive seeing the additional depth here.

Gerards Bistro

14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley
 (07) 3852 3822


gerardsbistro.com.au

CUISINE Modern Middle Eastern
WINE LIST Peter Marchant
WINEs ON LIST 168 (26 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$30 by the glass)

Peter Marchant weaves his magic over this tightly constructed yet compelling winelist. There's both depth and diversity with a number of mature wine offered at fair prices. There's something for everyone with new wave and edgy wines comfortably rubbing shoulders with the classics.

Hellenika

2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
 (07) 5572 8009


hellenika.com.au

CUISINE Greek
WINE LIST Theo Kampolis/Michael Pyrgos
WINEs ON LIST 143 (20 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$25 by the glass)

A wondrous winelist that celebrates the new wave of top class Greek wines. The inclusion of a Greek wine map and useful information takes the Hellenic offerings to a higher plan. The remainder of the list offers cornerstone Australians, a neat range of International wines and a smart list of half bottles.

Homage

617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester
 1300 179 340


spicersretreats.com

CUISINE Contemporary Australian
WINE LIST Peter Marchant
WINEs ON LIST 80 (21 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8-$22 by the glass)

A pleasingly tight winelist that covers a plenty of vinous ground in less than 100 wines. Australian benchmarks mingle with interesting new wave varieties while international offerings add a touch of  spice. Icons such as Brokenwood Graveyard and Penfolds Grange offer value.

Jam Corner

1 Palmer St, Townsville
 (07) 4721 4900


jamcorner.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Kieran Halley
WINEs ON LIST 99 (14 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$15 by the glass)

Predominantly Australian wines are on offer in Jam Corners well presented wine list and a few interesting ones at that. The wines by the glass list provides good options and interest and above all value.  This value continues through the bottled wine list where there are plenty of well-known producers mingled with some rising stars and the highlight of the list is the great value provided. A few good local beers and some great sounding cocktails round out the offer.

Jellyfish

Riverside Boardwalk, Eagle St, Brisbane
 (07) 3220 2202


jellyfishrestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Seafood
WINE LIST Dallas Bickle
wines ON LIST 400 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$29 by the glass)

The Jellyfish wine list opens with a strong sparkling wine section that includes an extensive Champagne section that showcases the large houses. The remainder of the list too is quite extensive but largely dominated by and focussing on Australian and New Zealand wines with
just a sprinkling of other international wines. It is great to see a few
Queensland wines recognised and included. A strong line up of Rieslings will pair well with the seafood focused cuisine and there are many single vineyard wines on offer too if that appeals to you, plus a selection of some rarer and aged wines.

Jimmy Wahs

1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
 (07) 5659 1180


jimmywahs.com.au

CUISINE Modern Vietnamese
WINE LIST Shelly Greaves
wines ON LIST 40 (20 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8.50-$16 by the glass)

I liked this wine list. A newly opened restaurant with a short and concise wine list, yet offering reasonably priced, quality wines that are interesting. They have kept it simple while offering choice and a mix of the established wines and lesser known producers and regions (e.g. from Burgundy France to Henty Australia). Also within the list is a selection
of some specialty great wines with some welcome age.  I liked the responsibility shown by the note regarding glass size being 150ml "which is 1.5 standard drinks".

Long Apron

38-68 Balmoral Rd, Montville
(07) 5452 1111


spicersretreats.com

CUISINE Modern European
WINE LIST Sarah Hagan
WINEs ON LIST 90 (18 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($12.50-$25 by the glass)

A very solid one glass list, covering many wine styles, regions and countries. Good to see some less usual, emerging wines on offer which adds a lot of interest to the list. Reflecting the importance of pairing wine and food, the wine list is divided by wine style e.g. light and crisp or bright aromatic, descriptions that might resonate with many diners. Good to see a few unusual wines such as Godello from Spain, or Languedoc’s trendy Picpoul de Pinet but if the choice is too overwhelming one would be well rewarded by choosing the menu with paired wines.

Moo Moo Brisbane

39 Edward St, Brisbane
 (07) 3236 4500


moomoorestaurant.com

CUISINE Steak
WINE LIST Steven Adams / Mark Ganga
WINEs ON LIST 327 (60 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8-$65 by the glass)

At the outset this wine list has an educational and welcoming feel, aiming to help diners in their enjoyment of wine. The wine list is weighted towards Australian wines but is nonetheless expansive and extensive and includes many expected global icon wines and regions as well. Just the wine by the glass list offers 60 wines, many of these Australian and quality assured by the enomatic system used. Without overdoing it, the varietal sections are supported by some helpful descriptions of what you might expect from the variety or the region. Supporting the wine list is a
very strong list of beers and other beverages.

Moo Moo Gold Coast

2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
 (07) 5539 9952


moomoorestaurant.com

CUISINE Steak
WINE LIST Steven Adams / Douglas Newstead
WINEs ON LIST 197 (51 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8.50-$32 by the glass)

The wine list exudes enthusiasm and this also comes through in the many informative comments throughout the list regarding varieties and regions. I thought these made the list interesting rather than bogging the list down at all. The index ensures the list is easy to navigate and th list is full of trusted brands and emerging stars. The wine by the glass list is wonderful – fifty one options in all, covering a diverse range of varieties and all really well priced. A few gems are to be found in the reserve cellar list.

Nickel Kitchen & Bar

Ground Level, 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
 (07) 3252 5100


nickelkitchenbar.com.au

CUISINE Australian Contemporary
WINE LIST Antoine Heurtier
WINEs ON LIST 248 (37 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$70 by the glass)

A newly opened restaurant with a very strong wine list that seems well suited to the cuisine and style of the restaurant.  It has focused on fewer wine countries of origin – notably Australia, New Zealand and France but others are included where more suited to the variety or style.  A good selection of Sommelier specials and prestigious wines open the list and the wonderful extravaganza of whisky's was a highlight.

Noosa Waterfront

142 Gympie Tce, Noosaville
 (07) 5474 4444


noosawaterfrontrestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Italian
WINE LIST Andrea Ravezzani
WINEs ON LIST 253 (39 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$48 by the glass)

The Italian themed cuisine served at the Noosa Waterfront is complemented by an extensive wine list that is appropriately weighted towards Italian wines. This shows the diversity of Italian wines and there is a lot of choice in variety, style and price point. The other main countries represented here are Australia and New Zealand and some wines from France.  You will find wines from some of the world’s iconic producers – Petrus and Margaux – if you want to really splurge, but there are also certainly plenty of high quality Italian wines listed here, so well suited to the cuisine. The wine by the glass list is a great place to start with a suitably diverse offer that includes some really premium, rarer Italian wines.

Nu Nu

1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove
 (07) 4059 1880


nunu.com.au

CUISINE Australian Contemporary
WINE LIST Miles Browne / Hayley Wano
WINEs ON LIST 418 (29 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8-$25 by the glass)

Nu Nu has really put a lot effort into their wine list. There is a really wide range of varieties and I liked the wine flights and the inclusion of some innovative wine styles i.e. amber wine.  The wine list suits the contemporary Australian menu well and great to see the inclusion of some Queensland wines. The wine by the glass list is diverse enough in itself to ensure a return trip and the wine selection and range ensures quality and value can be found for every budget. A solid beer and “other” drinks list as well.

Ochre

43 Shields St, Cairns
 (07) 4051 0100


ochrerestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Carley Elsum/Craig Squire
WINEs ON LIST 79 (38 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$17 by the glass)

A thoroughly Australian themed restaurant, from the inclusion of Australian bush food within the menu to the virtually exclusively Australian wine list. Given the restaurants location it is great to see a good range of Queensland wines and Queensland beers. Overall there is a selection of wine styles that will suit most palates. A pleasing combination of wine and food well focussed on Australia.

Otto Brisbane

Level 4, 480 Queen St, Brisbane
(07) 3835 2888


ottoristorante.com.au/brisbane

CUISINE Modern Italian
WINE LIST Alan Hunter
WINEs ON LIST 180 (36 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$54 by the glass)

The wine lists Italian emphasis is perfectly well suited to the Italian cuisine. The wine by the glass list is unapologetically mostly Italian but is balanced in the wine styles on offer, including some premium Italian wines. It is good to see both 60ml and 150ml tastes available for some of the more expensive wines on offer by the glass and as a contrast to the Italian wines, there is a very good range of Australian "Italianate" wines. There are lots of innovative extended skin contact wines to choose from too, adding innovative flair to this wine list.

Peak (The)

Wilkinsons Rd, Maryvale
(07) 4666 1083


spicersretreats.com

CUISINE Contemporary Australian
WINE LIST Peter Marchant
WINEs ON LIST 105 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($12-$25 by the glass)

An interesting selection of wines, focusing mainly on Australian wines with a few key varietal examples from classic international regions.  There is some welcome age for some wines e.g. 2003 Craiglee Shiraz or 1990 Grange. Wine by the glass list has some interest such as a Gippsland Pinot Noir or the Bellwether Nero d’Avola Rosé and there is certainly enough wine choice to pair with the venues interesting tasting menus. Good to see some Queensland wines represented.

Peng You

76 Skyring Tce, Newstead
 (07) 3257 7225


peng-you.com.au

CUISINE Chinese
WINE LIST David Hung
WINEs ON LIST 33 (21 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $ ($9-$25 by the glass)

Though short, this very concise list manages to offer reasonable choice and for very good value. There are some excellent wines to be found here and not just the “safe” mainstream options but some really great wines from some of the boutique producers. The wine by the glass is a significant portion of the list and really provides great value and choice.

Pig N Whistle Indooroopilly

Station Rd, Indooroopilly
 (07) 3878 8899


pignwhistle.com.au

CUISINE British
WINE LIST Brendan McFarlane
WINEs ON LIST 142 (21 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($6.50-$16 by the glass)

A solid pub wine list with enough beer on tap and by the bottle to balance and complement the British themed cuisine. The wine list provides quality, familiar options that will team well with the fare on offer. Prices are reasonable, all in all a balanced list, well suited to the
venue.

Room81

81 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
 (07) 5592 2250


room81.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Alex Liquito
WINEs ON LIST 158 (28 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$35 by the glass)

Overall this well presented wine list provides plenty of choice of the major wine varieties from the major regions. Diners can feel comfortable selecting from the range of familiar producers but there are also great selections on offer from less familiar producers. The list includes a biodynamic section and some wine flights and a solid and varied wine by the glass list.

Sails Noosa

75 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
 (07) 5447 4235


sailsnoosa.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Scott Estrich / Bernie Molloy
WINEs ON LIST 663 (41 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$52 by the glass)

A very complete wine list with some wonderful verticals from some of the French classics and wines from almost every corner of the globe. The wine by the glass list offers diversity and interest and include a reasonable selection of rarer wines in their “premium” wine by the glass section. The sparkling wine section, perfectly suited to the climate and the cuisine, includes some pretty impressive verticals of Salon, Krug and Dom Perignon if you are wanting to splash out or indeed Château Margaux if a red is in order for that special occasion. For the more everyday, be assured too that there are plenty of quality options for a great dining experience.

Sake Eagle Street Pier

1/45 Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane
 (07) 3015 0557


sakerestaurant.com.au

CUISINE Contemporary Japanese
WINE LIST Steven Fanning
WINEs ON LIST 123 (42 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$35 by the glass)

An exciting range of Japanese beers and Japanese whisky’s including whisky flights open the wine list. This is followed by a great list of sake and sochu – perfect of course given the Japanese cuisine. If you must have wine there is plenty of interest in the wine by the glass list. It includes, refreshingly, varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch and Barbera for those clients looking for something different. The Champagne list too branches out a bit with some grower Champagnes. Overall a very solid list with a good deal of imagination shown in the selection, reasonably priced too.

Spirit House

20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina
 (07) 5446 8994


spirithouse.com.au

CUISINE Thai
WINE LIST Yann Audran
WINEs ON LIST 100 (23 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$22 by the glass)

The wine list opens with “be daring – try something different” and indeed follows through with many different and interesting wines on offer. This makes the wine list more adventurous no matter what your level of wine appreciation. Blaufrankisch, orange wines and some lesser known but excellent producers are to be found on this affordable list, plus plenty of well known and loved wines. A bit of background information accompanies some of the wines listed, adding to the interest and certainly plenty of choice to accompany the Thai themed cuisine.

Stokehouse Q

Sidon St, Southbank
 (07) 3020 0600


stokehouseq.com.au

CUISINE Contemporary
WINE LIST Ramon Arnavas
WINEs ON LIST 630 (40 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($11-$230 by the glass)

The attention to detail is obvious throughout this wine list.  It is clearly
part of their theme that the classic old World countries France, Italy, Spain and Germany are strongly represented as is Australia in particular and then New Zealand with smatterings from Portugal and Austria. Whilst not every wine producing country is represented in this comprehensive list, it is fascinating to see some inclusions from Morocco and the Canary Islands. The wine by the glass list covers a lot bases, and some choice and rare wines are offered using the Coravin system. An affordable way to satisfy your curiosity about some of these world famous wines. The fortified wines by the glass are also relatively extensive.

Tamarind Cairns

35-41 Wharf St, Cairns
 (07) 4030 8897


reefcasino.com.au

CUISINE Contemporary
WINE LIST Nicholas Smelik
WINEs ON LIST 121 (23 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($12-$20 by the glass)

The wine list at Tamarind is clearly focused on Australian wines and many of these are iconic producers such as Penfolds and Cullen. The Cellar and International selection features a small Grange vertical for example. In addition to the classics the wine list provides a broad range of options that are in tune with today’s wine trends such as Moscato, Prosecco and Rose options, by the glass or bottle and as well as the well-known producers, some more recently established ones that are making great wines and stamping their mark in the industry.

Tamarind Maleny

88 Obi Ln, South Maleny
 1300 311 429


spicersretreats.com/spicers-tamarind-retreat/

CUISINE Modern Asian
WINE LIST Peter Marchant
WINEs ON LIST 71 (22 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$25 by the glass)

The major bases are covered by this eclectic and quality wine list. The wines selected are good quality and interesting and there is enough style diversity to ensure different tastes and budgets are catered to.  Wine by the glass enables a choice of the major popular varieties and styles and is reasonably priced. The list is well bookended by a good beer list that opens the drinks list, essential in this climate, and a reasonable selection of spirits to finish.

Tides Waterfront

Level 1, Minchinton St & The Esplanade, Calounrda
 (07) 5438 2304


tideswaterfront.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Michael Mulhearn
WINEs ON LIST 99 (30 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($9-$20 by the glass)

In a spectacular setting, Tides Waterfront provides a nice tight wine list that features most of the varieties you would hope to see and that will be well matched to the Australian themed, seafood dominant menu. There is an Australian focus to the wines with just a very few from New Zealand or France for example where the style dictates. There is certainly plenty to choose from, from both the main list and the wine by the glass section, so be assured to find the perfect match for your meal and your budget. There is also a very good selection of cocktails available, well suited to the beachside location.

Urbane

181 Mary St, Brisbane
 (07) 3229 2271


urbanerestaurant.com

CUISINE Australian
WINE LIST Daniel Tapia
WINEs ON LIST 1 (23 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($13-$25 by the glass)

A very comprehensive wine list. Good to see the inclusion of some featured winery “spotlights” especially the ones for Queensland, given the restaurants location. The diversity of the wine by the glass list provides a good place to start and end, given the nice array of dessert and fortified wine by the glass. In between, there is plenty to choose from a list that is well presented with diversity and interest and that includes a good list of beers and ales to round it out.

Vaquero

344 Sandgate Rd, Albion
 (07) 3862 3606


vaquerodining.com.au

CUISINE Modern Farm to Table
WINE LIST Marco Pumar / Matt Browning
WINEs ON LIST 89 (17 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($8.50-$22 by the glass)

A compact yet carefully thought out list with heaps of surprises by the glass, a brilliant beer collection with four beers on tap, alluring cocktails and thoughtfully chosen spirits. There are sufficient old favourites to accompany the predominant cutting edge varietals on the list. It's all in the choice.

Vue175

423 Ruffles Rd, Willow Vale
 (07) 5546 7411


vue175.com.au

CUISINE Modern Australian
WINE LIST Fabio Bravatà
WINEs ON LIST 104 (27 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($12-$26 by the glass)

The wine list for this hinterland restaurant includes a very good wine by the glass list which offers tempting alternatives of many of the major varieties and styles, meaning most tastes are catered for. The list provides many familiar producers, varieties and styles that will pair well with the modern Australian cuisine. There is a good list of alternative beverages available too, such as beer, spirits and liqueurs completing the offer.

Wasabi

2 Quamby Pl, Noosa Heads
 (07) 5449 2443


wasabigroup.com.au

CUISINE Japanese
WINE LIST Lara Graham and The Wine Team
WINEs ON LIST150 (19 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($16.50-$28 by the glass)

The wine list for this Japanese themed cuisine restaurant, overlooking a tranquil waterway, has much to offer. An innovative wine by the glass list that includes a Japanese wine through to a few verticals of Cristal Champagne if you are celebrating. The Riesling selection is a good example of the effort that has gone into the wine list showing interest and diversity, rather than just the usual safe options. The beverages other than wine too are inspiring with a particularly good list of Sake, perfectly at home here.  And to simplify things you can relax and get the set menu, up to nine courses, with wines to match.

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