The international wine guide Star Wine List has hosted an online event to celebrate the best wine lists across the world, in territories not covered by physical events on this season’s tour.
In what is often described as the Michelin equivalent of wine list accolades, Gold Stars have been awarded to wine bars and restaurants in Australia, Canada, the USA and Slovakia, with finalists spanning Iceland, Mauritius, Serbia and South Africa.
“Comparing lists from all over the world is as fun as it is challenging, thanks to such great diversity,” says judge Nina Jensen.
“Like comparing Champagne with Burgundy, it is hard to choose which Chardonnay is better! We’ve seen so many brilliant approaches and, ultimately, it comes down to the smallest of details that determine who emerges as the winner.”
Star Wine List of the Year is a celebration of the great wine lists across the world and the teams behind them.
In the International Open, prizes are awarded in nine categories; winners in each category receive a Gold Star and entry into the Star Wine List of the Year International Final, to take place in Vienna, in June 2025. All runners up receive a Silver Star.
In addition to Jensen (two-time runner-up in the Best Sommelier of the World competition, ASI, and former Wine Director of two-Michelin-starred Alchemist, in Copenhagen), the jury included fellow sommeliers Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS (Head of Wine, Europe at 67 Pall Mall), Stefan Neumann MS and Julie Dupouy-Young.
Winners: International categories
Grand Prix
The best list overall
Le Coureur des Bois, Beloeil, Canada
Best Long Wine List
For wine lists with more than 600 references
Gold Star: Le Coureur des Bois, Beloeil, Canada
Best Medium-Sized List
Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references
Gold Star: Enoteca Boccaccio, Melbourne, Australia
Best Short List
Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings
Gold Star: Gracie’s, Providence, USA
Best By the Glass List
The best list for wines by the glass
Gold Star: Ten Minutes by Tractor, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Australia
Best Sparkling Wine List
The best wine list for sparkling wine
Gold Star: Acquerello, San Francisco, USA
Best Newcomer List
For a venue that has recently opened
Gold Star: Table Manners, Sydney, Australia
Sustainable Wine List
Recognises a wine list that has put extra emphasis on the overall wine program’s impact, including wine growing, winemaking, packaging and transport.
Gold Star: Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River, Australia
Best Austrian Wine List
The best wine list for Austrian wine
Gold Star: ECK Restaurant, Devín, Slovakia
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