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When you picture Australian drinking culture, a frothy pint at the pub is likely the first thing that comes to mind. But Aussies actually drink more wine than any other alcoholic beverage – and we’re spoilt for choice with world-class restaurants pouring the finest drops from across the globe.
If you love good food as much as a glass of savvy b, cab sav or shiraz, take note. The results of the 33rd annual Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards just dropped, recognising the nation's best cellars at a whole bunch of restaurants, wine bars, pubs and hotels. Judged by a panel of more than 35 global wine experts, sommeliers, writers and former award winners, each nominated list is evaluated for content, balance, suitability for the venue, presentation and pricing structure.
In 2026, Melbourne stalwart Society took the title of Australia’s Wine List of the Year, marking the third consecutive year a Victorian venue has claimed the crown (following Circl in 2025 and Gimlet at Cavendish House in 2024). The sophisticated CBD restaurant also picked up awards for Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List, Best Wine List Victoria and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass. Its head sommeliers, Loïc Avril and Yuki Hirose MS, alongside sommelier Lee Sangyeop, also received the prestigious Judy Hirst Award for being the brains behind the winning list.
What clinched the deal this year? According to chair of judges Toni Paterson MW, Society’s cellar combines impressive vintage depth with a broad mix of local and international wines. There are close to 90 wines available by the glass, spanning Australian favourites and premium local drops through to rare Burgundy and Bordeaux, with some offered as a taste, half-pour or full glass.
Over on the West Coast, Perth’s Gibney scored three major titles: Best Wine List WA, Australia’s Best Digestif List and the Peter Forrestal Award for Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines. Judges praised the seaside brasserie and grill for its balance of well-known labels and up-and-coming producers.
Sydney’s Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La also celebrated a triple whammy, taking out Australia’s Best Listing of NSW Wines, Australia’s Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Wines, and Australia’s Best Hotel/Resort Dining Wine List. The judges commended its comprehensive selection of bottles, highlighting “left-of-centre” tipples for curious drinkers.
The overall winners of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards:
- Australia’s Wine List of the Year: Society, Melbourne
- Best Wine List ACT: The Boat House, Canberra
- Best Wine List New South Wales: Shell House Dining Room & Terrace, Sydney
- Best Wine List Queensland: Otto Brisbane
- Best Wine List South Australia: 2KW Bar & Restaurant, Adelaide
- Best Wine List Tasmania: Black Cow Bistro, Hobart
- Best Wine List Victoria: Society, Melbourne
- Best Wine List Western Australia: Gibney, Perth
Trade award winners:
- Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List: Society, Melbourne
- Australia’s Best Country/Regional Dining Wine List: Laura, Mornington Peninsula
- Australia’s Best Club Dining Wine List: Junction Moama
- Australia’s Best Hotel/Resort Dining Wine List: Altitude Restaurant, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Pub Dining Wine List: The Crafers Hotel, Adelaide Hills
- Australia’s Best Wine Bar List: bibo Wine Bar, Sydney
Category award winners:
- Australia’s Best New Wine List: Infinity by Mark Best, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Wine List (max 50 wines): The Rover, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Wine List (max 100 wines): Me-Gal, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Wine List (max 200 wines): A Prayer for the Wild at Heart, Adelaide
- Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass: Society, Melbourne
- Australia’s Best Food & Wine Matching List: Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Champagne List: Ten Minutes by Tractor, Mornington Peninsula
- Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine List: Cru Bar + Cellar, Brisbane
- Australia’s Best No-Lo Alcohol List: Restaurant Botanic, Adelaide
- Australia’s Best Aperitif List: de Vine Food and Wine, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Digestif List: Gibney, Perth
- Australia’s Best Japanese Sake List: Ante, Sydney
- Australia’s Best Beer List: Besk, Perth
- Australia’s Best Cocktail List: Maison Bâtard, Melbourne
You can explore more category winners here.