Best Wine List
JUDGING (70% WINE LIST ASSESSMENT + 30% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)
*To be eligible to nominate for Best Wine List, the venue must also enter the Best Restaurant Award category.
OVERVIEW
This category will recognise a venue that offers a wide variety and quality of wines with original and innovative wine options.
A copy of your current wine list must be submitted along with your nomination.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
- Popularity of the establishment
EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
- Hygiene and cleanliness
- Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
- Professionalism and outstanding customer service
- Staff neat, clean attired and well groomed
- Availability of a selection of food
- Comfortable and positive experience for customers
- Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
- Knowledge and implementation of Responsible Serving of Alcohol
- Quality and suitability of glassware
- Efficiency of operations throughout the experience
WINE LIST CRITERIA
- Staff knowledge of food and wine pairing and product knowledge
- Variety and quality of wines offered
- Original and innovative wine options available
- Evidence of matching varieties and regions
- Evidence of region specific and wine styles
- Pricing relevant to local market and the venue
- Suitability to cuisine style and image of the venue
- Wines by the Bottle and Glass available
- Wine list design and format
- Wine list description and presentation
- Appropriate variety of wines by the glass and bottle options
- Layout of menu is clear, concise, and easily navigated
2024 WINNER – Shell House, Sydney
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
The following categories are judged by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
- Best Live Music Venue
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketing Activity
Property Awards
The following categories are judged 75% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Food Awards
FOOD AWARDS OVERVIEW- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Chip
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award