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

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

PEOPLE AWARDS 

The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice - NEW
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division