Melbourne’s prestigious dining venue, Gimlet at Cavendish House, has been awarded the illustrious title of Australia’s Wine List of the Year.
The accolade was announced during a glamorous ceremony at the Ovolo Hotel in Woolloomooloo, NSW, on Monday, 30th September, marking the 31st year of these esteemed awards.
In addition to being crowned the best in the country, Gimlet also took home several significant honours, including Best Wine List VIC, Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – City, and the Sommeliers’ Choice Award. Anthony Pieri, the mastermind behind Gimlet’s winning wine list, was bestowed with the Judy Hirst Award, a tribute to the sommelier responsible for crafting the acclaimed selection.
This year’s awards recognised not only Gimlet but also other impressive contenders. Brisbane’s Agnes Restaurant was celebrated for its diverse by-the-glass offerings, a standout in the nation. Perth’s Gibney, despite being a newcomer, was commended for its exceptional international and local wine choices, particularly its serious champagne collection, making a strong impression on the judges.
State and territory winners included Monopole for Best Wine List NSW, Gibney for Best Wine List WA, The Salopian Inn for Best Wine List SA, Molto Wine Bar and Cellars for Best Wine List TAS, Agnes for Best Wine List QLD, and Capitol Bar & Grill for Best Wine List ACT.
Gimlet’s acclaimed list received high praise from Judge Andrew Graham, who described it as “outstanding in its breadth, depth, balance and originality.” He noted the clever blend of essential wines and indulgences, highlighting the list’s playfulness and broad appeal to wine enthusiasts.
Peter Forrestal, Chairman of Judges, remarked on the vibrant scene and the quality of the entries. He emphasised the increasing sophistication of sommeliers and the exceptional wines from both local and international producers. Forrestal highlighted the diverse range of choices now available to consumers, with a notable shift in the top three places this year going to Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
This year, the competition introduced four new categories to reflect the dynamic nature of Australia’s hospitality industry. Awards such as Australia’s Best Listing of Organic and Biodynamic Australian Wines were won by O Bar & Dining, while Hellenika at the Calile secured the title for Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines. The Best Listing of Museum and Rare Wines went to Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel, and Quay was recognised for Australia’s Best Listing of New Zealand Wines.
The awards, founded by Rob Hirst OAM and his late wife Judy with Tucker Seabrook in 1993, honour the expertise and dedication involved in curating high-quality wine lists. This year marked another record for entries, with an outstanding 276 venues receiving a Three Glass ranking, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year.
With a judging panel comprising over 30 esteemed industry professionals, including Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine, each list is rigorously evaluated on content, balance, suitability, presentation, and pricing. The awards also recognise venues excelling in wine service, ensuring wines are stored and served with utmost care.
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards continues to celebrate and elevate the nation’s reputation as a world-class provider of exceptional wine and dining experiences, bringing together the industry to honour these extraordinary achievements.