Australia’s best wine lists of 2024 announced

Melbourne’s Gimlet has taken out a run of significant honours at the 31^st Australian Wine List of the Year Awards.

Celebrated at the Ovolo Hotel in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo on Monday 30 September, the awards recognised Australia’s outstanding wine-centric venues and their sommeliers.

Gimlet at Cavendish House took out of a major slew of awards, in particular the night’s most prestigious title, Wine List of the Year. Judge Andrew Graham recognised the list as being “outstanding in its breadth, depth, balance and originality.”

Gimlet also won Best Wine List VIC, Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – City, and Sommeliers’ Choice Award. Gimlet Sommelier Anthony Pieri won the prestigious Judy Hirst Award for his curation of the winning list.

Brisbane’s Agnes Restaurant was recognised by the judges for its diverse and enticing by-the-glass offering, while Perth’s Gibney – which opened this year – was recognised for how its commendable international offerings complemented local wines.

State and territory winners included Monopole (Best Wine List NSW), Gibney (Best Wine List WA), The Salopian Inn (Best Wine List SA), Molto Wine Bar and Cellars Hobart (Best Wine List TAS), Agnes (Best Wine List QLD), and Capitol Bar & Grill (Best Wine List ACT).

“While the density of population means that it is scarcely surprising that the capital cities dominate, wining and dining in country areas has never been better than it is now,” said Chairman of Judges Peter Forrestal.

“Never has the scene been more vibrant with a wide range of choices facing consumers; better-educated sommeliers and waiting staff, more thoughtfully curated lists, or more carefully assembled cellars.

The full list of winners is available here.