The 2022 NSW SOMMELIER’S WINE LIST AWARDS is now open, closing for entries on 19^th April 2022.

This free-to-enter competition is open to any sommelier or bar/beverage manager from a Sydney or regional NSW venue that has created a wine list highlighting the quality and diversity of wines being produced in NSW. Wine lists from restaurants, wine bars, pubs, hotels and clubs are all welcomed, whether big or small, whether they accompany a 6-course degustation menu or a fun list of bar snacks.

In 2022 there are even more chances to claim a title (as well as great promotional opportunities and exclusive prizes), with more award categories on offer. After the success of the inaugural Hotel Accommodation category last year, when TWR at Crown Sydney won 2 trophies, the Awards will once again have a separate section for venues within hotels with 20+ rooms. And new to this year, the Awards have opened another category, Best NSW Wine List in a Club, focusing on venues that hold a club licence.

This year’s finalists – who are all awarded the title of #NSWWineStar - will be in the running to win 1 of 5 exclusive food and wine trips to NSW's best wine regions, as well as free entry into Australia's  Wine List of the Year Awards and also admittance into the Chaine Des Rotisseurs Young Sommeliers Competition, where you will have a chance to compete against other Sommeliers for the right to represent Australia on the International stage. Other prizes include invaluable advice on the restaurant reviewing process from Gault & Millau, wine pouring systems and accessories and a drinks glass consultation plus a $2000 premium glass fit out from RIEDEL.

President of the NSW Wine Industry Association (NSWWIA), organisers of these awards, Mark Bourne says, “It has been an incredibly challenging few years for everyone, and it is more important than ever that all sectors of hospitality support each other. In fact, I would say that it is critical both our industries work together and support each other for a sustainable future. NSW has a rich history of exceptional wines created by passionate and committed grapegrowers and winemakers. The NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards celebrates and rewards those sommeliers and venues that share this passion and work with local wine producers to create memorable NSW dine and wine experiences.”

Mark adds, “We are delighted to have Dane Richards, GM and Head of Reviewing Australia for Gault&Millau, Mark Baulderstone, MD of Riedel Spiegelau Nachtmann Australia, and Lyndey Milan OAM, award-winning, multi-media presenter, return as our judges this year. We were pleased that last year one of our winners, Charred Bar and Kitchen, in Orange, went on to claim a major title at the Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards, highlighting the quality of our awards and judging process.”

“We are also thrilled to have just received the latest wine list research which shows a 30% increase in listings of NSW/ACT wines on NSW/ACT wine lists during the last 12 months. We think this reflects the customers desire to see more local wines and produce on offer and we are really excited to see the new winelists entered into the 2022 Awards.”

The 2022 winners will be announced at a prestigious event at NSW Parliament House, Sydney in June 2022.

Sommeliers and Beverage/Bar Managers have until 19 April to enter the Awards online at https://nswwine.com.au/pages/entry-information-wine-list-awards