NSW Wine is delighted to announce the top winners in the 2022 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards.

These awards acknowledge venues within NSW that have an outstanding wine list. In particular, a wine list that supports the quality and diversity of the great wines of NSW. Over the last few years, these awards have shone a light on a number of great sommeliers and venues, and this year was no exception with some fantastic, worthy winners.

And the winners are ...

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (<40 seats) - Renee Wallace from Birch Restaurant

This was a very strong category, with 4 very high scoring finalists from 4 different NSW wine regions, highlighting the quality food & wine experiences that are available right across our state.

Out of the 4 finalists, The Quarry Restaurant from Cowra, the Zin House from Mudgee, South on Albany from Berry in the Shoalhaven wine region and Birch Restaurant from Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands wine region, it was Renee from Birch that claims the crown, with a list described by the judges as “Incredible for a smaller restaurant”. Renee and Birch Restaurant will each receive an amazing Coravin Pivot wine preservation system. 

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (>41 seats) - David Collins from Charred Kitchen & Bar, Orange

The largest category of finalists, giving the judges a tough job. In the end, the title went to David at Charred for a wine list described as “an ambassador for NSW wines”.

David and Charred will also receive 2 Coravin Pivot wine preservation systems.

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW accommodation venue - Andres Aragon from Blaq at The Kyah Hotel, Blackheath

The Accommodation category showcases those that work so hard in accommodation venues to provide a great service and also support local producers.

Andres’s list was described by the judge as “On point. A list that proudly explores NSW Wines by regions”. Andres and Blaq Restaurant win an exclusive consultation with Dane Richards from Gault & Millau and News for the Food Lover, to gain invaluable advice about the restaurant reviewing process.

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (<40 seats) - Angelica Nohra from The Blue Door, Surry Hills

After a challenging few years, Sydney’s small restaurant scene is fighting back and it was exciting to see some great entries in this category. Small but perfectly formed.

Angelica’s list wins automatic entry into the 2022 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (>41seats) - William Wilson from ICC Sydney

Another big category with many strong finalists, including venues such as bibo wine bar, Botswana Butchery, Public Dining Room and Quay. After much deliberation, William’s list was awarded the trophy.

William wins an indulgent trip around the exciting Canberra District wine region, including accommodation, a food and wine matching experience and a range of expertly guided winery tours.

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney accommodation venue - Samantha Belt from QT Sydney

Last year’s overall winner came from a Sydney accommodation venue so we were expecting great things from this category and we weren’t disappointed.

The finalist at QT Sydney, TWR at Crown Sydney and the Boilerhouse at Q Station all showcasing great wine list. The judges pulled Samantha to the top due to a wine list they described as a “very comprehensive and well thought out list by a venue that has made a significant investment in wine”. Samantha wins an immersion trip around the stunning Orange wine region, including accommodation, a food and wine matching experience and a range of expertly guided winery tours.

2022 Best NSW Wine List in a Club venue  - Matt Underwood from The Newcastle Club, Newcastle

This was a brand new category this year, to recognise and reward the amazing Club venues out there that provide quality hospitality to such a large, diverse range of customers and are very supportive of their local winemakers and producers.

The Bowral Bowling Club, Tattersalls Club Sydney and Singletons Diggers all deserve a mention but a worthy congratulations to Matt and his team for claiming the title. Matt wins an exclusive trip around the wonderful Mudgee wine region, including accommodation, a food and wine matching experience and a range of expertly guided winery tours.

2022 NSW Wine President’s Award for Outstanding Support of the NSW Wine Industry - Kylie Byron from Whitney’s at The Remington, Orange

This is a special award presented at the discretion of the President of the NSW Wine Industry Association, Mark Bourne, and given to someone that has shown real commitment to showcasing the wines from NSW.

Mark commented, “I congratulate Kylie and her team at Whitney’s for crafting a venue and dining experience that reflects the quality and diversity of regional NSW through a list of 100% NSW wines expertly paired with local seasonal produce and delivered by exceptional service”. Kylie wins a trip around the birth-place of Australian wine, the Hunter Valley, including accommodation, a food and wine matching experience and a range of expertly guided winery tours and gains automatic entry into the 2022 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.

OVERALL WINNER

2022 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year ~  Angelica Nohra from The Blue Door, Surry Hills

Many congratulations to Angelia and the team at The Blue Door who claim the overall winners title of ‘2022 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year’. The judges described The Blue Door’s wine list as a “really comprehensive, well-thought-out list with great descriptions and commitment to NSW.”

Our main winner receives a bespoke glass consultation, specifically tailored to their venue, and a $2000 premium glass fit out from RIEDEL.

A big congratulations to all our finalists and winners and a special thank you to our partners that make these Awards possible.

The NSW Government, RIEDEL, 2022 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, News for the Food Lover, Coravin and the fantastic wine regions of the  Canberra District, Orange, Mudgee and the Hunter Valley.