Exciting new program for Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards

An amazing line-up of activities are planned for the 25th anniversary of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards next week. 

Leading sommeliers from around the country will fly into Sydney on Monday, July 23, for a tasting fair, masterclasses hosted by Franck Moreau MS, Ben Hasko MS and Peter Godden from the Australian Wine Research Institute, as well as speed dating with the judges at the Vintec/Transtherm Showroom.

The events will culminate with the presentation of the awards. 

The very first restaurant in Australia to win Australia’s Best Wine List was Cicada in 1994. Owner and Chef Peter Doyle and his wife Beverly will join Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards founder Rob Hirst at the 25th anniversary celebration.

Long-term partners, Judy Sarris, editor of Gourmet Traveller WINE and Ashley Pini, Managing Editor of Drinks Trade, together with an exciting group of winemakers, spirit houses and craft beer producers will also be there to meet and congratulate the winners for 2018.

A record 400 establishments have submitted their lists in 2018 including hotels, clubs, wine bars and restaurants.

According to chairman of judges Peter Forrestal, the hard work of sommeliers has seen an unparalleled improvement in glass ratings. 

Thousands of wine lists have been recognised over the history of the awards which have played a key role in elevating the standards of wine lists alongside educational programmes such as WSET, Sommeliers Australia and the Court of Master Sommeliers program.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards esteemed and independent judging panel includes an accomplished group of over 30 wine industry professionals, wine communicators, sommeliers, winemakers, Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine. Co-chairmen of judges Peter Forrestal and Brian Julyan MS, deputy chairs, Toni Paterson MW and Jeni Port. 

Judging panel includes Mike Bennie, Peter Bourne, Wendy Cameron MW, Jane Faulkener, Ken Gargett, Gill Brown-Gordon, Dr Angus Hughson, Ray Jordan, Erin Larkin, Sophie Otton, Louise Radman, Tyson Stelzer as well as International panellists, Sarah Andrew, Gerard Basset MW, MS, MBA, OBE, Nick Bulleid MW, Andrew Caillard MW, Bob Campbell MW, Felicity Carter Cameron Douglas MS, Michael Engelmann MS, Evan Goldsmith MS, Ned Goodwin, MW, Andrew Jefford, Yohann Jousselin MS, James Lawther MW, Tony Love, Christine Parkinson, Nick Ryan, Niels Sluiman, Nick Stock and Kim West OAM.

Results for the 2018 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards will be available from 9pm on Monday, July 23, at www.winelistoftheyear.com.au