Jonah's wins 2017 Australia's Wine List Of The Year Awards

Congratulations to Jonah’s, Whale Beach, NSW, on winning Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2017.

The restaurant, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, also won Best Wine List NSW and Best Hotel Restaurant Wine List. 

Sommeliers Niels Sluiman and Christian Baeppler were presented with the award by the drinks association CEO Georgia Lennon and the editor of Gourmet Traveller WINE, Judy Sarris.  

The award is added to an impressive array of accolades Jonah's has gathered during its 87-year history, most recently a Chef's Hat in the 2017 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, 2 Glasses in the 2016 US Wine Spectator Wine List of the Year Awards and World Luxury Hotel Awards Best Luxury Coastal Hotel 2016. 

Renowned for its luxury, privacy and comfort, Jonah’s has hosted celebrities including Lord Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, Members of Royal Family of Monaco, Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Bono, Rod Stewart, Justin Bieber, Rachel Griffiths, Jack Thompson, Sir Michael Caine, Engelbert Humperdinck, Ava Gardner, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kevin Spacey and One Direction.

As the sommeliers responsible for the Winning List, Niels Sluiman and Christian Baeppler also receive the Judy Hirst Award, presented in memory of the inspirational woman who helped found and establish the awards.

Judges commend the evolution of Aussie wine lists

“Persistence has certainly paid off for the sommeliers at Jonah's with their win in the 2017 Australia's Wine List of the Year,” said Chairman of Judges, Peter Forrestal. “Over the past few years, Jonah's has refined a massive cellar into an approachable list which offers a diverse range of Australia's best with classy wines from all corners of the globe.

“Their focus at home and abroad is on offering depth from classic wine regions while not neglecting emerging regions and cutting edge producers. Jonah's offers an amazing array of wines by the glass, Rieslings to satisfy the fussiest palate, verticals to amaze … And there's those spectacular views of Whale Beach for the quiet moments.”

Forrestal added: “Australia's Wine List of the Year continues to play its part in transforming the dining scene in this country.

“The use of Coravin plus added support from wineries has dramatically increased the possibilities of wines by the glass, so that this award is one of the most hotly contested in the annual awards. 

“The interest of consumers in regionality has prompted awards acknowledging the Best Listing of the wines of each state. This interest can also be seen in the emergence of a greater number of smaller (often regionally-based) lists of impressive quality. The Awards continue to focus attention on the best lists around a country that has a vibrant wine scene.”

the drinks association celebrates with the winners

the drinks association is proud to be Trade Communications Partner for Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards via drinks trade magazine.

"It has been rewarding to see AWLOTYA evolve and grow,” said CEO of the drinks association Georgia Lennon.

“These prestigious awards not only pay tribute to the achievements of the drinks trade, but encourage them to continue developing their skills.

“We believe the more educated and informed the trade is, the better quality service and experience they can provide to their customers.

”Congratulations to all the winning venues, we look forward to celebrating and promoting their achievements in our digital and print publications.”

Tucker Seabrook established Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards in 1994 to recognize and reward the enormous investment by owners in time, skill and resources that go into developing the best quality wine lists and to also recognize and reward the dedicated and talented sommeliers creating those lists for Australia’s restaurants, hotels, clubs, wine bars, pubs, cafes and brasseries – large and small.

To maintain the integrity and independence of the Awards – plus add a global perspective, an outstanding panel of local and international expert judges has been assembled over the years.

Headed by Chairman, leading wine writer and commentator Peter Forrestal, and Deputy Chairs Jeni Port and Toni Paterson MW, the AWLOYTA has a long-term panel of more than 30 judges.