Best Wine List
JUDGING (70% WINE LIST ASSESSMENT + 30% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)
*To be eligible to nominate for Best Wine List, the venue must also enter the Best Restaurant Award category.
OVERVIEW
This category will recognise a venue that offers a wide variety and quality of wines with original and innovative wine options.
A copy of your current wine list must be submitted along with your nomination.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
- Popularity of the establishment
EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
- Hygiene and cleanliness
- Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
- Professionalism and outstanding customer service
- Staff neat, clean attired and well groomed
- Availability of a selection of food
- Comfortable and positive experience for customers
- Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
- Knowledge and implementation of Responsible Serving of Alcohol
- Quality and suitability of glassware
- Efficiency of operations throughout the experience
WINE LIST CRITERIA
- Staff knowledge of food and wine pairing and product knowledge
- Variety and quality of wines offered
- Original and innovative wine options available
- Evidence of matching varieties and regions
- Evidence of region specific and wine styles
- Pricing relevant to local market and the venue
- Suitability to cuisine style and image of the venue
- Wines by the Bottle and Glass available
- Wine list design and format
- Wine list description and presentation
- Appropriate variety of wines by the glass and bottle options
- Layout of menu is clear, concise, and easily navigated
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
The following category is judged 25% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS, 25% by interview and 50% by anonymous site inspection.
The following categories are judged 100% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Best Social Media Campaign
Property Awards
The following categories are judged 75% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS and 25% by guided site inspection.
Food Awards
- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Chip
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
The following categories are judged 30% by WRITTEN SUBMISSION and 70% by INTERVIEW.
The following categories are judged 100% by practical interview.
NOTE: Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award
