In a grand recognition of Australia’s thriving culinary scene, the 2023 Australian Wine List of the Year Awards recently took place at the prestigious Ovolo in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. At this annual ceremony, Sydney’s renowned seafood fine diner, Cirrus, emerged victorious, securing the coveted title of the Australian Wine List of the Year. This remarkable achievement marks the second time that Bentley Restaurant Group, the culinary powerhouse behind Cirrus, has claimed this esteemed accolade in the past decade. The group, celebrated for its exceptional wine program, previously earned this honor in 2015, when it was bestowed upon Bentley (the restaurant).
Acknowledging the talent behind Cirrus’s outstanding wine selection, the Judy Hirst Award was conferred upon the restaurant’s sommeliers, Polly Mackarel and Nick Hildebrandt, the latter also being a co-owner of Bentley Restaurant Group. The Judy Hirst Award pays tribute to the memory of the late Judy Hirst, a luminary who played a pivotal role in the establishment and administration of these prestigious awards.
Cirrus further solidified its dominance by clinching multiple accolades, including the Best Wine List in New South Wales and the prestigious Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – City. In the awards lineup, Bentley secured the title for the Best Aperitif List, adding another feather to the group’s illustrious cap. The competition was fierce, with notable finalists such as Sydney’s gastronomic gems Mr Wong, Woodcut, and Bennelong, along with Melbourne’s culinary destinations Cutler & Co and Gimlet at Cavendish House. Ultimately, Gimlet at Cavendish House emerged as the victor, claiming the title of Best Wine List in Victoria.
Celebrating excellence across states, additional winners included Italian & Sons in the Australian Capital Territory, Agnes in Queensland (which also received recognition for the Best Digestif List), Restaurant Botanic in South Australia (also awarded Australia’s Best Wine List in the “200 Wines” category), Peppina in Tasmania, and The Shorehouse in Western Australia.
These prestigious awards continue to shine a spotlight on the exceptional quality and diversity of wine offerings across Australia, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a global hub for fine dining and wine appreciation.
