Monopole co-owner Nick Hildebrandt has been sitting on such an impressive array of French wines for so long that it was fitting to adjust the menu to match. Recently, the food has evolved from generalised wine bar small plates to unashamedly French offerings, including pot-au-feu and steak au poivre. “The 1981 Château Montrose or 1997 Trimbach Frédéric Emile by the glass has to appeal to wine-lovers,” says judge Ken Gargett. They certainly blend beautifully with this Sydney stalwart’s new direction.

Monopole is also the winner of Best Wine Bar List – the Fiona Macdonald Award

McLaren Vale’s historic Salopian Inn, known for its ingredient-focused cooking, takes out three major awards this year. The reasons, according to judge Nicole Bilson, include a commitment to “captivating wines to suit every budget”, along with a substantial by-the-glass list that “invites discovery, with quirky varieties and regions from Australia and abroad”.

The Salopian Inn is also the winner of Best Listing of a Region’s Wines and Best Country Restaurant Wine List

Another multiple winner, Molto is a warm and welcoming wine bar modelled on a classic enoteca that serves up a weekly rotating menu of modern European food. Hyper-local Tassie producers feature prominently on this list but you might also run into a classic Alsatian wine of note or a Burgundy that stops you in your tracks. “You can never be too sure what you might come across here; the excitement and the discovery factor is high,” says judge Jeni Port.

Molto is also the winner of Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines

Fire-fuelled Agnes has coal-roasted proteins at its heart but wine is an equal to the food; in fact, guests get a peek into the huge glass-walled cellar as soon as they enter the venue. Diners might start their meal with what judge Jane Faulkner calls “one of the country’s most diverse and enticing by-the-glass selections” before diving into the thoughtful and exploratory 20-plus-page bottle range.

This newcomer isn’t content with wowing its guests with flamboyant tableside service and Malibu-meets-Mediterranean vibes; wine is also a serious drawcard. Though it only opened in May, this suave seaside eatery’s list has what judge Gargett calls a “complexity and breadth that suggests it’s been years in the making”. 

Gibney is also the winner of Best New Wine List – the Tony Hitchin Award

Canberra’s QT Hotel is more than vibrant guestrooms and wry, politics-themed décor. It’s also the home of fine steakhouse Capitol Bar & Grill, which in turn contains a joyful celebration of local wines. The list features “a sparkling collection of winemakers, styles and years”, according to judge Port, who recommends trying the Women of Canberra Wine Flight and exploring the region’s famous rieslings and shiraz.

Capitol Bar & Grill is also the winner of Best Listing of ACT Wines

“An impressive selection bursting with sophistication,” says judge Gargett of this anything-but-expected list. The strong carafe and by-the-glass program pairs perfectly with the local producer-focused menu at Moama Bowling Club, just steps away from the mighty Murray.

“Many a tourist has stumbled upon The Crafers Hotel expecting a local pub, instead discovering a wine wonderland with a cellar of over 1400 listings,” says judge Bilson of the historic Adelaide Hills tavern. There’s a French tilt to the food menu so much of the list leans in a similar direction – the Burgundy collection is a jawdropper – but there’s an enviable Aussie showing as well, particularly from South Australia.

Heartfelt, fire-cooked proteins are at the core of Ross and Sunny Lusted’s restaurant in the Crown Sydney complex but the wine list is a powerful supporting act. “For the third year, Addy Lam and the team have produced a wine list to thrill and dazzle,” says judge Peter Forrestal. The beautifully balanced range pays equal attention to old-world masters and up-and-comers.

You might think that a visit to glamorous Jonah’s on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (arrive by seaplane for maximum impact) is all about enjoying the view and the confident, Italian-focused menu. But there are plenty more treasures to be found in the by-the-glass selection. “Many mature options and plenty of left-field choices as well,” says judge Gargett. “A thrilling list.”

The hardest decision to make when dining at this ambitious eatery inside Adelaide’s Botanic Garden is whether to pair your multi-course menu with something from the extensive wine library or the impressive non-alcoholic list of juices, teas and ferments. “Little wonder it won two awards,” says judge Bilson.

“Pulling together a tight list requires an artful hand and the offering at Poodle feels extremely well-picked at every turn,” says judge Graham. There is plenty that leans lo-fi at this design-led Melbourne bar and bistro but it avoids falling into what Graham calls “excess esoterica”. The sparkling selection is particularly exciting, especially the collection of bubbly reds.

“The integration of the Japanese-inspired menu and the sake list is admirable, as is its singular approach,” says judge Peter Bourne of the extensive rice wine collection at Leonie Upstairs. The flights are considered and educational.

A well-crafted Italian menu, views over the river and excellent wines are just the beginning at Noosa Waterfront. The cocktail list is where things get really exciting, especially the options in the imaginative Gin and Tonic Experience section.

Pub reimaginings are nothing new but few have nailed the heritage-meets-modern brief as well as The Dry Dock in Sydney’s Balmain, which opened under the stewardship of hospo veterans James Ingram and Mike Everett late last year. Come for chef Ben Sitton’s flame-grilled steaks or a prawn sandwich in the lounge and stay for the well-appointed wine list. A collaboration between head sommelier Christiane Poulos (formerly of Rockpool and Bennelong) and wine consultant John Clancy, it’s a rich collection that seamlessly blends the domestic and international. The by-the-glass choice is particularly impressive, allowing diners to explore as far away as Burgundy and Tuscany or as close to home as the Mornington Peninsula and Adelaide Hills.