The offer of wine by-the-glass in bars and restaurants around the world has become an increasingly important way of engaging wine lovers, enabling them to explore the thrilling variety of wine, which has never been greater than it is today. While the huge potential of the Coravin® preservation system is very widely recognized, many bars and restaurants still offer wine by-the-glass using other systems or none at all, some sommeliers having an ideological preference for seeing a particular bottle consumed all at once on a particular occasion rather than extending its life over a period of weeks or months. In order to judge the Best By-the Glass Wine List without Coravin® category, Judges apply the same criteria as for other categories, including breadth, depth, height, balance, selection, accuracy, originality, suitability, design, and value.
Best By-the-Glass Wine List in the World without Coravin®
The Ortega Fish Shack, Wellington - Global Winner 2021
The Ortega Fish Shack, based in Wellington, New Zealand offers informal dining in a fishing themed art-filled space. The menu is focused on fish that is caught freshly each day. The philosophy of the restaurant is to share a genuine and life-long love of food, wine and good times around the table. An eclectic and diverse range of wines that are regularly changing, is on offer. The World of Fine Wine Judges noted of the wine list that ‘it is great to read and choose from such a labour of love’.
Email: fishshack@xtra.co.nz
Address: 16 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, 6011 Wellington, New Zealand
Regional Winners - Best By-the-Glass Wine List in the World without Coravin® 2021
Asia 2021
Behind the Singapore restaurant Nouri is a philosophy of cultural culinary sharing that aims to produce the best flavours through merging international gastronomic traditions. The team at Nouri aims to bring together an R&D kitchen, record bar, art gallery, and events venue to create a new kind of community across boundaries. Ivan Brehm, the Michelin award winning Head Chef and owner of Nouri has extended this philosophy into a research branch, “Appetite”, which studies migration, trade, war and exchange. With rooms of blues and colder tones being balanced out with the bar area of warm oranges and browns, the interior design is one that creates an artistic, welcoming space for diners to explore Brehm’s vision at ease. Address: 72 Amoy Street, 6989, Singapore
Europe 2021
Sager + Wilde Hackney Road is the first venue Michael Sager opened in London in 2013. The establishment consists of a smart, simple, urban wine bar with exposed brick walls and wooden floors, serving fine wines, house-curated cocktails as well as cheese, charcuterie and their famous cheese toasties. It is essentially a place where you won't find any of the pretentiousness usually associated with a wine bar; guests can stop by for just a glass or to share a bottle (or two). There is a strong focus on natural, organic and biodynamic wines and wines are sourced directly from the producer. Sager has been an Awards favourite throughout the World of Fine Wine competition’s history, across both this and Sager’s other London restaurants Paradise Row and Fare in Old Street. Judges have praised Hackney Road’s “eclectic mix of world-famous wines and more unknown, small, up- and coming producers. ” They noted that Sager + Wilde Hackney is 'The place to go and drink some of the finest wines marked up little, and sometimes even below market value!' Address: 193 Hackney Road, London E2 8JL, United Kingdom
North America 2021
SingleThread restaurant and Inn are located in Healdsburg, California, seven miles away from SingleThread Farm. SingleThread is a source-focused, farm-driven restaurant and inn concept that offers its diners and guests time-honoured preparations of seasonally inspired cuisine. The concept was born out of Kyle and Katina Connaughton's experiences living and cooking abroad in both the UK and Japan. The long-format tasting menu is inspired by the structure of kaiseki. For SingleThread, the relationship between farmer and chef is more than a side story; it is the heart of the experience. The farm not only supplies fresh produce, it is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay vines. The extensive wine list with over 2,700 selections and 11,000 bottles provides a uniquely curated taste of Sonoma Wine Country, also featuring a selection of international wines and a strong sake selection. Address: 131 North St, Healdsburg, 95448, California, United States of America
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2021
The Taste-Vin restaurant is based in the rooms of an old house located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The focus of the menu is regional French food, featuring souffles as a specialiality. The restaurant has secured awards for its food and wine since opening in 1988. They have a wide range of wines from small independent winegrowers and producers from different countries. Over recent years they have added a series of lower cost wines. The list includes House Selections, with roughly 12-14 well chosen wines that offer good value, some of them by the glass; this is followed by Champagnes and Sparkling Wines; then Selection of Great Wines, and the fourth section with a listing of wines from different regions in all price ranges. Address: Rua Curitiba 2105, 30170-122 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Address:
Cyann at Contance Ephelia, Seychelles
Middle East & Africa 2021
The restaurant Cyann is located in the beautiful spa resort of Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles which faces onto two of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Mahé. The resort has a number of restaurants. Cyann overlooks the marine national park of Port Launay and features a menu that combines French culinary techniques with local and Asian influences. At Constance, wine is a culture, philosophy and art, which are taken seriously by the team of Sommeliers. The award-winning wine list features more than 1000 references across the globe, allowing the sommeliers to guide guests and create a memorable vinous experience. Wine is stored in an air-conditioned glass window cellar with humidity control. Most of the Red Wines are stored in the shelves like a library with the temperature ranging 14/16 Degree Celcius. The Champagne, Whites & Rose wines are stored in specific wine fridges with the temperature ranging from 6-9 Degree Celcius. All the wines are transported in temperature-controlled containers, which enables the wines to travel safely to the Seychelles. Cyann Cellar proudly welcomes guests for a Cellar tour followed by a wine tasting session paired well with cheese platter prepared by the Chef de Cuisine Amit Chandel. Address: Port Launay, Mahe, Seychelles
Asia 2021
Nouri, Singapore
Behind the Singapore restaurant Nouri is a philosophy of cultural culinary sharing that aims to produce the best flavours through merging international gastronomic traditions. The team at Nouri aims to bring together an R&D kitchen, record bar, art gallery, and events venue to create a new kind of community across boundaries. Ivan Brehm, the Michelin award winning Head Chef and owner of Nouri has extended this philosophy into a research branch, “Appetite”, which studies migration, trade, war and exchange. With rooms of blues and colder tones being balanced out with the bar area of warm oranges and browns, the interior design is one that creates an artistic, welcoming space for diners to explore Brehm’s vision at ease. Address: 72 Amoy Street, 6989, Singapore
Europe 2021
Sager + Wilde Hackney Road, London
Sager + Wilde Hackney Road is the first venue Michael Sager opened in London in 2013. The establishment consists of a smart, simple, urban wine bar with exposed brick walls and wooden floors, serving fine wines, house-curated cocktails as well as cheese, charcuterie and their famous cheese toasties. It is essentially a place where you won't find any of the pretentiousness usually associated with a wine bar; guests can stop by for just a glass or to share a bottle (or two). There is a strong focus on natural, organic and biodynamic wines and wines are sourced directly from the producer. Sager has been an Awards favourite throughout the World of Fine Wine competition’s history, across both this and Sager’s other London restaurants Paradise Row and Fare in Old Street. Judges have praised Hackney Road’s “eclectic mix of world-famous wines and more unknown, small, up- and coming producers. ” They noted that Sager + Wilde Hackney is 'The place to go and drink some of the finest wines marked up little, and sometimes even below market value!' Address: 193 Hackney Road, London E2 8JL, United Kingdom
North America 2021
SingleThread Farms & Restaurant, Healdsburg
SingleThread restaurant and Inn are located in Healdsburg, California, seven miles away from SingleThread Farm. SingleThread is a source-focused, farm-driven restaurant and inn concept that offers its diners and guests time-honoured preparations of seasonally inspired cuisine. The concept was born out of Kyle and Katina Connaughton's experiences living and cooking abroad in both the UK and Japan. The long-format tasting menu is inspired by the structure of kaiseki. For SingleThread, the relationship between farmer and chef is more than a side story; it is the heart of the experience. The farm not only supplies fresh produce, it is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay vines. The extensive wine list with over 2,700 selections and 11,000 bottles provides a uniquely curated taste of Sonoma Wine Country, also featuring a selection of international wines and a strong sake selection. Address: 131 North St, Healdsburg, 95448, California, United States of America
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2021
Taste-Vin, Belo Horizonte
The Taste-Vin restaurant is based in the rooms of an old house located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The focus of the menu is regional French food, featuring souffles as a specialiality. The restaurant has secured awards for its food and wine since opening in 1988. They have a wide range of wines from small independent winegrowers and producers from different countries. Over recent years they have added a series of lower cost wines. The list includes House Selections, with roughly 12-14 well chosen wines that offer good value, some of them by the glass; this is followed by Champagnes and Sparkling Wines; then Selection of Great Wines, and the fourth section with a listing of wines from different regions in all price ranges. Address: Rua Curitiba 2105, 30170-122 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Middle East & Africa 2021
Cyann at Contance Ephelia, Seychelles
The restaurant Cyann is located in the beautiful spa resort of Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles which faces onto two of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Mahé. The resort has a number of restaurants. Cyann overlooks the marine national park of Port Launay and features a menu that combines French culinary techniques with local and Asian influences. At Constance, wine is a culture, philosophy and art, which are taken seriously by the team of Sommeliers. The award-winning wine list features more than 1000 references across the globe, allowing the sommeliers to guide guests and create a memorable vinous experience. Wine is stored in an air-conditioned glass window cellar with humidity control. Most of the Red Wines are stored in the shelves like a library with the temperature ranging 14/16 Degree Celcius. The Champagne, Whites & Rose wines are stored in specific wine fridges with the temperature ranging from 6-9 Degree Celcius. All the wines are transported in temperature-controlled containers, which enables the wines to travel safely to the Seychelles. Cyann Cellar proudly welcomes guests for a Cellar tour followed by a wine tasting session paired well with cheese platter prepared by the Chef de Cuisine Amit Chandel. Address: Port Launay, Mahe, Seychelles
Global and Regional Winners - Best By-the-Glass Wine List in the World without Coravin® 2020
Asia 2020
Classical French cuisine with a touch of Asian aesthetics,” is how Singapore’s Les Amis Group describes the approach at its original, flagship restaurant in the city’s Orchard Road district. Ex-Joël Rebuchon chef Sebastian Lepinoy is the man in the kitchen, combining “French techniques with elements of Japanese produce” in dishes such as foie gras custard served warm with a lightly smoked French eel and a touch of sesame. His partner in the wine cellar, Les Amis Group wine director, Timothy Goh, has selected a long and engaging wine list that echoes Lepinoy’s approach in a collection that includes a number of surprises and cutting-edge producers. The restaurant’s vinous ethos is succinctly conveyed in Goh’s “Sommelier’s Selection” of highlights: natural-minded producers from New Zealand (Pyramid Valley) and South Africa (Eben Sadie); restrained Californians (Littorai Roman Vineyard Pinot); lesser-spotted European appellations (Monte Cascas Malvasia Colares, Portugal); and top Burgundy (Ponsot, Leflaive, Roulot, Thibault Liger-Belair). Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-16 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Australasia 2020
Opened in 2000, Vue de Monde moved to its current location on the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building in 2011. Reflecting the sweeping views of Melbourne’s cityscape, Chef Shannon has developed the menu to provide an unparalleled dining experience, full of theatrics and flair that cannot be replicated at home. This is achieved through a commitment to the restaurant’s activities as a whole; from sourcing rare ingredients to an uncompromising approach to technique, service and quality. In every instance possible Vue de Monde seeks out local produce, manufacturers and designers. The restaurant approach is to maintain long relationships with suppliers to ensure the highest quality and a commitment to sustainable and ethical techniques. Like the food ingredients, the sommeliers look for wines that are true to their origin and reflective of the environment in which they have been made. The wines are chosen from all over the world, showcasing a diversity of wines with texture, balance and specificity. This is a professionally curated list which offers both a vast and profound selection of wine. The sommeliers can create a bespoke experience and a number of pairing options are available. Address: Level 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
Europe 2020
Tom and Michaela Kitchin’s award-winning Leith waterfront restaurant in Edinburgh, The Kitchin, is a shrine to seasonality. Explaining their philosophy as “from nature to plate”, Tom Kitchin uses French-inspired technique to make the most of the freshest Scottish ingredients in signature dishes such as hand-dived Orkney scallops baked in the shell served with a white wine, vermouth, and wild herb sauce, or roast saddle of rabbit served with roast artichoke, olive, and tomato confit. To go with the multi-award-winning food, The Kitchin regularly wins World’s Best Wine Lists three-star award for its wine list; a list that captures the judges imagination with its impeccably chosen compilation of global producers. The lists open strongly with a by-the-glass selection which includes a set of “exclusive” wines alongside affordable gems. And it continues in this globetrotting fashion throughout the listing, offering both classic and regional France, and strong in the New World as well as Italy and Spain. Address: 78 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, United Kingdom
North America 2020
Located in Chicago, Purple Pig is a rustic sharable plate restaurant, conveniently located on the Magnificent Mile. Since opening in 2009 under the leadership of Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig has received numerous accolades. Bannos’ love for Mediterranean food is evident in the fun, inventive ways he presents the cheese, swine and wine, among other standout dishes, showcasing the flavours of Italy, Greece and Spain. This is reflected in the wine selections that have been chosen in collaboration with Bannos to enhance his dishes. The cellar offers nearly 800 selections of wine, with well-chosen and interesting producers, along with vast offerings of beer and spirits. The majority of the wines come from Europe, with a small contingent hailing from North America. The Purple Pig has been recognised by World of Fine Wine Judges for their long and varied by-the-glass list and praise for the list’s highlighting of women producers. 444 North Michigan Avenue, Illinois, Chicago 60611, United States
Asia 2020
Les Amis, Singapore - Regional Winner
Classical French cuisine with a touch of Asian aesthetics,” is how Singapore’s Les Amis Group describes the approach at its original, flagship restaurant in the city’s Orchard Road district. Ex-Joël Rebuchon chef Sebastian Lepinoy is the man in the kitchen, combining “French techniques with elements of Japanese produce” in dishes such as foie gras custard served warm with a lightly smoked French eel and a touch of sesame. His partner in the wine cellar, Les Amis Group wine director, Timothy Goh, has selected a long and engaging wine list that echoes Lepinoy’s approach in a collection that includes a number of surprises and cutting-edge producers. The restaurant’s vinous ethos is succinctly conveyed in Goh’s “Sommelier’s Selection” of highlights: natural-minded producers from New Zealand (Pyramid Valley) and South Africa (Eben Sadie); restrained Californians (Littorai Roman Vineyard Pinot); lesser-spotted European appellations (Monte Cascas Malvasia Colares, Portugal); and top Burgundy (Ponsot, Leflaive, Roulot, Thibault Liger-Belair). Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-16 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Australasia 2020
Vue de Monde, Melbourne - Regional Winner
Opened in 2000, Vue de Monde moved to its current location on the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building in 2011. Reflecting the sweeping views of Melbourne’s cityscape, Chef Shannon has developed the menu to provide an unparalleled dining experience, full of theatrics and flair that cannot be replicated at home. This is achieved through a commitment to the restaurant’s activities as a whole; from sourcing rare ingredients to an uncompromising approach to technique, service and quality. In every instance possible Vue de Monde seeks out local produce, manufacturers and designers. The restaurant approach is to maintain long relationships with suppliers to ensure the highest quality and a commitment to sustainable and ethical techniques. Like the food ingredients, the sommeliers look for wines that are true to their origin and reflective of the environment in which they have been made. The wines are chosen from all over the world, showcasing a diversity of wines with texture, balance and specificity. This is a professionally curated list which offers both a vast and profound selection of wine. The sommeliers can create a bespoke experience and a number of pairing options are available. Address: Level 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
Europe 2020
Kitchin, Edinburgh - Regional Winner
Tom and Michaela Kitchin’s award-winning Leith waterfront restaurant in Edinburgh, The Kitchin, is a shrine to seasonality. Explaining their philosophy as “from nature to plate”, Tom Kitchin uses French-inspired technique to make the most of the freshest Scottish ingredients in signature dishes such as hand-dived Orkney scallops baked in the shell served with a white wine, vermouth, and wild herb sauce, or roast saddle of rabbit served with roast artichoke, olive, and tomato confit. To go with the multi-award-winning food, The Kitchin regularly wins World’s Best Wine Lists three-star award for its wine list; a list that captures the judges imagination with its impeccably chosen compilation of global producers. The lists open strongly with a by-the-glass selection which includes a set of “exclusive” wines alongside affordable gems. And it continues in this globetrotting fashion throughout the listing, offering both classic and regional France, and strong in the New World as well as Italy and Spain. Address: 78 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, United Kingdom
North America 2020
The Purple Pig - Global Winner
Located in Chicago, Purple Pig is a rustic sharable plate restaurant, conveniently located on the Magnificent Mile. Since opening in 2009 under the leadership of Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig has received numerous accolades. Bannos’ love for Mediterranean food is evident in the fun, inventive ways he presents the cheese, swine and wine, among other standout dishes, showcasing the flavours of Italy, Greece and Spain. This is reflected in the wine selections that have been chosen in collaboration with Bannos to enhance his dishes. The cellar offers nearly 800 selections of wine, with well-chosen and interesting producers, along with vast offerings of beer and spirits. The majority of the wines come from Europe, with a small contingent hailing from North America. The Purple Pig has been recognised by World of Fine Wine Judges for their long and varied by-the-glass list and praise for the list’s highlighting of women producers. 444 North Michigan Avenue, Illinois, Chicago 60611, United States