The categories for the first few editions of the World’s Best Wine Lists centered on the ambition, innovation, and passion of the restaurateur or sommelier in selecting interesting and varied wines. It soon became apparent to the Judges, however, as they studied hundreds of lists every year, that one aspect that significantly affected the ability of a guest to enjoy the process of wine selection was the appearance, clarity, and navigability of the wine list itself. All too often, design is the Achilles heel of otherwise good or great lists. The Best Designed Wine List category was therefore added to celebrate and promote those restaurants that put the proper effort, time, and thought into the format of their wine list, including everything from the font, font size, and layout, to the organizing principles, whether those be color, country, region, style, price, or some other consideration. Although all Category-Award Judges assess and return their ratings for Design, they are fortunate to have expert insight from their colleague Alder Yarrow, who has a background as a high-level professional designer.
Best Designed Wine List in the World
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm - Global Winner 2021
Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, Sweden, looking out over the water to Stockholm castle and the Old Town, has been home to celebrities and grand events since 1874. The hotel houses Mathias Dahlgren’s Matbaren restaurant which is a Stockholm classic, and next door is his lacto-ovo vegetarian restaurant Rutabaga.
The wine cellar at Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel contains some 14,000 bottles and 1,800 different wines, making it among the most extensive collections of fine wine in Europe. World of Fine Wine Judges praise the Grand Hôtel for the quality of its collection as much as its quantity. As the judges note, it is “a remarkable list with great depth, and some very rare finds.” particularly when those wines take their place alongside the rather more accessible array of more recent vintages from the best contemporary producers from all over the world. The Judges praised the ‘exceptional large format selection’ as well as the verticals of the best producers, including in the sparkling section.
Email: info@grandhotel.se
Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8, Stockholm, 103 27, Sweden
Asia 2021
Amber restaurant is located in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, a chic five-star retreat in the heart of Hong Kong’s business and fashion districts. Since launching in 2005, Amber has attracted global connoisseurs, drawn to the restaurant’s progressive cuisine and respect for ingredients. Designed with intimate interiors by acclaimed New York designer Adam Tihany, Amber’s bold philosophy addresses diners’ changing tastes and expectations. Ushering in a new approach to fine dining, Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus has forged a style of his own with intuition and passion, drawing inspiration from around the world and celebrating exquisite ingredients with finely constructed flavours and meticulous presentation. Respectful of tradition yet dedicated to innovation, this is the new culinary dialogue. Address: The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, China
Australasia 2021
The chefs at Attica, based in Ripponlea in Victoria, Australia, are focused on high quality cuisine, with a specifically Australian character. Attica has long been considered one of the great Australian restaurants, and chef–owner Ben Shewry continues to evolve his cuisine to reflect the past and future of the country. The extended tasting menu offers delicious, ingredient-driven courses such as saltwater crocodile ribs, vegemite scrolls, salt-cured kangaroo, pearl oyster meat, grilled Marron with desert lime, and Lamington with black ants. The enigmatic dishes are a reflection of Shewry’s fresh cooking style, focusing on raw, native materials fused with the classic dining specialties of Australia. The wine list puts Victoria in the spotlight, championing both the pioneers of the region, as well as its up-and-comers. The standouts from the rest of Australia and New Zealand flesh out the Oceania side of the list, with a selection of classic Old World counterparts that prove Australia deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. This list is for everyone, balancing traditionally made wines with more experimental styles, all showcasing high-quality, site-expressive fruit. A large selection of by-the-glass wines, and most of the list available as half bottles, allows for engagement with many different styles throughout a meal. Address: 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, 3185 Victoria, Australia
North America 2021
The Fearrington House Restaurant, located in North Carolina in the USA, has been offering fine dining cuisine for nearly 40 years. The restaurant, once the original farm homestead, offers southern-inspired American cuisine. Best known for the exceptional service, seasonal menus and hot chocolate soufflé, The Fearrington House prides itself on partnerships with local farms and crafting fresh, inspired dishes for its guests. The menus change seasonally as new items are harvested from their on-site vegetable and herb gardens. Paula De Pano, the Beverage Director, oversees a multi-awarded wine list featuring more than 1,500 unique labels. She pairs an enduring passion for providing hospitality with deep expertise in the wine industry to create an unforgettable experience for her guests. Address: 230 Market Street, Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, 27312 North Carolina, United States of America
South & Central America 2021
Gastón Acurio leads the kitchen at Astrid & Gastón, which is at the forefront of contemporary Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant, based in Lima, Peru, is named after Gastón and his wife Astrid Gutsche. The food is inventive, unexpected, joyful, and delicious, with a stellar wine list that encompasses a global offering. The restaurant’s imaginative menu changes every six months, with each dish presented as an exquisite combination of colors, flavors and textures. The exemplary wine list includes over 250 options from around the world and the restaurant can advise on pairing wines to complement each menu choice, and guests can ask for personalized recommendations from the knowledgeable in-house sommeliers. Address: Avenue Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Lima, Peru
Middle East & Africa 2021
The Saxon Hotel sits beneath the warm sunshine in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the opulent, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst. The hotel offers a perfect blend of rich cultural history and contemporary five-star service, set within ten acres of magnificent indigenous gardens. The hotel’s Qunu restaurant is named after the small rural town that former President Nelson Mandela loved to call home. It has a picturesque indoor-outdoor atmosphere with woven lights and an indoor garden. Qunu offers bold flavours, home grown seasonal ingredients and an honest approach to cuisine. The chefs developed the VegVegan concept to offer vegetarian and vegan guests a personalised culinary experience. Guests can complement their favourite dish with the perfect wine, recommended by the restaurant’s expert sommeliers . Address: The Saxon, 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst 2196, Johannesburg, South Africa
Asia 2021
Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Amber restaurant is located in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, a chic five-star retreat in the heart of Hong Kong’s business and fashion districts. Since launching in 2005, Amber has attracted global connoisseurs, drawn to the restaurant’s progressive cuisine and respect for ingredients. Designed with intimate interiors by acclaimed New York designer Adam Tihany, Amber’s bold philosophy addresses diners’ changing tastes and expectations. Ushering in a new approach to fine dining, Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus has forged a style of his own with intuition and passion, drawing inspiration from around the world and celebrating exquisite ingredients with finely constructed flavours and meticulous presentation. Respectful of tradition yet dedicated to innovation, this is the new culinary dialogue. Address: The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, China
Australasia 2021
Attica, Ripponlea
The chefs at Attica, based in Ripponlea in Victoria, Australia, are focused on high quality cuisine, with a specifically Australian character. Attica has long been considered one of the great Australian restaurants, and chef–owner Ben Shewry continues to evolve his cuisine to reflect the past and future of the country. The extended tasting menu offers delicious, ingredient-driven courses such as saltwater crocodile ribs, vegemite scrolls, salt-cured kangaroo, pearl oyster meat, grilled Marron with desert lime, and Lamington with black ants. The enigmatic dishes are a reflection of Shewry’s fresh cooking style, focusing on raw, native materials fused with the classic dining specialties of Australia. The wine list puts Victoria in the spotlight, championing both the pioneers of the region, as well as its up-and-comers. The standouts from the rest of Australia and New Zealand flesh out the Oceania side of the list, with a selection of classic Old World counterparts that prove Australia deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. This list is for everyone, balancing traditionally made wines with more experimental styles, all showcasing high-quality, site-expressive fruit. A large selection of by-the-glass wines, and most of the list available as half bottles, allows for engagement with many different styles throughout a meal. Address: 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, 3185 Victoria, Australia
North America 2021
The Fearrington House Restaurant, North Carolina
The Fearrington House Restaurant, located in North Carolina in the USA, has been offering fine dining cuisine for nearly 40 years. The restaurant, once the original farm homestead, offers southern-inspired American cuisine. Best known for the exceptional service, seasonal menus and hot chocolate soufflé, The Fearrington House prides itself on partnerships with local farms and crafting fresh, inspired dishes for its guests. The menus change seasonally as new items are harvested from their on-site vegetable and herb gardens. Paula De Pano, the Beverage Director, oversees a multi-awarded wine list featuring more than 1,500 unique labels. She pairs an enduring passion for providing hospitality with deep expertise in the wine industry to create an unforgettable experience for her guests. Address: 230 Market Street, Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, 27312 North Carolina, United States of America
South & Central America 2021
Astrid&Gastón, Lima
Gastón Acurio leads the kitchen at Astrid & Gastón, which is at the forefront of contemporary Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant, based in Lima, Peru, is named after Gastón and his wife Astrid Gutsche. The food is inventive, unexpected, joyful, and delicious, with a stellar wine list that encompasses a global offering. The restaurant’s imaginative menu changes every six months, with each dish presented as an exquisite combination of colors, flavors and textures. The exemplary wine list includes over 250 options from around the world and the restaurant can advise on pairing wines to complement each menu choice, and guests can ask for personalized recommendations from the knowledgeable in-house sommeliers. Address: Avenue Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Lima, Peru
Middle East & Africa 2021
Qunu at the Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg
The Saxon Hotel sits beneath the warm sunshine in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the opulent, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst. The hotel offers a perfect blend of rich cultural history and contemporary five-star service, set within ten acres of magnificent indigenous gardens. The hotel’s Qunu restaurant is named after the small rural town that former President Nelson Mandela loved to call home. It has a picturesque indoor-outdoor atmosphere with woven lights and an indoor garden. Qunu offers bold flavours, home grown seasonal ingredients and an honest approach to cuisine. The chefs developed the VegVegan concept to offer vegetarian and vegan guests a personalised culinary experience. Guests can complement their favourite dish with the perfect wine, recommended by the restaurant’s expert sommeliers . Address: The Saxon, 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst 2196, Johannesburg, South Africa
Asia 2020
Since launching in 2005, Amber has attracted global connoisseurs, drawn to the restaurant’s progressive cuisine and reverence for ingredients. Re-imagined with intimate new interiors by acclaimed New York designer Adam Tihany, Amber’s bold philosophy addresses diners’ changing tastes and expectations. Ushering in a new approach to fine dining, Chef Richard Ekkebus dispenses with artifice or gimmickry to present nuanced, nourishing flavours and dishes that are sublime in their subtlety. Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus has forged a style of his own with intuition and passion, drawing inspiration from around the world and celebrating exquisite ingredients with finely constructed flavours and meticulous presentation. Respectful of tradition yet dedicated to innovation, this is the new culinary dialogue. Address: The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Australasia 2020
Hopgood’s restaurant, located in Nelson, South Island New Zealand, is housed in the Dalgety & Company Ltd Building, a heritage-listed site which offers a stylish backdrop to the food and wine. The restaurant was opened in 2005 by Kevin and Jane Hopgood with the aim of presenting modern, seasonally-based bistro-style dishes in a casual and relaxing environment. The menu at Hopgood's is deliberately kept short and changes regularly, allowing the kitchen to make the most of the great produce Nelson has on its doorstep. The ethos at Hopgood is to source many organic vegetables from local farmers and showcase the best wines the Nelson region has to offer and cook simple food well. There is a good selection of wines by the glass as well as a smaller selection of premium wines poured using the Coravin system, with the compact listing offering a good balance of regions and labels. Address: 284 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, South Island, New Zealand
North America 2020
The Blue Hill at Stone Barns restaurant was opened in 2004 inside the Stone Barns Centre for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hill, New York. This is a four-season working farm attempting to bring farmers and chefs together to push the boundaries of sustainable farming and eating. The team are increasingly focused on the inequities of our food system that have been thrown into high relief by the pandemic, providing an urgency to their mission to build a food culture rooted in ecological farming, eating, and community. Writing in the New York Times as well as composing his own book, Dan Barber is the Executive Chef and is a significant influencer for the educational ambitions of the establishment. Rather than a menu, guests are greeted by the service team and then given many tasting dishes, naturally coming from the local market and farm yield. The accompanying wine-list is extensive, providing options that range across the globe. The World of Fine Wine Judges noted the inclusion of older vintages (60s/70s/80s/90s) on the wine list, alongside more recent ones. They praised the well-chosen producers as well as the quality of the small and large format selection. 630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
Address:
Ajualä, Santo Domingo - Regional Winner
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2020
Ajuala is a contemporary restaurant located in a former house in the heart of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The setting brings together modern design, traditional materials and landscaped terraces. Here renowned chef Saverio Stassi focuses on creative cuisine made with local produce. Sommelier Tomas Santori has created a wine list that offers a great selection that perfectly matches the creative and flavourful menu. Address: Andres Julio Aybar #13, Piantini Entre Humano y el Banco Popular de la López de Vega., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Europe 2020
Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, Sweden, looking out over the water to Stockholm castle and the Old Town, has been home to celebrities and grand events since 1874. The hotel houses Mathias Dahlgren’s Matbaren restaurant which is a Stockholm classic, and next door is his lacto-ovo vegetarian restaurant Rutabaga. The wine cellar at Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel contains some 14,000 bottles and 1,800 different wines, making it among the most extensive collections of fine wine in Europe. World of Fine Wine Judges praise the Grand Hôtel for the quality of its collection as much as its quantity. As the judges note, it is “a remarkable list with great depth, and some very rare finds.” particularly when those wines take their place alongside the rather more accessible array of more recent vintages from the best contemporary producers from all over the world. The Judges praised the 'exceptional large format selection' as well as the verticals of the best producers, including in the sparkling section. Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8, 103 27 Stockholm, Sweden
Middle East & Africa 2020
Experience locally inspired culinary delight with Qunu's bold flavours, homegrown seasonal ingredients and honest approach to cuisine. Complement your favourite dish with the perfect wine, recommended to you by our expert sommeliers. Our chefs developed the VegVegan concept to offer our vegetarian and vegan guests a personalised culinary experience. Qunu extends a warm African welcome, enticing you with its rich surroundings, red tones, woven lampshades and an ambient glow, enhanced by the remarkable hanging gardens. With its picturesque indoor-outdoor atmosphere Qunu exudes a sense of being an intrinsic part of Africa. Qunu pays homage to its South African roots, being named in honour of the small rural town that our beloved elder statesman, former President Nelson Mandela loved to call home, we hope you will too. Address: The Saxon, 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst 2196, Johannesburg, South Africa
Asia 2020
Amber at the Landmark Oriental, Hong Kong - Regional Winner
Since launching in 2005, Amber has attracted global connoisseurs, drawn to the restaurant’s progressive cuisine and reverence for ingredients. Re-imagined with intimate new interiors by acclaimed New York designer Adam Tihany, Amber’s bold philosophy addresses diners’ changing tastes and expectations. Ushering in a new approach to fine dining, Chef Richard Ekkebus dispenses with artifice or gimmickry to present nuanced, nourishing flavours and dishes that are sublime in their subtlety. Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus has forged a style of his own with intuition and passion, drawing inspiration from around the world and celebrating exquisite ingredients with finely constructed flavours and meticulous presentation. Respectful of tradition yet dedicated to innovation, this is the new culinary dialogue. Address: The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Australasia 2020
Hopgoods, Nelson - Regional Winner
Hopgood’s restaurant, located in Nelson, South Island New Zealand, is housed in the Dalgety & Company Ltd Building, a heritage-listed site which offers a stylish backdrop to the food and wine. The restaurant was opened in 2005 by Kevin and Jane Hopgood with the aim of presenting modern, seasonally-based bistro-style dishes in a casual and relaxing environment. The menu at Hopgood's is deliberately kept short and changes regularly, allowing the kitchen to make the most of the great produce Nelson has on its doorstep. The ethos at Hopgood is to source many organic vegetables from local farmers and showcase the best wines the Nelson region has to offer and cook simple food well. There is a good selection of wines by the glass as well as a smaller selection of premium wines poured using the Coravin system, with the compact listing offering a good balance of regions and labels. Address: 284 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, South Island, New Zealand
North America 2020
Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Tarrytown - Global Winner
The Blue Hill at Stone Barns restaurant was opened in 2004 inside the Stone Barns Centre for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hill, New York. This is a four-season working farm attempting to bring farmers and chefs together to push the boundaries of sustainable farming and eating. The team are increasingly focused on the inequities of our food system that have been thrown into high relief by the pandemic, providing an urgency to their mission to build a food culture rooted in ecological farming, eating, and community. Writing in the New York Times as well as composing his own book, Dan Barber is the Executive Chef and is a significant influencer for the educational ambitions of the establishment. Rather than a menu, guests are greeted by the service team and then given many tasting dishes, naturally coming from the local market and farm yield. The accompanying wine-list is extensive, providing options that range across the globe. The World of Fine Wine Judges noted the inclusion of older vintages (60s/70s/80s/90s) on the wine list, alongside more recent ones. They praised the well-chosen producers as well as the quality of the small and large format selection. 630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2020
Ajualä, Santo Domingo - Regional Winner
Ajuala is a contemporary restaurant located in a former house in the heart of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The setting brings together modern design, traditional materials and landscaped terraces. Here renowned chef Saverio Stassi focuses on creative cuisine made with local produce. Sommelier Tomas Santori has created a wine list that offers a great selection that perfectly matches the creative and flavourful menu. Address: Andres Julio Aybar #13, Piantini Entre Humano y el Banco Popular de la López de Vega., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Europe 2020
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm - Regional Winner
Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, Sweden, looking out over the water to Stockholm castle and the Old Town, has been home to celebrities and grand events since 1874. The hotel houses Mathias Dahlgren’s Matbaren restaurant which is a Stockholm classic, and next door is his lacto-ovo vegetarian restaurant Rutabaga. The wine cellar at Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel contains some 14,000 bottles and 1,800 different wines, making it among the most extensive collections of fine wine in Europe. World of Fine Wine Judges praise the Grand Hôtel for the quality of its collection as much as its quantity. As the judges note, it is “a remarkable list with great depth, and some very rare finds.” particularly when those wines take their place alongside the rather more accessible array of more recent vintages from the best contemporary producers from all over the world. The Judges praised the 'exceptional large format selection' as well as the verticals of the best producers, including in the sparkling section. Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8, 103 27 Stockholm, Sweden
Middle East & Africa 2020
Qunu at Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg - Regional Winner
Experience locally inspired culinary delight with Qunu's bold flavours, homegrown seasonal ingredients and honest approach to cuisine. Complement your favourite dish with the perfect wine, recommended to you by our expert sommeliers. Our chefs developed the VegVegan concept to offer our vegetarian and vegan guests a personalised culinary experience. Qunu extends a warm African welcome, enticing you with its rich surroundings, red tones, woven lampshades and an ambient glow, enhanced by the remarkable hanging gardens. With its picturesque indoor-outdoor atmosphere Qunu exudes a sense of being an intrinsic part of Africa. Qunu pays homage to its South African roots, being named in honour of the small rural town that our beloved elder statesman, former President Nelson Mandela loved to call home, we hope you will too. Address: The Saxon, 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst 2196, Johannesburg, South Africa