The World’s Best Wine Lists recognizes excellence in even the smallest lists, those with vinous ambitions well above their size. The category of Best Micro Wine List includes lists that feature fewer than 100 wines (at 75cl bottle-size) or no more than four pages. Some lists may still focus on particular wine regions, styles, or grape varieties, but every wine has to earn its place and the conversation is even more intimate. Judges still consider the criteria of breadth, depth, height, balance, selection, accuracy, originality, suitability, design, and value when reaching their decision.
Best Micro Wine List in the World
Contento Restaurant, New York - Global Winner 2021
Located in the heart of East Harlem, Contento is a barrier-free establishment where stories are shared, wine and food come together, and inclusivity is always placed first. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from the concrete streets of Hell’s Kitchen, up the Hudson River, to the Bronx and beyond. From the neighborhoods of south Brooklyn to the orchards of the Hudson Valley, Contento lives and breathes its home state.
Contento is proudly powered and operated by individuals living with disabilities. Founders George Gallego and Yannick Benjamin dreamed of a safe, barrier-free place of work that incorporated empathy and compassion in its employee training program. After meticulous planning, their dream became a reality. Today, Contento’s staff is fully educated on how to best serve guests with disabilities. Additionally, the restaurant offers aspiring hospitality workers living with disabilities a place to learn, gain experience, and find work opportunities through The Solera Project.
The menu is spearheaded by renowned chef Oscar Lorenzzi, and is focused on high-quality dishes produced with local ingredients and respect for their raw materials. Contento was the Regional Winner for North America.
Email: www.contentonyc.com
Address: 88 East 111th Street, New York City, 10029 NY, USA
Regional Winners - Best Micro Wine List in the World 2021
Australasia 2020
At Firedoor in Sydney Head Chef Lennox Hastie’s team work intuitively with fire and the ingredients. The kitchen is entirely powered by wood and everything is cooked to order. A variety of woods are burned daily to create embers that will then be used to cook in a way that enhances the natural characteristics of the ingredients. Balanced between fine dining and casual, the kitchen is open-plan, allowing guests a clear view of the action which unfolds in the kitchen. Firedoor partners with farms and suppliers to celebrate the very best ingredients of the day. Specially aged meat, bespoke vegetables and a live fish tank govern the daily à la carte and eight-course chef’s menu. A thread of smoky, mineral freshness melds the wines with what you find on the plate. Be the wine minimally tampered with or conventionally handled, poise and tension bind colours, regions and styles in a celebration of joyful drinking. Firedoor’s wine list is reliable and composed of an abundance of mineral-driven, local and internationally sourced, artisan-produced and minimal-intervention wines. Address: 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
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Park Row, London
Europe 2021
Park Row in London’s theatre and cinema district, is the first fully immersive DC-inspired gastronomic restaurant experience in the world, featuring five restaurants and bars, storytelling and world-class food and wine that draws inspiration from some of Gotham City’s most famous (and infamous) residents. The Monarch Theatre, a 20-seat venue will host an eleven-course tasting menu with drinks subtly paying homage to some of DC’s most iconic Super Heroes and Super-villains. Dishes take guests on a culinary and visual journey with the help of floor-to-ceiling screens and 360-degree projection mapping. Drawing inspiration from some of Gotham’s most famous (and infamous) residents, including The Penguin, Harley Quinn, and more, each space will have its own signature style, providing a whole host of options for guests, from cocktails and afternoon teas, through to dining and live music. A modern European menu is available throughout with a signature drinks list for each space. Address: 77 Brewer Street, London W1F 9ZN, United Kingdom
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2021
La Niña was founded in 2018 by Andrés Orellana, a chef and sommelier. The restaurant is based in a converted home in Lima, Peru and it retains a cosy, informal feel. The menu focuses on seasonal Peruvian food from different areas of the country, with the restaurant team working in collaboration with artisan producers, collectors and fishermen. All those contributing to the menu and wine list share the same philosophy, which is one of respect for the produce. The three page wine list features some of South America’s organic and natural wines that are sourced from small producers in Argentina and Chile, as well as a smattering of Old World vintages. Address: Calle Francisco de Paula, Camino 299, Miraflores 15000, Lima, Peru
Australasia 2020
Firedoor, Sydney
At Firedoor in Sydney Head Chef Lennox Hastie’s team work intuitively with fire and the ingredients. The kitchen is entirely powered by wood and everything is cooked to order. A variety of woods are burned daily to create embers that will then be used to cook in a way that enhances the natural characteristics of the ingredients. Balanced between fine dining and casual, the kitchen is open-plan, allowing guests a clear view of the action which unfolds in the kitchen. Firedoor partners with farms and suppliers to celebrate the very best ingredients of the day. Specially aged meat, bespoke vegetables and a live fish tank govern the daily à la carte and eight-course chef’s menu. A thread of smoky, mineral freshness melds the wines with what you find on the plate. Be the wine minimally tampered with or conventionally handled, poise and tension bind colours, regions and styles in a celebration of joyful drinking. Firedoor’s wine list is reliable and composed of an abundance of mineral-driven, local and internationally sourced, artisan-produced and minimal-intervention wines. Address: 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
Europe 2021
Park Row, London
Park Row in London’s theatre and cinema district, is the first fully immersive DC-inspired gastronomic restaurant experience in the world, featuring five restaurants and bars, storytelling and world-class food and wine that draws inspiration from some of Gotham City’s most famous (and infamous) residents. The Monarch Theatre, a 20-seat venue will host an eleven-course tasting menu with drinks subtly paying homage to some of DC’s most iconic Super Heroes and Super-villains. Dishes take guests on a culinary and visual journey with the help of floor-to-ceiling screens and 360-degree projection mapping. Drawing inspiration from some of Gotham’s most famous (and infamous) residents, including The Penguin, Harley Quinn, and more, each space will have its own signature style, providing a whole host of options for guests, from cocktails and afternoon teas, through to dining and live music. A modern European menu is available throughout with a signature drinks list for each space. Address: 77 Brewer Street, London W1F 9ZN, United Kingdom
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2021
La Niña, Lima
La Niña was founded in 2018 by Andrés Orellana, a chef and sommelier. The restaurant is based in a converted home in Lima, Peru and it retains a cosy, informal feel. The menu focuses on seasonal Peruvian food from different areas of the country, with the restaurant team working in collaboration with artisan producers, collectors and fishermen. All those contributing to the menu and wine list share the same philosophy, which is one of respect for the produce. The three page wine list features some of South America’s organic and natural wines that are sourced from small producers in Argentina and Chile, as well as a smattering of Old World vintages. Address: Calle Francisco de Paula, Camino 299, Miraflores 15000, Lima, Peru
Global and Regional Winners - Best Micro Wine List in the World 2020
Asia 2020
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, Singapore 069891
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2020
La Niña was founded in 2018 by Andrés Orellana, the Chef and Sommelier. The restaurant is based in a converted home in Lima, Peru and it retains a cosy, informal feel. The menu focuses on seasonal Peruvian food from different areas of the country, with the restaurant team working in collaboration with artisan producers, collectors and fishermen. All those contributing to the menu and wine list share the same philosophy, which is one of respect for the produce. The three page wine list features some of South America’s organic and natural wines that are sourced from small producers in Argentina and Chile, as well as a smattering of Old World vintages. Address: Calle Francisco de Paula, Camino 299, Miraflores, Lima 15000, Peru
Europe 2020
28°-50º Wine Workshop and Kitchen in Marylebone, London, provides a relaxed atmosphere two minutes from the busy shops of Oxford Street, with al fresco dining in the summer. The traditional wine bar experience is taken to a whole new level, with impeccable food, including full à la carte menu, and extensive wine choices. The menu features seasonally changing, modern European dishes, created with skill and imagination. As for indulging guests’ passion for wonderful wine, the restaurant offers a year-round programme of tastings, workshops and themed dinners as well as their micro listing of around 15 red and 15 white wines. The wines on their listing range in cost, are frequently changing and chosen for their interest, because they drink well and offer good value. The restaurant also has a ‘Collector’s List’ of fine wines from the cellars of private collectors enabling unusual and mature wines to be offered at their peak. Customers can indulge their curiosity about some of the more expensive wines without a disproportionate mark up. 15-17 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NE, United Kingdom
Middle East & Africa 2020
The Pot Luck Club is situated on the top floor of the Silo of the Old Biscuit Mill on Albert Road, Woodstock. Since its opening day the Pot Luck has been dubbed the coolest place to be in Cape Town. The industrial setting is softened by the use of natural materials and dark walls. Its success is based on innovative cuisine. Owner Luke Dale-Roberts collaborated with renowned Cape Town based architect Greg Scot to design the restaurant, the focal point of which is the open plan kitchen lit to give the impression of a stage. At the centre of this striking stage is a 1.4 metre grill and range of power woks. These are the engines that drive the majority of Pot Luck’s hot dishes imparting authentic flavours and colour. Address: Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Capetown, South Africa
North America 2020
Wine Bar George is located in the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The design for the wine bar is similar to a winemaker's home estate, with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. The menu features masterfully paired wine and food and a selection of cocktails, all of which include grape-based spirits. Owner, Master Sommelier George Miliotes, offers more than 140 wines by the glass, bottle and ounce. Diners can enjoy wines from acclaimed and well-known wineries as well as regions that are up-and-coming. World of Fine Wine Judges have heaped praise on Wine Bar George’s wine list, wishing for “more please” and praising the selection of wine by-the-glass, with judges commenting that it “really fulfils the idea of a micro list...something for everyone”. Address: 1610 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, United States
Asia 2020
Nouri, Singapore - Regional Winner
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, Singapore 069891
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2020
La Niña, Lima - Regional Winner
La Niña was founded in 2018 by Andrés Orellana, the Chef and Sommelier. The restaurant is based in a converted home in Lima, Peru and it retains a cosy, informal feel. The menu focuses on seasonal Peruvian food from different areas of the country, with the restaurant team working in collaboration with artisan producers, collectors and fishermen. All those contributing to the menu and wine list share the same philosophy, which is one of respect for the produce. The three page wine list features some of South America’s organic and natural wines that are sourced from small producers in Argentina and Chile, as well as a smattering of Old World vintages. Address: Calle Francisco de Paula, Camino 299, Miraflores, Lima 15000, Peru
Europe 2020
28°-50° Wine Workshop and Kitchen, London - Global Winner
28°-50º Wine Workshop and Kitchen in Marylebone, London, provides a relaxed atmosphere two minutes from the busy shops of Oxford Street, with al fresco dining in the summer. The traditional wine bar experience is taken to a whole new level, with impeccable food, including full à la carte menu, and extensive wine choices. The menu features seasonally changing, modern European dishes, created with skill and imagination. As for indulging guests’ passion for wonderful wine, the restaurant offers a year-round programme of tastings, workshops and themed dinners as well as their micro listing of around 15 red and 15 white wines. The wines on their listing range in cost, are frequently changing and chosen for their interest, because they drink well and offer good value. The restaurant also has a ‘Collector’s List’ of fine wines from the cellars of private collectors enabling unusual and mature wines to be offered at their peak. Customers can indulge their curiosity about some of the more expensive wines without a disproportionate mark up. 15-17 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NE, United Kingdom
Middle East & Africa 2020
Pot Luck Club, Cape Town - Regional Winner
The Pot Luck Club is situated on the top floor of the Silo of the Old Biscuit Mill on Albert Road, Woodstock. Since its opening day the Pot Luck has been dubbed the coolest place to be in Cape Town. The industrial setting is softened by the use of natural materials and dark walls. Its success is based on innovative cuisine. Owner Luke Dale-Roberts collaborated with renowned Cape Town based architect Greg Scot to design the restaurant, the focal point of which is the open plan kitchen lit to give the impression of a stage. At the centre of this striking stage is a 1.4 metre grill and range of power woks. These are the engines that drive the majority of Pot Luck’s hot dishes imparting authentic flavours and colour. Address: Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Capetown, South Africa
North America 2020
Wine Bar George, Lake Buena Vista - Regional Winner
Wine Bar George is located in the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The design for the wine bar is similar to a winemaker's home estate, with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. The menu features masterfully paired wine and food and a selection of cocktails, all of which include grape-based spirits. Owner, Master Sommelier George Miliotes, offers more than 140 wines by the glass, bottle and ounce. Diners can enjoy wines from acclaimed and well-known wineries as well as regions that are up-and-coming. World of Fine Wine Judges have heaped praise on Wine Bar George’s wine list, wishing for “more please” and praising the selection of wine by-the-glass, with judges commenting that it “really fulfils the idea of a micro list...something for everyone”. Address: 1610 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, United States