The World’s Best Wine Lists acknowledges the exciting quality and range of spirits from all round the world, and their ability to heighten the beginning or end of a memorably special meal. The category of Best Spirits List recognizes those establishments that go beyond the rest in their spirits selection. Despite the different origins, raw materials, and production techniques of spirits and wine, the spirits sections of lists are judged by the same criteria of breadth, depth, height, balance, selection, accuracy, originality, suitability, design, and value.
Best Spirits List in the World
Charred Kitchen & Bar, Orange - Global Winner 2021
Charred Kitchen and Bar is located in the city of Orange, New South Wales and the relaxed setting accompanies a serious attitude to producing excellent food. The restaurant uses local food ‘heroes’ who provide them with the best organic vegetables, hazelnuts, free range eggs, olive oil, chestnuts, potatoes flour and meat.
The restaurant’s menus take inspiration from around the world and the chefs use a “Lucifer” wood and charcoal oven to impart a unique ‘Charred’ flavour. The pride in Orange county produce is extended to the wine. They provide over 400 wines (as well as a great selection of 100 beers), focusing on the Orange wine region, followed by key producers in NSW, and then by further Australian and international wines. The aim is to engage the modern day dinner that has a more and more eclectic taste than ever before There is also a good by-the-glass whisky selection. Charred has a long term ambition to create one of the worlds truly remarkable and well rounded beverage lists. Charred was the Regional Winner for Australasia.
Address: 1-5 New Street, Orange 2800, New South Wales, Australia
Regional Winners - Best Spirits List in the World 2021
Asia 2021
The philosophy of La Terre restaurant in Singapore is to allow wine and whisky to be the “protagonists” of the experience, aiming to provide an intimate experience focused squarely on allowing guests to appreciate the qualities of the drink. The name La Terre, “the earth” in French, recognises the soil as the origin and one of the most fundamental factors in wine making. The restaurant provides a minimalist space that provides a quiet respite from the hectic urban life of Singapore. While the food takes a supporting role is it far from neglected. The chefs at La Terre provide an array of light dishes designed to complement and enhance the experience of the drinks. Daisuke Kawai, Head Sommelier and co-founder of La Terre, has selected over 1000 wines and whiskies, with most of the wines being of the old world variety, with labels that range in price and profile, including varieties from less well-known regions such as Lebanon and Greece. The whisky selection is similarly well-curated, with rarities from Japan and Scotland. Address: 11 Upper Circular Road #01-01, Singapore 58409
Europe 2021
Antica Bottega del Vino, in Verona, Italy, is among the oldest and most prestigious historic Italian dining establishments, tracing its long history and roots to the sixteenth century. The restaurant is an illustrious survivor of the hundred osterias that were once the haunt of famous artists and writers in Verona. The cuisine exudes Venetian tradition, offering a fantastic selection of cicchetti dishes, such as the famous risotto and braised beef cheek with Amarone and pastissada de caval. Nothing characterizes Antica Bottega del Vino more than its cellar, located in a building dating back to the 3rd century BC, now boasting a selection of the most important wines in the world. Its bottles number more than 18,000, representing a total of 4,500 labels world-wide. World of Fine Wine Judges noted that great attention is given to Italian and French producers,' there's a unique Amarone list and a good champagne listing', with a special focus on biodynamic and organic wines. 'This is a selection that offers good value for money.' Address: Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3, Verona, 37121, Italy
North America 2021
Based in the Presido Heights district of San Francisco, the website for award-winning Spruce gives the impression that it is a humble neighborhood restaurant. That’s rather like saying Jimi Hendrix was a guitar player: the description is factually correct, but it falls a long way short of giving the complete picture. The food, much of it sourced from the farmers at SMIP Ranch in Woodside is one thing: smart, fresh, modern Californian cooking from chef Mark Sullivan, in dishes such as purple top turnip soup, charred onion, olive oil jam, and crispy garlic; and roasted Sonoma chicken, chorizo roulade, baby artichokes, and chick peas. Then there is the wine list, a 2,500-bin extravaganza that spans the globe, picking out a finely balanced choice of local, classic, and emerging regions. How many neighbourhood restaurants have a wine list containing multiple vintages of big guns such as DRC, Chave, Raveneau, and Dagueneau? How many feature the Bordeaux first growths and the best of both opulent and elegant California, alongside cru Beaujolais, grower Champagne, and a killer selection of German Riesling and Oregon Pinot Noir? Not many, but this is a particular restaurant in a particular neighbourhood. Address: 3640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, 94118 California, United States of America
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2021
Located in the district of Polanco in Mexico City, Quintonil is run by chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife Alejandra Flores, who runs the front of house. The word Quintonil refers to the greens of the amaranth plant. The menu focuses on fresh seasonal and local produce, and demonstrates Vallejo’s ability to rework traditional ingredients and dishes like cactus, tamales, mole, and escamoles (ant larvae), to create unique dishes. An excellent collection of wine pairings is offered, where a list of 48 pages provides a good balance to choose from. Each wine is carefully selected to ensure the flavors of the extraordinary dishes come alive. Address: Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico
Address:
BOCA, Dubai
Middle East & Africa 2021
Tucked away in the heart of Dubai’s financial district is BOCA, a Modern European restaurant influenced by Spanish cuisine and with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Our cellar is home to a collection of 2,121 bottles from 245 labels, 64 of which are offered by the glass, including selections from the Coravin and two vertical tasting options. 40% of this list is Spanish listing 26 of the 138 official DOs and IGPs in the country with a focus on ‘smaller’ and upcoming regions such as Castilla VT & Conca De Barberà, Montsant, Somontano, and Toro DOs among others that may be currently producing the world’s future stunners. In line with BOCA’s philosophy to stand with regional producers, we also feature wines from countries close to our home including Syria, Lebanon, Georgia, Greece, Turkey, and our latest addition Israel. Other highlights include the low sugar and orange wine section and the inclusion of ‘dealcoholized’ wines. Our fascination with ‘fortified’ wines continues, listing 24 of them showcasing grapes from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Hungary. Address: Gate Village 6 Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, PO Box 506772, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Asia 2021
La Terre, Singapore
The philosophy of La Terre restaurant in Singapore is to allow wine and whisky to be the “protagonists” of the experience, aiming to provide an intimate experience focused squarely on allowing guests to appreciate the qualities of the drink. The name La Terre, “the earth” in French, recognises the soil as the origin and one of the most fundamental factors in wine making. The restaurant provides a minimalist space that provides a quiet respite from the hectic urban life of Singapore. While the food takes a supporting role is it far from neglected. The chefs at La Terre provide an array of light dishes designed to complement and enhance the experience of the drinks. Daisuke Kawai, Head Sommelier and co-founder of La Terre, has selected over 1000 wines and whiskies, with most of the wines being of the old world variety, with labels that range in price and profile, including varieties from less well-known regions such as Lebanon and Greece. The whisky selection is similarly well-curated, with rarities from Japan and Scotland. Address: 11 Upper Circular Road #01-01, Singapore 58409
Europe 2021
Antica Bottega del Vino, Verona
Antica Bottega del Vino, in Verona, Italy, is among the oldest and most prestigious historic Italian dining establishments, tracing its long history and roots to the sixteenth century. The restaurant is an illustrious survivor of the hundred osterias that were once the haunt of famous artists and writers in Verona. The cuisine exudes Venetian tradition, offering a fantastic selection of cicchetti dishes, such as the famous risotto and braised beef cheek with Amarone and pastissada de caval. Nothing characterizes Antica Bottega del Vino more than its cellar, located in a building dating back to the 3rd century BC, now boasting a selection of the most important wines in the world. Its bottles number more than 18,000, representing a total of 4,500 labels world-wide. World of Fine Wine Judges noted that great attention is given to Italian and French producers,' there's a unique Amarone list and a good champagne listing', with a special focus on biodynamic and organic wines. 'This is a selection that offers good value for money.' Address: Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3, Verona, 37121, Italy
North America 2021
Spruce, San Francisco
Based in the Presido Heights district of San Francisco, the website for award-winning Spruce gives the impression that it is a humble neighborhood restaurant. That’s rather like saying Jimi Hendrix was a guitar player: the description is factually correct, but it falls a long way short of giving the complete picture. The food, much of it sourced from the farmers at SMIP Ranch in Woodside is one thing: smart, fresh, modern Californian cooking from chef Mark Sullivan, in dishes such as purple top turnip soup, charred onion, olive oil jam, and crispy garlic; and roasted Sonoma chicken, chorizo roulade, baby artichokes, and chick peas. Then there is the wine list, a 2,500-bin extravaganza that spans the globe, picking out a finely balanced choice of local, classic, and emerging regions. How many neighbourhood restaurants have a wine list containing multiple vintages of big guns such as DRC, Chave, Raveneau, and Dagueneau? How many feature the Bordeaux first growths and the best of both opulent and elegant California, alongside cru Beaujolais, grower Champagne, and a killer selection of German Riesling and Oregon Pinot Noir? Not many, but this is a particular restaurant in a particular neighbourhood. Address: 3640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, 94118 California, United States of America
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2021
Quintonil, Mexico City
Located in the district of Polanco in Mexico City, Quintonil is run by chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife Alejandra Flores, who runs the front of house. The word Quintonil refers to the greens of the amaranth plant. The menu focuses on fresh seasonal and local produce, and demonstrates Vallejo’s ability to rework traditional ingredients and dishes like cactus, tamales, mole, and escamoles (ant larvae), to create unique dishes. An excellent collection of wine pairings is offered, where a list of 48 pages provides a good balance to choose from. Each wine is carefully selected to ensure the flavors of the extraordinary dishes come alive. Address: Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico
Middle East & Africa 2021
BOCA, Dubai
Tucked away in the heart of Dubai’s financial district is BOCA, a Modern European restaurant influenced by Spanish cuisine and with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Our cellar is home to a collection of 2,121 bottles from 245 labels, 64 of which are offered by the glass, including selections from the Coravin and two vertical tasting options. 40% of this list is Spanish listing 26 of the 138 official DOs and IGPs in the country with a focus on ‘smaller’ and upcoming regions such as Castilla VT & Conca De Barberà, Montsant, Somontano, and Toro DOs among others that may be currently producing the world’s future stunners. In line with BOCA’s philosophy to stand with regional producers, we also feature wines from countries close to our home including Syria, Lebanon, Georgia, Greece, Turkey, and our latest addition Israel. Other highlights include the low sugar and orange wine section and the inclusion of ‘dealcoholized’ wines. Our fascination with ‘fortified’ wines continues, listing 24 of them showcasing grapes from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Hungary. Address: Gate Village 6 Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, PO Box 506772, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Global and Regional Winners - Best Spirits List in the World 2020
Address:
La Terre, Singapore - Regional Winner
Asia 2020
The philosophy of La Terre restaurant in Singapore is to allow wine and whisky to be the “protagonists” of the experience, aiming to provide an intimate experience focused squarely on allowing guests to appreciate the qualities of the drink. The name La Terre, “the earth” in French, recognises the soil as the origin and one of the most fundamental factors in wine making. The restaurant provides a minimalist space that provides a quiet respite from the hectic urban life of Singapore. While the food takes a supporting role is it far from neglected. The chefs at La Terre provide an array of light dishes designed to complement and enhance the experience of the drinks. Daisuke Kawai, Head Sommelier and co-founder of La Terre, has selected over 1000 wines and whiskies, with most of the wines being of the old world variety, with labels that range in price and profile, including varieties from less well-known regions such as Lebanon and Greece. The whisky selection is similarly well-curated, with rarities from Japan and Scotland. Address: 11 Upper Circular Road #01-01, Singapore, 58409, Singapore
Australasia 2020
Charred Kitchen and Bar is located in the city of Orange, New South Wales and the relaxed setting accompanies a serious attitude to producing excellent food. The restaurant uses local food ‘heroes’ who provide them with the best organic vegetables, hazelnuts, free range eggs, olive oil, chestnuts, potatoes flour and meat. The restaurant’s menus take inspiration from around the world and the chefs use a "Lucifer" wood and charcoal oven to impart a unique ‘Charred’ flavour. The pride in Orange county produce is extended to the wine. They provide over 400 wines (as well as a great selection of 100 beers), focusing on the Orange wine region, followed by key producers in New South Wales, and then by further Australian and international wines. There is a very good by-the-glass whisky selection. Address: 1-5 New Street, Orange, New South Wales, Australia 2800
North America 2020
At John Howie Steak In Bellevue, across Lake Washington from Seattle, Chef John Howie is known for the range of high-quality meats he sources for his grill at his eponymous steak house. Diners have the choice of six “tiers” of steak, from American and Japanese Wagyu to VIP Gold Brand from Brisbane, Australia. And that same attention to detail is applied to a wine list that is one of the best on the West Coast. As the World’s Best Wine Lists judges put it, this well thought-out selection has “clear strengths in Oregon and Washington, but good support from other new world wine regions” and which finds room for a good range of bottles at moderate prices. With a strong and varied collection of wines available by the glass, John Howie Steak’s wine program has broad appeal for both the vinous neophyte and the serious wine geek. Suite 125, 11111 NorthEast 8th Street, Bellevue, Washington 98004, United States
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2020
Located in the district of Polanco in Mexico City, Quintonil is run by chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife Alejandra Flores, who runs the front of house. The word Quintonil refers to the greens of the amaranth plant. The menu focuses on fresh seasonal and local produce, and demonstrates Vallejo’s ability to rework traditional ingredients and dishes like cactus, tamales, mole, and escamoles (ant larvae), to create unique dishes. An excellent collection of wine pairings is offered, where a list of 48 pages provides a good balance to choose from. Each wine is carefully selected to ensure the flavors of the extraordinary dishes come alive. Address: Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico
Europe 2020
Matteo’s restaurant is based in Annabel's private club, located in a Grade I listed Georgian mansion house in Berkeley Square London. Annabel’s offers an all-day and all-night experience, set across 26,000 square feet, for members to work, dine and entertain. Maximalist deluxe designer, Martin Brudnizki has adorned the bar of the gold tinted dining room with art and a Buddha statue. A troupe of sommeliers, in tailored jackets emblazoned with the bandiera d'Italia, oversee the restaurant. Matteo’s hosts an extensive selection of Italian wine, showcasing incredible collections of single vineyards in Barolo and Tuscany. A team of world-class sommeliers and mixologists have been assembled to design an outstanding array of cocktail and wine lists for The Club's members and their guests to choose from. Address: 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT, United Kingdom
Middle East & Africa 2020
Priva Lounge in Pretoria, South Africa, sits above its sister restaurant Ritrovo, both of which are owned by the Mazzone brothers. The entrance to the restaurant leads guests through a champagne and oyster bar surrounded by sumptuous leather couches and a jazz band on a stage to the dining area, private rooms and outside terrace area. Featuring luxury elements such as a walk-in cellar and humidor, the restaurant is designed as an adult-only space for the smart set of Pretoria. The menu is focused on taster menus created from the finest ingredients. The wine collection is equally impressive with prestigious local and international wines on offer, including multiple vintages. The temperature controlled wine cellar and internationally qualified Sommelier/ owner team mean that exotic and unique wines can be paired to the menus. A wide selection of spirits is available including of fine single Malts. Address: 103 Club Avenue, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, 0065, South Africa
Asia 2020
La Terre, Singapore - Regional Winner
The philosophy of La Terre restaurant in Singapore is to allow wine and whisky to be the “protagonists” of the experience, aiming to provide an intimate experience focused squarely on allowing guests to appreciate the qualities of the drink. The name La Terre, “the earth” in French, recognises the soil as the origin and one of the most fundamental factors in wine making. The restaurant provides a minimalist space that provides a quiet respite from the hectic urban life of Singapore. While the food takes a supporting role is it far from neglected. The chefs at La Terre provide an array of light dishes designed to complement and enhance the experience of the drinks. Daisuke Kawai, Head Sommelier and co-founder of La Terre, has selected over 1000 wines and whiskies, with most of the wines being of the old world variety, with labels that range in price and profile, including varieties from less well-known regions such as Lebanon and Greece. The whisky selection is similarly well-curated, with rarities from Japan and Scotland. Address: 11 Upper Circular Road #01-01, Singapore, 58409, Singapore
Australasia 2020
Charred Kitchen and Bar, Orange - Regional Winner
Charred Kitchen and Bar is located in the city of Orange, New South Wales and the relaxed setting accompanies a serious attitude to producing excellent food. The restaurant uses local food ‘heroes’ who provide them with the best organic vegetables, hazelnuts, free range eggs, olive oil, chestnuts, potatoes flour and meat. The restaurant’s menus take inspiration from around the world and the chefs use a "Lucifer" wood and charcoal oven to impart a unique ‘Charred’ flavour. The pride in Orange county produce is extended to the wine. They provide over 400 wines (as well as a great selection of 100 beers), focusing on the Orange wine region, followed by key producers in New South Wales, and then by further Australian and international wines. There is a very good by-the-glass whisky selection. Address: 1-5 New Street, Orange, New South Wales, Australia 2800
North America 2020
John Howie Steak, Bellevue - Global Winner
At John Howie Steak In Bellevue, across Lake Washington from Seattle, Chef John Howie is known for the range of high-quality meats he sources for his grill at his eponymous steak house. Diners have the choice of six “tiers” of steak, from American and Japanese Wagyu to VIP Gold Brand from Brisbane, Australia. And that same attention to detail is applied to a wine list that is one of the best on the West Coast. As the World’s Best Wine Lists judges put it, this well thought-out selection has “clear strengths in Oregon and Washington, but good support from other new world wine regions” and which finds room for a good range of bottles at moderate prices. With a strong and varied collection of wines available by the glass, John Howie Steak’s wine program has broad appeal for both the vinous neophyte and the serious wine geek. Suite 125, 11111 NorthEast 8th Street, Bellevue, Washington 98004, United States
South & Central America/ Caribbean 2020
Quintonil, Mexico City - Regional Winner
Located in the district of Polanco in Mexico City, Quintonil is run by chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife Alejandra Flores, who runs the front of house. The word Quintonil refers to the greens of the amaranth plant. The menu focuses on fresh seasonal and local produce, and demonstrates Vallejo’s ability to rework traditional ingredients and dishes like cactus, tamales, mole, and escamoles (ant larvae), to create unique dishes. An excellent collection of wine pairings is offered, where a list of 48 pages provides a good balance to choose from. Each wine is carefully selected to ensure the flavors of the extraordinary dishes come alive. Address: Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico
Europe 2020
Matteo's at Annabels, London - Regional Winner
Matteo’s restaurant is based in Annabel's private club, located in a Grade I listed Georgian mansion house in Berkeley Square London. Annabel’s offers an all-day and all-night experience, set across 26,000 square feet, for members to work, dine and entertain. Maximalist deluxe designer, Martin Brudnizki has adorned the bar of the gold tinted dining room with art and a Buddha statue. A troupe of sommeliers, in tailored jackets emblazoned with the bandiera d'Italia, oversee the restaurant. Matteo’s hosts an extensive selection of Italian wine, showcasing incredible collections of single vineyards in Barolo and Tuscany. A team of world-class sommeliers and mixologists have been assembled to design an outstanding array of cocktail and wine lists for The Club's members and their guests to choose from. Address: 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT, United Kingdom
Middle East & Africa 2020
Priva Lounge, Pretoria - Regional Winner
Priva Lounge in Pretoria, South Africa, sits above its sister restaurant Ritrovo, both of which are owned by the Mazzone brothers. The entrance to the restaurant leads guests through a champagne and oyster bar surrounded by sumptuous leather couches and a jazz band on a stage to the dining area, private rooms and outside terrace area. Featuring luxury elements such as a walk-in cellar and humidor, the restaurant is designed as an adult-only space for the smart set of Pretoria. The menu is focused on taster menus created from the finest ingredients. The wine collection is equally impressive with prestigious local and international wines on offer, including multiple vintages. The temperature controlled wine cellar and internationally qualified Sommelier/ owner team mean that exotic and unique wines can be paired to the menus. A wide selection of spirits is available including of fine single Malts. Address: 103 Club Avenue, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, 0065, South Africa