While the World’s Best Wine Lists Judges seek to highlight exceptional lists in some 20 different categories, in order to provide clarity, definition, and a fair basis for assessment, there are always some lists that stand out as being of unparalleled excellence. The Global Category Winners are all contenders for the title of Wine List of the Year, for which the competition is always intense.
Pix Pâtisserie is a little slice of France that landed in Portland Oregon in 2001, offering both innovative and traditional French desserts, chocolates and house made ice creams alongside a plethora of top notch beverages. Pix houses a proper Spanish tapas bar named Bar Vivant. Owner/ Chef Cheryl Wakerhauser travels often to France and Spain to better understand the atmosphere, culture, flavours and techniques associated with French pastry, Spanish tapas and the tasty beverages that accompany these dishes. These aspects are then recreated in Pix with as much authenticity and quality as possible. Pix Pâtisserie offers a wine list with a focus on small producers that push the boundaries to make exciting and exceptional wine. The list showcases 1,200+ selections, including 700+ champagnes in formats from demi bottles to methuselahs, a remarkable range of over 170 sherries and a notable collection of dessert wines, including 1907 madeira. The approach is to create a list that’s accessible and affordable. Pix want their customers to enjoy a great glass and have an opportunity to try something new and unique, all while staying in their price range. They offer full disclosure, with disgorgement dates on champagnes and bottling dates on fortified wines.
2225 East Burnside Street, Portland, Oregon, United States
Situated on the banks of Lake Vangsvatnet in the centre of Voss, Norway, Park Hotel Vossevangen enjoys magnificent views of the surrounding nature. The menu of the hotel’s Elysée restaurant changes frequently according to the seasons and the availability of local produce, featuring local Norwegian delicacies as well as international dishes. Jan-Bruse Andersen carved out the legendary cellar over 30 years ago. Today his tradition is carried on by Francesco Marzola, the hotel’s wine director and the cellar is filled with wines from all over the world. The award winning cellar has also been recognised by World of Fine Wine for the World’s Best Wine Map which, together with advice from the hotel’s sommeliers, enables guests to find the perfect match for the cuisine. Wine tours of the cellar are also available. World of Fine Wine Judges noted ‘the entire list has so much attention to detail, it’s a joy! With degorgement dates where of interest, and great verticals of great producers. The great plus is, prices could not be more fair.’
Park Hotel Vossevangen As, Uttrågata 3, 5700 Voss, Norway