The short list for the Global titles at the 2026 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards has been announced, with 10 Australian restaurants and bars among the finalists.

The global awards program was created in 2014 by the multi-award-winning publication The World of Fine Wine. The wine lists are judged according to a rigorous protocol by independent, international panels of leading professionals including a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine, and highly respected wine writers to recognise and celebrate the world’s very best wine lists.

The short-listed Australian venues are:

Best New Wine List: +81 Sushi Kappo and Aizome Bar, Brisbane

Most Original Wine List: The Wine Bar at The International, Sydney

Best Wine Bar List: The Wine Bar at The International, Sydney

Best Hotel Wine List: Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Whale Beach, Sydney

Best Organic Wine List: Shell House, Sydney

Best Champagne & Sparkling List: Maison Bâtard, Melbourne

Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List: Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Whale Beach, Sydney

Best Sake List: +81 Sushi Kappo and Aizome Bar, Brisbane

Best Local Wine List: Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Best Specialist Wine List: Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba, Queensland

Best By-The-Glass Wine List: Maison Bâtard, Melbourne, Victoria

Best Half-Bottle Wine List: Grill Americano, Melbourne

Best Large-Format Wine List: Grill Americano, Sydney, 

Best Short Wine List (fewer than 200 wines): Chin Chin, Melbourne

Best Medium-Sized Wine List (fewer than 500 wines): The Grill at The International, Sydney

Best Long Wine List (more than 500 wines): Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Whale Beach, Sydney

The stars of global hospitality will gather at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel for the 2026 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards ceremony on Monday, 21 September.

Pictured main: The Grill at The International.