Melbourne’s Society restaurant has been crowned Australia’s Wine List of the Year at the 2026 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.

In addition to the major trophy, Society also picked another three major titles including Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List; Best Wine List Victoria and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass.

The venue was also a finalist in another three categories: Australia’s Best Listing of Victorian Wines; Australia’s Best Listing of New Zealand Wines; and Australia’s Best Listing of Cellared and Museum Wines.

Society’s Head Sommeliers Loïc Avril, Yuki Hirose MS and Sommelier Lee Sangyeop (pictured main) were awarded the prestigious Judy Hirst Award, which is given to the sommeliers responsible for the winning list.

Society, operated by the Lucas Group, opened in 2021 and first entered Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards in 2023, where it picked up the award of Australia’s Best Listing of French Wines.

Since then, it has continued to build its reputation by taking out the same category in 2024, and for the third year in a row in
2025 alongside Australia’s Best Listing of Museum & Rare Wines and Australia’s Best Digestif List.

It’s the third year in a row that a Victorian venue has won the coveted title, with Circl taking out the win last year and Gimlet at Cavendish House in 2024.

Society’s winning list was praised by Chair of Judges Toni Paterson MW for its impressive range and versatile offering to cater for those looking for something familiar or new.

“This ranks among Australia’s and the world’s great wine lists, exceptional in its vintage depth and curation and broad in both local and international scope. At heart, it’s a celebration of quality in all its forms,” said Paterson.

“There are close to 90 wines by the glass, ranging from well-priced Australian favourites like MMAD Vineyard chenin through premium local chardonnay from By Farr and Tolpuddle to icon reds including Mount Mary pinot, The Armagh and Grange poured from magnums.

“Rarities from further afield, including the likes of Benjamin Leroux 1er Cru Meursault or Domaine de la Pousse d’Or Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses, are available as a taste, half-pour or glass.”

Other front runners for this year’s awards include Perth’s Gibney which was awarded Best Wine List WA; Australia’s Best Digestif List, and The Peter Forrestal Award for Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines. Gibney was also a finalist for four categories including the major title of Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2026 with judges noting the list’s depth and balance of well-known and up-and-coming producers.

Sydney’s Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La also took home three titles with judges praising the comprehensive list that also highlights some “left-of-centre” options for those looking to explore.

This year’s state and territory stand-outs included The Boat House (Best Wine List ACT); Shell House Dining Room & Terrace (Best Wine List NSW); Otto Brisbane (Best Wine List QLD); 2KW Bar + Restaurant (Best Wine List SA); and Black Cow Bistro (Best Wine List TAS). It’s the first time Shell House Dining Room & Terrace and 2KW Bar + Restaurant have taken out these major category wins.

Paterson said: “Despite recent challenges, our restaurant sector has great energy, with fabulous wine and beverage lists compiled by confident, knowledgeable sommeliers.

“The best lists are showing greater support for Australian wines, including those from their home state, which is heartening, especially when local wines represent excellent value, are better than ever, and offer great style and varietal diversity.

“This year has seen the rise of grenache, mini-cocktails, chilled reds and small pours by the glass, the latter encouraging experimentation while staying mindful of cost. The international offering is incredibly varied, allowing people to explore the world of wine without leaving our shores. We have also seen a wider range of cuisines and menu formats, with share plates increasingly popular.”

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards was established in 1993 by Rob Hirst OAM and his late wife, Judy, after whom the main Award is named, together with Tucker Seabrook.

The awards honour the time, skill, and resources that go into developing the highest-quality wine lists and pay tribute to the talented sommeliers, owners, their teams and the cellars behind them.

Hirst said: “It is wonderful to see the outstanding level of support for the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards again this year and the recognition that they deliver to those in the industry continuing to pursue excellence with the list they
present to their customers. The quality of wine lists across the country has never been better.

“These awards are about the recognition and celebration of the outstanding commitment, work and investment of the sommeliers, owners, beverage directors, venue managers and entrepreneurs who make Australia’s hospitality industry one of the best in the world. We congratulate all award winners and glass-rated venues for their achievements this year.”

Learn more about the award winners here.