The International Open winners 2026 – Africa and Middle East
The results of the Star Wine List of the Year International Open 2026 are in, and these are the Gold and Silver Star winners in Africa and the Middle East.
We are pleased to bring our wine list competition to all corners of the globe with our International Open. As usual, South Africa has performed particularly well, with four Gold Star winners. And this year, we have winners in Mauritius and the Seychelles as well.
Meet them all, below.
The full list of Gold Stars across the world can be viewed here.
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:
Best Long List
For wine lists with more than 600 references
Gold Star:
Blue Penny Cellar at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
What the jury said:
“A sensational list in every respect, presented in a clear and pleasant layout. It offers impressive depth and diversity; exceptionally well curated, expansive, and deeply rewarding to explore.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
Archipel at Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Aubergine, Cape Town, South Africa
Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town, South Africa
Cyann Restaurant, Mahé, Seychelles
Diva, Praslin, Seychelles
Best Medium-Sized List
Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references
Gold Star:
Grub & Vine, Cape Town, South Africa
What the jury said:
“A thoughtfully put-together list, beginning with an engaging focus on South African wines, followed by a broader international selection dominated by France.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
Côte, Tel Aviv, Israel
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey
Lunacy, Cape Town, South Africa
Best Sparkling Wine List
Recognises the best list for sparkling wines
Gold Star:
Archipel at Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritius
What the jury said:
“A very thorough selection, to make any bubblehead’s dreams come true.”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
Blue Penny Cellar at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town, South Africa
Cyann Restaurant, Mahé, Seychelles
Diva, Praslin, Seychelles
Best By-the-Glass List
Recognises the best ‘by-the-glass’ list
Gold Star:
Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town, South Africa
What the jury said:
“An outstanding by-the-glass programme showcasing the complexity and depth of South African wines, alongside a thoughtfully curated international selection. Diverse, ambitious, and genuinely exciting.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
Archipel at Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Blue Penny Cellar at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
Cyann Restaurant, Mahé, Seychelles
Côte, Tel Aviv, Israel
Diva, Praslin, Seychelles
Grub & Vine, Cape Town, South Africa
Lunacy, Cape Town, South Africa
Best Newcomer List
Recognises a venue that has recently opened
Gold Star:
Lunacy, Cape Town, South Africa
What the jury said:
“A great selection with a special focus on more boutique producers. Impressive effort!”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Best Austrian Wine List
Recognises the best list for the wines of Austria
A category presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
Diva, Praslin, Seychelles
What the jury said:
“A fantastic selection of Austria’s finest wines. The white section stands out, in particular, as a real gem!”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
Archipel at Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Blue Penny Cellar at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
Best Italian Wine List
Recognises the best list for the wines of Italy
Gold Star:
Blue Penny Cellar at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
What the jury said:
“A lot of reference points on this list for the classic wine drinker, with vintage depth spanning the last five times.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS
Silver Stars:
Archipel at Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Cyann Restaurant, Mahé, Seychelles
Côte, Tel Aviv, Israel
Diva, Praslin, Seychelles
Special Jury Prize
Rewards a wine lovers’ place that does something out of the ordinary
Gold Star:
Aubergine, Cape Town, South Africa
What the jury said:
“A true reference point in its country of origin, and a go-to place for exploring the vast and diverse national wine country and culture. There is an honest commitment to showcasing the very best the country has to offer, but you'll also find excellent wines from producers from abroad.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS
Expert jury panel
- Julie Dupouy-Young – four-time Best Sommelier in Ireland; third place at Best Sommelier of the World 2016 (ASI)
- Jonathan Gouveia – Master Sommelier
- Stefan Neumann – Master Sommelier
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