The International Open winners 2026 – Asia
The Star Wine List of the Year International Open rewards the best wine lists across the world and, this year, we’re naming winners on each continent for each of our 10 categories to ensure that we don’t leave anybody out. While we’re hosting in-person awards events in Japan and Southeast Asia, there are many more wine bars and restaurants across Asia deserving recognition. These are the Gold and Silver Stars awarded by our judges.
We’ve seen a wonderful performance by Hong Kong venues in this year’s International Open, with four Gold Star winners listed below. Our expert jury panel has also named winners in Macau, the Maldives and Kazakhstan.
Scroll down to meet our Asian winners for 2026.
Find out more about our competitions in Japan and Southeast Asia.
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:
Best Long List
For wine lists with more than 600 references
Gold Star:
Mesa by José Avillez, Macau
What the jury said:
“An extremely impressive list – the options and sheer size are insane, and don’t get me started on the vintage depth. What a list!”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
Abay & Inzhu, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Constance Halaveli Maldives, Maldives
Constance Moofushi Maldives, Maldives
Gaddi's, Hong Kong
Louise, Hong Kong
Robuchon au Dôme, Macau
Terroirs by LQV, Hong Kong
Best Medium-Sized List
Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references
Gold Star:
Andō, Hong Kong
What the jury said:
“A masterpiece presentation and design-wise, but the breadth of options is second to none. In particular, the Japanese wine offering deserves special recognition.”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
AUYL, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Belon, Hong Kong
Chesa, Hong Kong
Grand Majestic Sichuan, Hong Kong
Jean-Pierre, Hong Kong
L'atelier par Yao, Taichung, Taiwan
Le Wine Bar by Burgundy Cave, Taipei, Taiwan
Restaurant Allen, Seoul, South Korea
SUT. The Butcher’s Edge, Seoul, South Korea
Yulling, Busan, South Korea
Best Short List
Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings
Gold Star:
Prince and the Peacock, Hong Kong
What the jury said:
“A list that leaves nothing wanting – every need, every desire, every wish is fulfilled. Named Prince and The Peacock, yet undeniably crafted for kings and queens.”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
Associazione Chianti, Hong Kong
Brut!, Hong Kong
Buenos Aires Polo Club, Hong Kong
Di Yi Ding, Tainan, Taiwan
Ho Lee Fook, Hong Kong
IRON CHEF Teppanyaki & Wine, Taipei, Taiwan
Best Sparkling Wine List
Recognises the best list for sparkling wines
Gold Star:
Gaddi's, Hong Kong
What the jury said:
“A beautiful selection of Champagne, which leaves little to be desired. This list is not only comprehensive, it takes you on a journey through the landscape of Champagne – and makes all the right stops on the way.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS
Silver Stars:
Andō, Hong Kong
Constance Halaveli Maldives, Maldives
Justin’s Wine & Bistro, Taipei, Taiwan
L'atelier par Yao, Taichung, Taiwan
Le Wine Bar by Burgundy Cave, Taipei, Taiwan
Louise, Hong Kong
Mesa by José Avillez, Macau
Restaurant Allen, Seoul, South Korea
Villa dei Fiori, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Wine Clubhouse, Seoul, South Korea
Wine Vin, Busan, South Korea
Best By-the-Glass List
Recognises the best ‘by-the-glass’ list
Gold Star:
Constance Halaveli Maldives, Maldives
What the jury said:
“A vast programme with a bit of something for everyone, a well-curated producer selection, and diverse wine styles. If tonight is not the night you empty the bottle, then here, you are certain to be satisfied.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS
Silver Stars:
Andō, Hong Kong
Gaddi's, Hong Kong
IRON CHEF Teppanyaki & Wine, Taipei, Taiwan
L'atelier par Yao, Taichung, Taiwan
mato coffee wine, Hong Kong
Mesa by José Avillez, Macau
SUT. The Butcher’s Edge, Seoul, South Korea
Wine Clubhouse, Seoul, South Korea
Best Newcomer List
Recognises a venue that has recently opened
Gold Star:
Jean-Pierre, Hong Kong
What the jury said:
“A wonderful list for anyone who enjoys French wines, written in a lovely, engaging tone with just the right amount of education – never heavy-handed or arrogant. It is so evocative, you can practically hear the French accents behind it.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Sustainability Prize
Assesses the sustainable commitment of both the wine list and broader venue via a supplementary questionnaire submitted during the application process
Gold Star:
AUYL, Almaty, Kazakhstan
What the jury said:
“Sustainability sits at the core of this restaurant’s identity, from handcrafted furnishings made with reclaimed materials to a bar programme centred on house-made distillates, infusions, and local ingredients. The wine selection mirrors this ethos, prioritising eco-conscious producers and a respectful approach to the surrounding environment.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Best Austrian Wine List
Recognises the best list for the wines of Austria
A category presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
Constance Halaveli Maldives, Maldives
What the jury said:
“A well-structured Austrian selection covering key regions, grape varieties, and a diverse range of producers across white and red wines.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
Constance Moofushi Maldives, Maldives
Robuchon au Dôme, Macau
Best Italian Wine List
Recognises the best list for the wines of Italy
Gold Star:
Mesa by José Avillez, Macau
What the jury said:
“A vast and impressive Italian selection offering excellent representation across all colours and regions, from iconic appellations to lesser-known gems, showcasing the true diversity of Italy’s wine heritage.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
Abay & Inzhu, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Associazione Chianti, Hong Kong
Constance Halaveli Maldives, Maldives
L'atelier par Yao, Taichung, Taiwan
Robuchon au Dôme, Macau
Villa dei Fiori, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Wine Clubhouse, Seoul, South Korea
Yulling, Busan, South Korea
Special Jury Prize
Rewards a wine lovers’ place that does something out of the ordinary
Gold Star:
Andō, Hong Kong
What the jury said:
“A beautiful, thoughtfully curated list, highlighted by an outstanding focus on Japanese wines. Its serene layout and typography create a sense of calm, reflecting a collection built with patience, passion, and care.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
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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