Gold Stars awarded in Sweden for 2025 – “an outstanding calibre of entries”
The crème de la crème of Sweden’s hospitality scene attended our Swedish wine list awards on 7 April 2025, at Skyddsrummet in Stockholm. PM & Vänner in Växjö won four Gold Stars, while Gothenburg's La Strega picked up the Special Jury Prize.
In the seventh edition of Star Wine List of the Year Sweden, the competition saw a record number of entries across 14 categories. It gave the judges a hard task, deciding on the winners.
“Judging Star Wine List of the Year Sweden was an absolute delight this year,” says jury member Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS, “as we were treated to an outstanding calibre of entries across every category. Congratulations to all the participants!”
This year, the judges decided to offer a Special Jury Prize, a category only included at a jury's discretion, to recognise a venue doing something out of the ordinary. The Gold Star was awarded to Gothenburg's La Strega for the “personal and uncompromising character” of its wine list.
The biggest winner was PM & Vänner, in Växjö, which won four Gold Stars: Best Long List, Best Austrian Wine List, Best Beaujolais Wine List and the highest honour, the Grand Prix. Judge Nina Jensen declared that “hardly any list has ever been more deserving” of the latter award.
The winners in the international categories now receive a subsequent invitation, to Vienna, to compete in the Star Wine List International Final 2025.
Keep scrolling to meet all of our winners in Sweden.
Judges
The jury panel for Star Wine List of the Year Sweden 2025 included four top wine experts:
• Salvatore Castano – Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa 2021 (ASI)
• Nina Jensen – Second-Best Sommelier of the World 2019, 2023 (ASI)
• Kathrine Larsen-Robert – Master Sommelier
• Andreas Grube – wine writer, Stockholm Ambassador
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:
Grand Prix
The best list of the overall competition.
Gold Star:
PM & Vänner, Växjö
What the winners said:
“Getting standing ovations from colleagues and it feels amazing! To the other finalists, Stadshotell and Babette, you have great wine programs and you deserve this as much as us, cheers to you.”
– Rubén Sanz Ramiro, PM & Vänner
What the judges said:
“The best overall? It’s no small title, but hardly any list has ever been more deserving. Brimming with intention, this list has attitude, playfulness, seriousness and a sense of responsibility – an achievement only a highly-skilled team could deliver. Any thirsty soul dreams of ending up here!”
– Nina Jensen
Best Long List
– For wine lists with more than 600 references.
This category is presented by Château Galoupet
Gold Star:
PM & Vänner, Växjö
What the winners said:
“It is always very humbling to receive these prizes because our colleagues have very special wine programs – we do not take it for granted.”
– Rubén Sanz Ramiro, PM & Vänner
“The hardest part is to monitor a wine list. We have lot of staff and guests, and monitor it in a smart way – that is a key aspect of the work.”
– Arvid Lundström, PM & Vänner
What the judges said:
“This remarkable list is a masterful showcase of diversity and depth, meticulously curated to satisfy every palate. From rare finds and discoveries to well-loved classics, this list offers an impressive collection that truly stands out in the category.”
– Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS
Silver Stars:
Aira, Stockholm
Ett Hem, Stockholm
Grand Hotel Lund, Lund
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm
Granen, Åre
Hotell Borgholm, Borgholm
Leijontornet, Stockholm
Operakällaren, Stockholm
Restaurang AG, Stockholm
Best Medium-Sized List
– Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references.
This category is presented by Dreissigacker
Gold Star:
Stockholm Stadshotell, Stockholm
What the winners said:
“It has been [an] incredible journey even though we opened recently – I am very much surprised. Our wine list wants to represent producers that work clean, hard, with integrity and that make really good wines.”
– Alexandra Karosis, Stockholm Stadshotell
What the judges said:
“A list that emits experience and confidence. It is precise, well-designed, and offers great producers, well-aged selections, and favourable pricing. Meanwhile, a clear red thread runs throughout. The sparkling wines section stands out as particularly strong.”
– Nina Jensen
Silver Stars:
Adam/Albin, Stockholm
Agnes, Stockholm
Bouchon, Malmö
Brasserie Bobonne, Stockholm
Fjällnäs Restaurant, Tänndalen
Folii, Stockholm
Heaven 23, Gothenburg
Krakas Krog, Gotland
Mathias Dahlgren – Matbaren, Stockholm
Villa Dagmar, Stockholm
Voisine, Stockholm
Volare, Visby
Best Short List
– Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings.
Gold Star:
Babette, Stockholm
What the winners said:
“If feels good to win this prize back. We have been buying wines for 10 years – we cherry pick them and only list them when they are ready.”
– Max Garberg, Babette
What the judges said:
“We have chosen this list for its outstanding selection of wines (with a particular focus on France), its precision in curation, and its exceptional balance of quality, diversity, and representation of both classic and emerging producers.”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
Bar Nîmes, Stockholm
Bord, Stockholm
Café Cuvée, Stockholm
Combo Vinbaren, Stockholm
Frö, Sälen
Lyran Matbar, Malmö
Minh mat, Stockholm
Restaurang Triton, Stockholm
Woodstockholm, Stockholm
Best By the Glass List
– Recognises the best ‘by the glass’ list.
This category is presented by Riedel
Gold Star:
Combo Vinbaren, Stockholm
What the winners said:
“It feels good to win. The idea from the beginning was to create a small wine restaurant, but when sommelier Jens Lundqvist arrived it all took a different path and the wine list became very, very long!”
– Yun Kjällgren, Combo Vinbaren
What the judges said:
“A destination for its by-the-glass program. Here, the huge range stretches wide in terms of price points and styles, offering cool discoveries, nerdy niche things, great rarities, youthful charm, and well matured gems – all in one place!”
– Nina Jensen
Silver Stars:
Adam/Albin, Stockholm
Aira, Stockholm
Corvina Enoteca, Stockholm
Folii, Stockholm
Harlequin, Umeå
L’Enoteca, Malmö
Leijontornet, Stockholm
Operakällaren, Stockholm
Volare, Visby
Best Sparkling Wine List
This category is presented by Nyetimber
Gold Star:
Operakällaren, Stockholm
What the winners said:
“[This] feels fantastic. We inherited a great wine list and it’s our aim to take care of it. Our sparkling wine list is almost complete, and Champagne is my favourite wine region.”
– Rasmus Klintberg, Operakällaren
What the judges said:
“This list leaves you with not much more to wish for. It features amazing verticals of some of the best producers, and in many different styles. You can find all the familiar classics, as well as some more fun and trendy growers. One of the best lists in this category, and definitely a worthy winner.”
– Andreas Grube
Silver Stars:
A Little Party, Halmstad
Aira, Stockholm
Champagnebaren Kyrkogatan 13, Gothenburg
Ergo, Stockholm
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm
Hotell Borgholm, Borgholm
Johan P, Malmö
Leijontornet, Stockholm
PM & Vänner, Växjö
Restaurang AG, Stockholm
ÄNG, Tvååker
Best Newcomer List
Gold Star:
Bar Nacka, Stockholm
What the winners said:
“I buy as much as I sell to keep my list updated!”
– Anton Hansson, Bar Nacka
What the judges said:
“A newcomer that truly brings something unique to the scene. Concise, well-selected and fairly priced, also with a vintage depth that is rare to find. This venue got high scores from all of the judges, and we all basically want to drink everything on the list. Great job!”
– Andreas Grube
Silver Stars:
Ergo, Stockholm
Fir, Malmö
Glou Glou Vinbar, Linköping
Hotel Fratelli, Karlstad
La Fonderie, Malmö
Lilla Vinbaren, Malmö
Stockholm Stadshotell, Stockholm
V Bar, Norrköping
Sustainable Wine List
– Recognises a wine list that has put extra emphasis on the wine program’s overall impact, including vine growing, winemaking, packaging and transport. Assessed via a questionnaire during the application process.
This category is presented by Oddbird
Gold Star:
Villa & Trädgård de luxe, Växjö
What the winners said:
“Our concept? It is not a concept, it is a way of living. I have been working for almost 20 years with this style of wines.”
– Jonas Letelier, Villa & Trädgård de luxe
What the judges said:
“This is undoubtedly one of my favourite categories, and we have chosen this list as the best among many other outstanding ones for its exceptional sustainability program, which demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and a forward-thinking approach to winemaking.”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
Fir, Malmö
Frö, Sälen
Hörte Brygga, Skivarp
Julie, Malmö
Kittelfjäll Värdshus, Kittelfjäll
Savant Bar, Stockholm
ÄNG, Tvååker
Best Austrian Wine List
This category is presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
PM & Vänner, Växjö
What the winners said:
“What a surprise! To create our list, we have been following both the tradition and the great wines that Austria produces. [The wines] surprise you by their versatility and many expressions. It is very exciting for us.”
– Rubén Sanz Ramiro, PM & Vänner
What the judges said:
“A list that really wowed the jury panel, since it covers nearly everything. Great depth overall, and also with an ambitious selection of both red and sweet wine. A place worth travelling to for every lover of Austrian wine.”
– Andreas Grube
Silver Stars:
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm
Granen, Åre
Heaven 23, Gothenburg
Hotell Borgholm, Borgholm
Leijontornet, Stockholm
Operakällaren, Stockholm
The Winery Hotel, Stockholm
Best California Wine List
This category is presented by Pahlmeyer
Gold Star:
Restaurang AG, Stockholm
What the winners said:
“We are looking to make the wine list bigger, with more vintages and more producers. A challenge will be that it is more expensive, due to the wild fires and not only [that]. We will see what happens in the next couple of years.”
– Zahra Ahmar, Restaurang AG
What the judges said:
“A list that has its strength in the realm of red wines, where the depth and grandiosity take your breath away. It honours the classics with an extraordinary curation of well-aged Cabernets and some great Pinot, but also includes the new wave and the odd balls.”
– Nina Jensen
Silver Stars:
Aira, Stockholm
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm
Högfjällshotellet, Sälen
Leijontornet, Stockholm
Operakällaren, Stockholm
PM & Vänner, Växjö
SK Mat & Människor, Gothenburg
LOCAL CATEGORIES
Best German Wine List
This category is presented by Wines of Germany
Gold Star:
Hotell Borgholm, Borgholm
What the winners said:
“The owner has a massive passion for Riesling, and I am so happy to work with these wines.”
– Johan Rudolfsson, Hotell Borgholm
What the judges said:
“We have chosen this list as the best for German wine due to its beautiful curation, impressive verticals from exceptional producers, outstanding vintage selection, and great commitment to showcasing German wines, many of which are rare and hard to find.”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
E & G, Stockholm
Farang, Stockholm
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm
Leijontornet, Stockholm
Operakällaren, Stockholm
PM & Vänner, Växjö
Teddys, Stockholm
Best Beaujolais Wine List
This category is presented by Inter Beaujolais
Gold Star:
PM & Vänner, Växjö
What the winners said:
“The guest’s impression is changing – Beaujolais wines today have more value and respect compared to 15 or 20 years ago. We are just scratching the surface [of] what Beaujolais can actually offer.”
– Rubén Sanz Ramiro, PM & Vänner
What the judges said:
“Without a doubt, this list stood out as the best for Beaujolais wines. I have rarely, if ever, seen such an extensive and impressive selection from this region on a single list.”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
Bar Nacka, Stockholm
BISe, Malmö
Hörte Brygga, Skivarp
Portal, Stockholm
Savant Bar, Stockholm
Talldungens Gårdshotell, Brösarp
The Sparrow, Stockholm
Villa & Trädgård de luxe, Växjö
Best Swedish Wine List
Gold Star:
Spiseriet, Varberg
What the winners said:
“The Swedish wine scene is doing very well. I would like to see [a] wider range of wines, but I am sure it will come in the future.”
– Peter Halldén, Spiseriet
What the judges said:
“A well-rounded selection of Swedish wines, showcasing all categories, but with standout offerings in sparkling wines and Solaris.”
– Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS
Silver Stars:
Gro Stallbacken, Örebro
Hörte Brygga, Skivarp
Julie, Malmö
Portal, Stockholm
Restaurang Jord, Linköping
ÄNG, Tvååker
Special Jury Prize
– Recognises a venue that has done something extra with their wine list, in terms of direction, style or value.
Gold Star:
La Strega, Gothenburg
What the winners said:
“These people are the pinnacle of our industry, winning this prize is amazing. I am glad that the jury like to drink the same wines as me.”
– Andrea Consonni, La Strega
What the judges said:
“A very unique list with a personal and uncompromising character. This is a venue that has chosen a path far away from the ordinary. A focused list packed with amazing wines. Hats off!”
– Andreas Grube
Silver Stars:
Leijontornet, Stockholm
Savant Bar, Stockholm
The Winery Hotel, Stockholm
Categories and criteria
Star Wine List judges the wine lists in several categories such as the Best Sparkling Wine List and Best By the Glass List. These categories are the same across all of the awards. In addition, local categories may be added. We have commercial partners for certain categories, such as the Best Austrian Wine List, presented by Austrian Wine. The commercial partners are, however, never involved in the selections of finalists or winners – that is completely up to our independent jury panel.
The criteria for the jury are straightforward but not simple: vote for the most exciting wine list representing the category.
The winners in the international categories will qualify for our International Final in June 2025, where they will face off with the category winners from other countries and continents.
Read about the terms and how Star Wine List judges the wine lists here.
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Austrian Wine
The Austrian Wine Marketing Board is based in Vienna, and is a national service body for the Austrian wine industry. The aim is to strategically support, coordinate and maintain quality and sales.
Château Galoupet
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Inter Beaujolais
Inter Beaujolais, the Beaujolais wine council, is a private organisation recognised by the French government, bringing together partners from the winegrowing industry, upstream and down.
Nyetimber
English sparkling producer Nyetimber is the leading producer of sparkling wine in the country.
Oddbird
We produce quality wines, made with traditional methods and matured for up to 12 months, and then gently liberated from alcohol in order to preserve the flavors nature intended.
Riedel
Read more about Riedel by clicking on the logo.
Wines of Germany
Read more about Wines of Germany by clicking the logo!
