“Hope for the future of our craft” from Star Wine List’s world champions 2025

On Monday, 16 June, Star Wine List hosted sommelier teams from 21 different countries for a day of wine list celebrations in Vienna – and to name the 2025 Star Wine List of the Year worldwide winners.
Since September 2024, the Star Wine List team has been traversing the globe, awarding Gold Stars to the best wine lists out there. We started in Copenhagen, on 2 September, and by way of Riga, Oslo, Waterford, Ghent, Dubai, Barcelona, Paris, London, Düsseldorf, Helsinki, Stockholm, Tokyo, New York, Miami and Zürich (with virtual events for Asia and the parts of the world we couldn’t get to in person), we ended up in Vienna, recognising Austria’s brilliant somm teams on Sunday 15 June.
Congratulations to all of our truly worthy winners.
But the fun did not stop there. We remained in Vienna for one more – very important – day, pitting all of these regional winners against one another in our grand finale, the Star Wine List of the Year International Final.
First off, a drink for our hard-working somm teams: we greeted our global finalists at Praterwirt restaurant with a glass of Nyetimber, swiftly followed by some Yquem (just two of our esteemed sponsors). Next, a lunch of asparagus and chive sauce, schnitzel, Backhendl, Kasnocken and Schweinebraten, with Kaiserschmarren for dessert, was accompanied by wines from yet more of our sponsors and served as fuel for a scavenger hunt across Vienna – our international guests were summarily divided into teams, to solve clues leading them to their final destination: the MuseumsQuartier’s Ovalhalle. Here, they were met by all of our sponsors en masse for an informal walkaround tasting. Star Wine List’s Krister Bengtsson and Liora Levi then took to the stage to announce our global Gold Stars.
The judging panel for this final comprised Stephen Wong MW, Heidi Mäkinen MW, Toru Takamatsu MS and Valeria Gamper (Best Sommelier of the Americas 2022, ASI), with Mäkinen praising the “high level” of these international finalists, for their “creativity, passion and dedication.”
“Reading these great collections cloistered away in cellars across the globe is a timely reminder of wine's ability to cross cultures and languages,” said Wong. “Importantly, these top-tier lists are far from homogenous. In fact, masterful strokes of individuality and expression are on abundant display, and the winners celebrate both the diversity and collective creativity of our community. Great wine lists are an ongoing conversation between the winegrower, the merchant, the sommelier and the customer; a conversation which stretches across time and which is made richer by every new voice which joins the chorus. It was a humbling experience to vote on these masterful lists and it gives me hope for the future of our craft.”
And who are the winners? Take a look, below…
Grand Prix
– The best list overall
This category is presented by Premium Estates of Austria
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss, Norway
What the winners said:
“It is the best birthday ever. I was so surprised when all these great wine personalities sang my birthday song earlier – I couldn’t wish for something better. And then now, to get three prizes, it’s absolutely unbelievable. I also need to wish my twin brother a happy birthday!”
– Robert Russel Rosales Johansen, Park Hotel Vossevangen

What the judges said:
“This is a list that would have any wine lover reading for the whole meal. From classics to low-intervention wines, and with such modest prices and extreme vintage depth, it’s 566 pages of so much fun.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS
Best Long List
– For wine lists with more than 600 references.
This category is presented by Château Galoupet
Gold Star:
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss, Norway
What the winners said:
“We’ve been increasing with 500-plus labels the last few years, so we try to find new places within the hotel to store wine! But first of all I need to thank Star Wine List, all the sponsors, everybody that’s involved in such an amazing award to highlight such amazing wine lists from around the world – to be just part of it is great. And to be representing Norway, and to be here with the best wine lists in the world, it’s absolutely amazing.”
– Robert Russel Rosales Johansen, Park Hotel Vossevangen

What the judges said:
“This extraordinary wine list is a true labour of passion, curated with patience and precision. Spanning nearly 600 pages, it takes you on a journey through the world of fine wine – from iconic and sought-after producers to hidden gems from lesser-known regions. Along the way, you’ll uncover mature vintages and top verticals that will thrill any wine lover. It’s just impressive! ”
– Valeria Gamper
Silver Stars:
64 Wine, Glasthule, Ireland
8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana Macau, Macau
Alchemist, Copenhagen, Denmark
Ambivium, Peñafiel, Spain
Bern's Steak House, Tampa, USA
Chambers, New York City, USA
Core by Clare Smyth, London, UK
Döllerer, Golling, Austria
FZN by Björn Frantzen, Dubai, UAE
La Table d'Olivier Nasti, Kaysersberg, France
Le Coureur des Bois, Beloeil, Canada
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin, Germany
Palace, Helsinki, Finland
Park Hotel Vitznau, Vitznau, Switzerland
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal, Belgium
PM & Vänner, Växjö, Sweden
Sézanne, Tokyo, Japan
Time to Wine Rotermanni, Tallinn, Estonia
Best Medium-Sized List
– 200-600 references.
This category is presented by Dreissigacker
Gold Star:
Inddee, Bangkok, Thailand
What the winners said:
“Thank you. I’m going to say thank you to all the judges, jury and the Star Wine List team for this recognition. Thanks for the owner of my restaurant, Rajesh, who has given me complete freedom to build this dream wine list – I’m very lucky that he completely trusts me. And thank you to my assistant, Nan, as well – I wouldn’t be here without her help, so thank you. I didn’t want my list to only be an in-depth list, but also be story telling, and to make people feel something by reading the wine list.”
– Jay Bottorff, Inddee

What the judges said:
“The medium-sized category is a sommelier's playground: not so large that it has to be anchored by comprehensive collections and deep verticals of unaffordable classics; yet it is certainly big enough to be a trap for the inexperienced, who can lose their voice in the budget and purchasing cycle. Not so here. This beautifully-designed list shows a steady hand and breaks the mould. It presents the vast world of wine in short-form narratives which are approachable and interesting to a broad swathe of diners. The curation and selection are top notch, demonstrating a deep insight into vineyards, producers and vintages from all over the globe. It respects tradition and the classics while also being unafraid of celebrating diversity and creativity – everything one could ask for in a wine list.”
– Stephen Wong MW
Silver Stars:
Amara at Paraiso, Miami, USA
Bar Pez, Dublin, Ireland
Barents, Riga, Latvia
Bistro Boheme, Copenhagen, Denmark
BOCA, Dubai, UAE
Café Gupi, Weil am Rhein, Germany
Café Savoy, Helsinki, Finland
Chi-Fu, Osaka, Japan
Enoteca Boccaccio, Melbourne, Australia
Esslokal, Hadersdorf am Kamp, Austria
Fine Fleur, Antwerp, Belgium
HeJi, Vilnius, Lithuania
Koloman Restaurant, New York City, USA
La Régalade, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Matière, Geneva, Switzerland
Moments, Barcelona, Spain
Spontan, Trondheim, Norway
Stockholm Stadshotell, Stockholm, Sweden
Suru, Barcelona, Spain
Veino, Tallinn, Estonia
Where The Light Gets In, Stockport, UK
Best Short List
– Fewer than 200 references.
This category is presented by Oddbird
Gold Star:
Grimal, Copenhagen, Denmark
What the winners said:
“It’s very nice: since our first win with Star Wine List, it’s really nice having the segment of guests that are following Star Wine List and coming to us saying that they like the recognition that restaurants will get. It’s really nice because it’s a very trustworthy type of recognition to be handed for those who are going to restaurants not only to eat well but to drink well too. It’s like, getting everyone in the loop.”
– Emilie Buestad Lohmann, Grimal

What the judges said:
“Crafting a compelling short wine list can be more challenging than creating an extensive one. This is a clever, cool and concise wine list that showcases an exciting range – from classic producers to emerging trends – with something to delight every palate. Very appealing!”
– Valeria Gamper
Silver Stars:
57° Grill, Lausanne, Switzerland
Ardesia Wine Bar, New York City, USA
Ariete, Miami, USA
Artis, Graz, Austria
Babette, Stockholm, Sweden
Barra, Berlin, Germany
Gaspar’s, Vilnius, Lithuania
Gracie's, Providence, USA
Haoma, Bangkok, Thailand
Hjem, Hexham, UK
Lasarett Vinbar, Oslo, Norway
Le Chat Noir, Osaka, Japan
Les Résistants - La Table, Paris, France
Lowine bar, Riga, Latvia
Piantao Chamberí, Madrid, Spain
Pöllöwaari, Jyväskylä, Finland
Roka Dubai, Dubai, UAE
The Peacock Lounge, Tallinn, Estonia
Vintage, Kontich, Belgium
Best By the Glass List
This category is presented by Château d'Yquem
Gold Star:
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss, Norway
What the winners said:
“Thank you so much. It’s amazing to be here, always, it’s such a great event that’s always hosted by Star Wine List and super nice to have Château d’Yquem as the sponsor – that was a nice wine with lunch earlier! And in magnum? I bet the team back home are a bit jealous. And by the way, we also have Château d’Yquem by the glass so, for everyone who didn’t get the chance to taste today, come and see us! The by-the-glass list is super important for us – to be able to serve, and have the availability for everyone who wants to enjoy just a glass or two of wine – it doesn’t always need to be a bottle. So I want to thank my twin brother – he’s on vacation, enjoying good weather – and the rest of the sommelier and wine team, the owners and also everyone that’s trusted our project. Thank you!”
– Robert Russel Rosales Johansen, Park Hotel Vossevangen

What the judges said:
“The selection offered by-the-glass leaves one almost speechless as it could rival any venue's wine list as a whole! The list makes me want to jump on a plane to go and enjoy each and every one of the wines offered, and let the sommelier take me on a tasty journey through the fascinating world of wine.”
– Heidi Mäkinen MW
Silver Stars:
Amelia By Paulo Airaudo, San Sebastián, Spain
Bar Cyclone, Hong Kong
Chi-Fu, Osaka, Japan
Clap, Dubai, UAE
Combo Vinbaren, Stockholm, Sweden
Eleven Madison Park, New York City, USA
HeJi, Vilnius, Lithuania
Heunisch & Erben, Vienna, Austria
Inddee, Bangkok, Thailand
La Table de Yoann Conte, Veyrier du Lac, France
Muru Winebar, Helsinki, Finland
Riviera, Riga, Latvia
Sexy Fish, Miami, USA
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich, Germany
Ten Minutes by Tractor, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Australia
The Black Pig, Kinsale, Ireland
Veino, Tallinn, Estonia
Visselulles Vinbar, Sønderborg, Denmark
Wild Corner, London, UK
Wunderbrunnen, Opfikon, Switzerland
Zilte, Antwerp, Belgium
Best Sparkling Wine List
This category is presented by Nyetimber
Gold Star:
Coqodaq, New York City, USA

What the judges said:
“This list shows a devotion to the sparkling wine category as a whole, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy something unique. The diversity of the list extends beyond origins to different styles and price points, and is a real celebration of wines with bubbles.”
– Heidi Mäkinen MW
Silver Stars:
Acquerello, San Francisco, USA
Berria Wine Bar, Madrid, Spain
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Obbürgen, Switzerland
Convivial, Singapore
COTE Miami, Miami, USA
d'Oude Schuur, Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
Die Weinbank, Ehrenhausen, Austria
FZN by Björn Frantzen, Dubai, UAE
Geranium, Copenhagen, Denmark
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich, Germany
Gyoza Bar Chaozu, Tokyo, Japan
HeJi, Vilnius, Lithuania
HIDE, London, UK
Le Royal at the Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa, Champillon, France
MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Cork, Ireland
Max Cekot Kitchen, Riga, Latvia
Minne Champagne & Wine, Helsinki, Finland
Operakällaren, Stockholm, Sweden
Restaurant Amador, Vienna, Austria
Speilsalen at Britannia Hotel, Trondheim, Norway
Time to Wine Rotermanni, Tallinn, Estonia
Best Newcomer List
This category is presented by Ceretto
Gold Star:
Vinland, Oslo, Norway
What the winners said:
“Thank you very much. It’s an honour to win this prize and perhaps the most difficult one because you get one shot, and one shot only! Thanks of course to everyone, and to the owner for letting me do this project, and to our team. The idea was to create an interesting list that makes you want to come back.”
– Francesco Marzola, Vinland

What the judges said:
“It’s hard to believe this place was opened only one year ago with such a diverse selection, listing benchmark producers through to up-and-coming ones.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS
Silver Stars:
BABO, Riga, Latvia
Bar Julien, Antwerp, Belgium
Bar Nacka, Stockholm, Sweden
Chez Fifi, New York City, USA
Dame Restaurant, Paris, France
ÉPANOUIR, Xiamen, China
FZN by Björn Frantzen, Dubai, UAE
HeJi, Vilnius, Lithuania
La Vigne Dining Fûdo, Nagano, Japan
Matthias, Berlin, Germany
OMA, London, UK
Pascua Restaurante, Salamanca, Spain
Ravintola Laivakoira, Helsinki, Finland
Restaurant Calma, Copenhagen, Denmark
Table Manners, Sydney, Australia
The Peacock Lounge, Tallinn, Estonia
Sustainable Wine List
– Recognises a wine list that has put extra emphasis on the wine programme’s overall impact, including vine growing, winemaking, packaging and transport. Assessed via a questionnaire during the application process.
This category is presented by Lingua Franca
Gold Star:
Chambers, New York City, USA
What the winners said:
“I’m very, very sorry I can’t be with you today. I’m very thankful for this incredible award. I just want first to comment on every finalist because we may not each have won a prize today but I think, for me, everyone is a winner, so I just want to say a major congrats to all these places around the world that are trying to just better the path of what we offer. It’s a major inspiration for me to see all these names and just to be part of that. I want to thank my team and I want to thank everyone at the restaurant that is totally involved and believes that wine belongs to a more sustainable world. So really thanks so much Star Wine List for creating this prize, and we just continue to try to be better, so thanks a lot.”
– Pascaline Lepeltier, Chambers

What the judges said:
“Sustainability is a philosophy that encompasses environmental, economic, and social concepts. This place goes beyond selecting wines from responsible farming and implementing recycling programs – they've integrated sustainability into every aspect of their operations. They lead by example, embracing social sustainability practices that start with their own team. A great model for others to follow. Bravo!”
– Valeria Gamper
Silver Stars:
169 West, Zürich, Switzerland
Bar La Sang, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
BOCA, Dubai, UAE
Buer restaurant, Odda, Norway
Daróg Wine Bar, Galway, Ireland
Frea, Berlin, Germany
Freia, Nantes, France
Gastwirtschaft Floh, Langenlebarn, Austria
Hajime, Osaka, Japan
Haoma, Bangkok, Thailand
Kontrast, Oslo, Norway
Lee, Tallinn, Estonia
Les Résistants - La Table, Paris, France
Les Résistants - Le Comptoir, Paris, France
Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Miami, USA
Restaurant Ark, Copenhagen, Denmark
Restaurant Grön, Helsinki, Finland
Settler's Tavern, Margaret River, Australia
Villa & Trädgård de luxe, Växjö, Sweden
Wellamo, Helsinki, Finland
Where The Light Gets In, Stockport, UK
Wijnbar ONA, Ghent, Belgium
Best Austrian Wine List
This category is presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
Chi-Fu, Osaka, Japan
What the winners said:
“Thank you very much. This is absolutely unbelievable. Austria is very special for me actually because of their diversity, their pace, the flavour, the culture and the beautiful nature. I hope to be back as soon as possible to Austria. I’m sorry I didn’t have the chance to join you today but next year, I will be there!”
– Kei Tashiro, Chi-Fu

What the judges said:
“An extensive selection of top Austrian producers not only for white and red but also sparkling. The addition of vintage depth creates such an exciting list to read.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS
Silver Stars:
64 Wine, Glasthule, Ireland
Barents, Riga, Latvia
Bern's Steak House, Tampa, USA
Berria Wine Bar, Madrid, Spain
ECK Restaurant, Devín, Slovakia
Eleven Madison Park, New York City, USA
Fox Den, Tallinn, Estonia
Géosmine, Paris, France
Geranium, Copenhagen, Denmark
Horváth, Berlin, Germany
Moor Hall, Aughton, UK
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal, Belgium
PM & Vänner, Växjö, Sweden
RE-NAA, Stavanger, Norway
Restaurant Pacai, Vilnius, Lithuania
Savoy, Helsinki, Finland
Sühring, Bangkok, Thailand
The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, UAE
Wunderbrunnen, Opfikon, Switzerland
Best California Wine List
This category is presented by Pahlmeyer
Gold Star:
Dovetale, London, UK
What the winners said:
“Thank you so much, thank you! This is fantastic. This is the first time that I’ve come to this ceremony and it’s amazing to think that wine has actually brought me here. I need to thank the team that I work with – Tara, the Wine Director, I need to thank Nas, I need to thank Silvia. We are a strong team and we are very proud of what we have built. And we are very, very happy that you recognise the work that’s gone behind our Californian wine list. We are very proud of it and this is amazing. So thank you all – it’s really, really appreciated.”
– Diego Flumian, Dovetale

What the judges said:
“California can be an intimidating and expensive wine region to tackle. Most lists lean on impressive verticals of cult wines to represent the state. Some look to the new generation, the 6% capturing the imagination of younger drinkers. Others take their inspiration from the great exchange of knowledge and talent which flows into California from around the world, influences which are reshaping what fine Californian wine means. This list deftly manoeuvres through it all, showcasing facets and nuance in site, variety and style across the broad spectrum of expression. From by-the-glass selections to mature bottles, there are many ways to fall in love with the Golden State here. A masterful list.”
– Stephen Wong MW
Silver Stars:
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Dubai, UAE
Donatz Wine Bar, Samedan, Switzerland
Monty’s of Kathmandu, Dublin, Ireland
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss, Norway
Restaurang AG, Stockholm, Sweden
Restaurant Tiende / Den Fede Drue, Aarhus, Denmark
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich, Germany
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.
Nyetimber

English sparkling producer Nyetimber is the leading producer of sparkling wine in the country.