An “incredible dynamic” at Star Wine List of the Year Germany 2025
On 17 March 2025 German sommeliers gathered for a very special ceremony at the ProWein wine fair in Düsseldorf. It was time for the Star Wine List of the Year Germany awards – our annual celebration of the best wine lists in the country and the outstanding teams behind them.
“What a treat to judge these lists, what a pleasure to see the incredible dynamic in Germany,” said judge Pascaline Lepeltier. “The quality of the selections, the depth, the pricing (and not only in the main wine-centric cities but around the country) make Germany a must-visit wine destination! Congrats to the whole sommelier community for such great work on making so many beautiful bottles, iconic or up-and-coming, available to us!”
Lepeltier was joined on the jury panel by sommeliers Jan Konetzki, Stefan Neumann MS and Emmanuel Rosier. The latter presented the awards with Star Wine List's Publisher, Krister Bengtsson, during a busy few days at Messe Düsseldorf, which also saw Star Wine List partaking in panel discussions and offering industry insights.
Here's a complete overview of the winners and finalists of Star Wine List of the Year Germany 2025. Winners in the international categories are automatically entered into our International Final alongside other winners from around the world – we will announce our global Gold Stars in Vienna, on 16 June 2025.
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:
Grand Prix
– The best list overall.
Gold Star:
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
What the judges said:
“There were some fabulous wine lists submitted but nothing quite as spectacular as this one. A masterpiece in every way!”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Best Long List
– For wine lists with more than 600 references.
Gold Star:
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
What the judges said:
“A list excellent in every category – not only wine but beverages overall, and not only in its curation but in its vision; not only in its depth but also in its pricing. A list on the pulse of what's happening while paying tribute to historical heritage. A list, I need to admit, I like to look at as it is such an inspiration. Exceptional.”
– Pascaline Lepeltier
Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Franz Keller Schwarzer Adler, Vogtsburg-Oberbergen
Freundschaft, Berlin
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Grill Royal, Berlin
Kronenschlösschen, Eltville
Restaurant Basil, Hannover
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
Tantris Maison Culinaire, Munich
Best Medium-Sized List
– Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references.
This category is presented by Dreissigacker
Gold Star:
Café Gupi, Weil am Rhein
What the judges said:
“Let’s face it, the word ‘medium’ is not very enticing! But our winner's wine list is… very enticing. A super local core list celebrates small producers from the region. Following nearly as an appendix is an extensive selection of soulful wines from sought-after producers. You will find wines at very good prices, some with some bottle age, but also some with cool and juicy youth.”
– Jan Konetzki
Silver Stars:
Coda, Berlin
Diergardts Kühler Grund, Hattingen
Horváth, Berlin
Maku Concept, Solingen
Pizza Studio Munich, Munich
Trotte weinbar, Freiburg
Verōnika by Fotografiska, Berlin
Zum Grünen Gaul, Bochum
Best Short List
– Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings.
Gold Star:
Barra, Berlin
What the judges said:
“This expertly curated short wine list is a masterclass in precision, featuring a carefully selected range of natural and minimal-intervention wines that perfectly complement its modern European cuisine. With a strong emphasis on quality over quantity, each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and terroir, making this place a deserving winner of this Best Short List award.”
– Emmanuel Rosier
Silver Stars:
Essers Gasthaus, Cologne
Frea, Berlin
Hallmann & Klee, Berlin
Hotel Zur alten Post, Büsum
kiosque., Hamburg
Merold, Berlin
ORA Wine Bar and Restaurant, Berlin
Otto, Berlin
Reichlich, Hamburg
Best By the Glass List
– Recognises the best 'by the glass' list.
Gold Star:
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
What the judges said:
“A dream come true for any wine lover, be they at the beginning of their journey or already a savvy drinker. What is so inspiring is how, here, technicality and creativity are combined so cleverly to give guests a new wine experience!”
– Pascaline Lepeltier
Silver Stars:
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Grill Royal, Berlin
Guido Al Duomo, Munich
Kinfelts Kitchen & Wine, Hamburg
Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Berlin
Verōnika by Fotografiska, Berlin
Zeltinger Hof, Zeltingen-Rachtig
Best Sparkling Wine List
– Recognises the best list for sparkling wines.
This category is presented by Nyetimber
Gold Star:
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
What the judges said:
“More bubbles, less troubles – this list executes this with such grace and precision that you cannot get enough of it. Just wow!”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
Franz Keller Schwarzer Adler, Vogtsburg-Oberbergen
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
Grill Royal, Berlin
Guido Al Duomo, Munich
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
Restaurant Basil, Hannover
Restaurant JM, Sylt
Tantris Maison Culinaire, Munich
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.
Gold Star:
Frea, Berlin
What the judges said:
“This wine list is a benchmark for sustainability, featuring exclusively organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines that align with its zero-waste philosophy. By prioritising ethical sourcing and ecological responsibility, they prove that great wine and sustainability can go hand in hand without compromise.”
– Emmanuel Rosier
Silver Stars:
Barra, Berlin
BellasLokal, Bad Soden
Horváth, Berlin
Romantik Hotel Schloss Hohenstein, Ahorn
Best Newcomer List
– Recognises a venue that has recently opened.
Gold Star:
Matthias, Berlin
What the judges said:
“This place has made an impressive entry into the Berlin wine scene with a fresh, thoughtful selection that showcases both emerging talents and established classics. The list demonstrates a keen understanding of balance and innovation, offering a dynamic experience for wine lovers eager to explore new perspectives.”
– Emmanuel Rosier
Silver Star:
Merold, Berlin
Best Austrian Wine List
– Recognises the best list for wines from Austria.
This category is presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
Horváth, Berlin
What the judges said:
“Diverse, complete and full of surprises, this list is not so much a snapshot as a Klimt painting.”
– Stefan Neumann MS
Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Freisinger Hof, Munich
Freundschaft, Berlin
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach
Johannas at Hotel Neumayr, Munich
Weinkulturbar, Dresden
Witwenball, Hamburg
Best California Wine List
– Recognises the best list for wines from California.
This category is presented by Pahlmeyer
Gold Star:
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
What the judges said:
“A selection of great depth, from niche producers to the classics. A punter will find mature bottles, lots of verticals and good price points, too.”
– Jan Konetzki
Silver Stars:
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Guido Al Duomo, Munich
Kronenschlösschen, Eltville
Restaurant Basil, Hannover
Weinkulturbar, Dresden
LOCAL CATEGORIES:
Best Italian Wine List
– Recognises the best list for wines from Italy.
Gold Stars:
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
Rocaille, Düsseldorf
What the judges said:
“This list elevates the concept of an Italian wine list by celebrating the depth and diversity of Italy’s finest terroirs, all while maintaining its signature dedication to authenticity and origin. The selection goes beyond the obvious choices, highlighting small, passionate producers who embody the soul of Italian winemaking.”
– Emmanuel Rosier on Nobelhart und Schmutzig
“The Barber of Seville, a Ferrari F40 and Terence Hill are embodiments of great Italian classics. This year’s winner comes with that, along with tenacity: long verticals, aged bottles of well-known producers and large formats. Grande!”
– Jan Konetzki on Rocaille
Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Grill Royal, Berlin
Kronenschlösschen, Eltville
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
Tantris Maison Culinaire, Munich
W die Weinbar, Hamburg
Weinkulturbar, Dresden
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.
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