“Inspire me!” says Queena Wong – new judge in Star Wine List of the Year UK with The Buyer

By Rachel Fellows

Published 02-January-2025

Interview / UK

Star Wine List of the Year is returning to the UK in March to crown the country's best wine lists – and wine list creators – in association with our friends at The Buyer.

The jury panel is now complete and we are excited to welcome four esteemed judges from the global wine scene to the competition: Nina Jensen (Second-Best Sommelier of the World 2019 and 2023); Jan Konetzki (four-time UK Sommelier of the Year); Stephen Wong MW (sommelier, judge and consultant); and Queena Wong (collector, educator and founder of the Curious Vines community).

Queena, an Australian based in London, is new to the Star Wine List team. A noted wine collector and industry figure, she is our local expert, possessing a crucial understanding of the UK’s hospitality scene – not to mention of what wine lovers like herself want to see on wine lists across the country. We asked her a few questions as she prepares to analyse the plethora of applications that have already been submitted.

“With an increase in new strong talent overseeing UK wine lists and an increasing number of quality wines available from less classic regions and styles on the rise, this is going to be difficult judging!” Queena tells us.

Welcome to Star Wine List of the Year! What are you most excited about in your role as judge?

“I’m a food and wine lover, having sat in the seats of a myriad of places as a patron for over 25 years! I have always advocated for increased visibility and importance of wine in hospitality, and also the importance of wine hospitality [staff] as first-hand communicators and inspirers to end consumers – incredibly important in supporting the future of wine as a drinks category.

“By being a judge for Star Wine List I can finally champion both of these simultaneously, by recognising great lists not only for the benefit of their establishments but also as a way to engage customers further into wine.”

Why do you think the Star Wine List of the Year awards are important?

“Being a consumer-sided wine lover, many wine-interested people have asked me where to go for ‘good wine’ over the years. These guides make finding a good wine list easy – we want people to go to places where the passion of wine comes through on the list. When people have a great experience with wine in a hospitality venue it makes wine friendlier and they can start to ‘get it’ without the fear. We definitely want more consumers engaging with wine!”

How would you describe the UK's wine scene at the moment?

“Exciting. The UK is so incredibly fortunate, with access to all international wines and an ever-increasing diversity of choice either from new producers, better quality coming from alternative regions or different wine-making styles. Head sommeliers and beverage directors for any size or style of place can curate unique lists, making offerings that are the most varied and dynamic you can get anywhere in the world.”

What will you be looking for in submitted wine lists?

“Within the UK there is an incredible amount of choice on the ‘artist’s palette,’ to colour and shape a list – no doubt it makes it more challenging. I do want to see the buyer’s style or beliefs expressed subtly on it, ensuring it is balanced within the broader vision of the establishment (harmonious with food and mindful of commercials), while appealing to the profile of their paying clientele enabling exploration at all price levels. Being able to do all this and make it look effortless is when there is a great list.

“A strong by-the-glass game is key too, especially with people drinking in moderation – get them with at least one glass rather than none.”

How can a restaurant or wine bar impress you?

“Inspire me! Satisfy the already wine curious as well as draw new people into wine by igniting interest with stories you can tell of the bottle, the people or the land. You have hopefully chosen wines to list for reasons beyond technical quality – I love being taken on a new journey by travelling with you through your list. When you feel the passion in the wine vibe of a place it is infectious and people can’t help but get excited with you.

“I also love when lists move with a seasonal kitchen and are mindful of keeping returning loyal customers engaged. Food menus can keep favourite dishes while also providing new ones – the wine list can do the same. It could be changing something by the glass for people to try, or taking on a couple of bottles you spotted to be adventurous or have some fun. It does require a more attentive eye on stock levels though, which just shows the skill in managing a more dynamic list.”

Learn more about Star Wine List of the Year UK with The Buyer.