“No limits or boundaries” for the winners of Star Wine List of the Year Ireland 2024
The winners of Star Wine List of the Year Ireland were announced at a ceremony held during SommiT, in Waterford, on Tuesday 15 October.
Gold Stars in each category were awarded by Star Wine List’s Ambassador Manager, Liora Levi, and Project Manager, Camilla Lindh.
“Ireland is not a wine-producing country and, because of this, there are no limits or boundaries for sommeliers or beverage managers designing their wine lists,” says judge Reeze Choi. “For this reason, all of the lists show excellent diversity – even the small ones – in terms of origin, style, and producers. I have never been to Ireland, but some of these wine places made me really want to experience its wine culture across the country. Good work, Ireland!” Our expert panel of international judges was completed by Julie Dupouy-Young (four-time Best Sommelier of Ireland) and Valeria Gamper (Best Sommelier of the Americas 2022, ASI).
These Irish awards were the fourth event on Star Wine List’s international schedule for this season. Winners in the international categories will now be entered into the International Final, which will be held in June 2025, pitting the regional champions against one another.
Meet our winners in Ireland:
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:
Grand Prix
– The best list overall.
Gold Star:
Bar Pez, Dublin
What the winners said:
“Happy, delighted actually. It’s a lot of work that goes into these things, and not just for the awards, but then when you win an award for the work you’re doing for your business, it’s the icing on the cake.”
– Tommy Vivian, Bar Pez
What the judges said:
“The design and layout are clean and elegant. I love the way they categorise the wine by the different landscapes of the wine regions, such as ‘rivers,’ mountains’ and ‘oceans.’ The list also features many different wine producers, and specific themes like grower Champagne or wines made under flor, etc. Just by reading it, I can feel great passion behind this wonderful wine list.”
– Reeze Choi
Best Long List
– For wine lists with more than 600 references.
Gold Star:
64 Wine, Glasthule
What the winners said:
“We’re chuffed, delighted. It means a lot to us, winning an award. It’s more than just that – it’s the hard work over the years, the teamwork. And, obviously, it’s always good to have an award for the recommendation so we’re really thrilled.”
– Anthony Robineau, 64 Wine
What the judges said:
“A list that focuses on sustainable producers and offers an incredible choice, as well as fantastic value for money. Most wine regions of the world are covered and many back vintages are to be found. A list made by wine lovers for wine lovers. ”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Star:
Monty’s of Kathmandu, Dublin
Best Medium-Sized List
– Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references.
Gold Star:
Bar Pez, Dublin
What the winners said:
“I want to thank you guys for putting on this event – it makes it fun. Making a wine list’s not just about business. And everyone else who’s here? I like wine, you like wine – let’s just all like wine together. That’s it!”
– Tommy Vivian, Bar Pez
What the judges said:
“An impressive wine list that invites you to rethink the way wines are presented, with appealing and clear descriptions. It is easy to approach and full of gems - brilliant! A wine list that invites you to sit down and read it from cover to cover while enjoying a glass of wine.”
– Valeria Gamper
Silver Stars:
Dede at Customs House, Baltimore
Ely Wine Bar, Dublin
MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Cork
Piglet Wine Bar, Dublin
The Black Pig, Kinsale
The Restaurant at Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin
Uno Mas, Dublin
Best Short List
This category is presented by Chateau d’Esclans
– Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings.
Gold Star:
Potager, Skerries
What the winners said:
“Our menu is very seasonal, it’s a tasting menu, it changes very frequently. So the wines are reflective of that. It’s very much thinking about the food but also thinking about our customers as well – I want to make sure that people have wine that you can’t just buy in the supermarket, or something a little bit different, something that is similar to grapes they might know. It’s just really nice to even be included in something like this.”
– Maire McHugh, Potager
What the judges said:
“I love the way the list is structured - it is well organised and fun! You can tell it has been curated down to the smallest detail. There are options for all palates and budgets, including a wide variety of styles and regions, indigenous grapes and niche producers. Nothing seems to have been left to chance. Loved it!”
– Valeria Gamper
Silver Stars:
D'Olier Street Restaurant, Dublin
Daróg Wine Bar, Galway
Etto, Dublin
Green Man Wines, Dublin
UNioN Wine, Bar & Kitchen, Waterford
Variety Jones, Dublin
Woodruff, Dublin
Best Sparkling Wine List
– Recognises the best list for sparkling wines.
This category is presented by Piper-Heidsieck
Gold Star:
MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Cork
What the winners said:
“It means a lot because this is an award from our industry to our industry, and that's a huge thing – that means a lot coming from other sommeliers, to a sommelier; that means something extra than some random person deciding. It's lovely.”
– Sean Gargano, MacCurtain Wine Cellar
What the judges said:
“This place has embraced the sparkling wine world as a whole. Its love for pet-nat in all colours (including orange and red!) is real, and is complemented by lesser-known traditional method wines as well as a glorious grower Champagne list. Just as importantly, the prices applied are very attractive - this is a bubbly heaven!”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
64 Wine, Glasthule
D'Olier Street Restaurant, Dublin
Dede at Customs House, Baltimore
Monty’s of Kathmandu, Dublin
The Black Pig, Kinsale
Best By the Glass List
– Recognises the best 'by the glass' list.
Gold Star:
The Black Pig, Kinsale
What the winners said:
“You have to think about a lot of boring things to start with, like, some wines work better under Coravin than others. So you’ve got to pick wines carefully and learn how certain wines work better under preservation than others. Once you’ve worked out what works well, you’ve got to have a good selection to turn over so the wines are still fresh. You learn over time. Then it’s the fun part: choosing wines that you love and giving variety. I’m just delighted. Star Wine List just seems to be taking the world of wine by storm. I really wanted to be here and be part of it.”
– Gavin Ryan, The Black Pig
What the judges said:
“With its extensive selection by the glass, this place offers quality at all price points and gives guests the opportunity to discover - or rediscover - both classical and contemporary labels, without having to order a full bottle. A super selection and great concept.”
– Julie Dupouy-Young
Silver Stars:
64 Wine, Glasthule
Bar Pez, Dublin
Dede at Customs House, Baltimore
Ely Wine Bar, Dublin
Potager, Skerries
UNioN Wine, Bar & Kitchen, Waterford
Variety Jones, Dublin
Volpe Nera, Dublin
Wilde, Dublin
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.
This category is presented by Torres
Gold Star:
Daróg Wine Bar, Galway
What the judges said:
“Although Ireland is not a wine-producing country, this place has managed to ‘support local’ in a very special way: by featuring the importer's name on the wine list. The selection is diverse, with an emphasis on promoting smaller wineries, and sustainable, biodynamic and organic farming wines. Plus, the daily operation is very environmentally friendly too. Well done!”
– Reeze Choi
Silver Star:
64 Wine, Glasthule
RECURRING CATEGORIES:
Best Austrian Wine List
– Recognises the best list for wines from Austria.
This category is presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
64 Wine, Glasthule
What the winners said:
“We really like Austrian wine, for a start,” explained Daley. “We're big fans of Gruners and Rieslings, and the beautiful reds that are coming out of the country, and they’re great alternatives. And there’s just a great energy in winemaking in Austria at the minute and our passion for it is obviously translated across into this award, and we’re delighted – we’re really happy.”
– Paul Daley, 64 Wine
What the judges said:
“They have a beautiful and well-curated selection of Austrian wines, showcasing different regions of the country, varieties and styles. You can find everything, from pet-nats to low intervention reds, sweet wines and everything in between; from iconic to niche producers. A must for Austrian wine lovers!”
– Valeria Gamper
Silver Stars:
Dede at Customs House, Baltimore
MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Cork
Monty’s of Kathmandu, Dublin
Piglet Wine Bar, Dublin
Best California Wine List
– Recognises the best list for wines from California.
This category is presented by Louis M. Martini
Gold Star:
Monty’s of Kathmandu, Dublin
What the winners said:
“It's a vindication of all the hard work you put in, and also the investment you put in. I always believe in selling what you enjoy most and I do enjoy drinking Californian wines. Initially, for me, when I got into wine, it gave me the most instant gratification because they're sort of big-bodied wines, and I love the Chardonnay and Sauvignons with lovely oak.”
– Shiva Gautam, Monty's of Kathmandu
What the judges said:
“A fantastic line up with the iconic wines from the most well-known regions and AVAs. There are also some older vintage options and a selection by the glass.”
– Reeze Choi
Silver Stars:
64 Wine, Glasthule
Dede at Customs House, Baltimore
The Restaurant at Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin
Wilde, Dublin
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 d’Esclans
Read more about Château d’Esclans by clicking on the logo.
Louis M. Martini
Louis M. Martini is an iconic Californian wine producer. Read more by clicking on the logo.
Piper-Heidsieck
To read more about Piper-Heidsieck, click on the logo.
Torres
Read more about Familia Torres by clicking on the logo.
