“Once you’ve developed a taste for excellence, why settle for less?” Meet the winners of Star Wine List of the Year Norway 2024
Star Wine List has named the best wine lists in Norway for 2024, at an awards ceremony held in Oslo on Sunday, 13 October.
Hosted by Founder and Publisher, Krister Bengtsson and Ambassador Manager Liora Levi, the winners of Star Wine List of the Year Norway competition were announced at the Hotel Bristol in Oslo. The event was held during the Norwegian Sommelier Association’s ‘Sommelier Day’ festivities.
“Once you've developed a taste for excellence, why settle for less? This is the message conveyed by the places nominated here at Star Wine List of the Year Norway,” says jury member Nina Jensen of this year’s finalists. “What really sets these lists apart are the small, personal touches that give them an extra edge. Overall, it’s awesome to see so many precious, rare and fun collections on an absolutely world-class level divided across a country otherwise known more for its beautiful fjords, dramatic mountains and (for the lucky ones) Northern Lights!”
Nina, the Second Best Sommelier in the World 2023 (ASI), was joined on the jury panel by fellow wine experts Salvatore Castano (Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa, 2021), Piotr Pietras, MS, and Merete Bø (Best Sommelier of The Nordics/Norway).
All winners received Gold Stars, and many will go on to compete in the Star Wine List of the Year International Final, in June 2025, once all regional competitions have been completed.
These awards mark the third stop on this season’s international tour, after events in Denmark and the Baltics. Ireland is up next, with more to follow.
Take a look at our Norwegian winners:
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:
Grand Prix
– The best list overall.
Gold Star:
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss
What the winners said:
“As the most diverse and extreme wine list in Norway, it takes a wide understanding of the past, the current and the future... We hope to be able to be a national ambassador for Norway on the world stage.”
– Robert Russel Rosares Johansen, Head Sommelier
What the judges said:
“The Grand Prix is an award that simply nominates the best wine list in Norway. Without a defined set of criteria, this goes beyond categories – it measures what constitutes a good wine list as a whole and can be seen as an homage to the skilled sommeliers behind it. Coming across one of these extraordinary lists is always an inspiring experience. Park Hotel Vossevangen has built a list with care, a loyalty towards producers but even greater loyalty to guests with the lasting promise: ‘only the best!’”
– Nina Jensen
Best Long List
– For wine lists with more than 600 references.
Gold Star:
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss
What the winners said:
“We’ll keep on pursuing something even greater. I don’t know what’s next – best wine list in the universe? But obviously, I need to thank everybody that is working every day on the floor, and to the guests that stayed with us this summer, and hopefully next summer as well. And thanks to everybody that has trusted our project – the owners and all the supporters.”
– Robert Russel Rosares Johansen, Head Sommelier
What the judges said:
“This list truly exemplifies what a comprehensive wine collection should offer. Its remarkable length, combined with a thoughtfully-curated selection of top-tier producers, showcases an impressive depth of knowledge and dedication to fine wine. Notably, the inclusion of exceptional verticals speaks to the establishment's commitment to providing an extraordinary experience for wine enthusiasts. I hope to get locked in their cellar one day!”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
Arakataka, Oslo
Grand Café & Vinkjeller, Oslo
Hallingstuene, Geilo
Happolati, Oslo
RE-NAA, Stavanger
Speilsalen at Britannia Hotel, Trondheim
Vinland, Oslo
Best Medium-Sized List
– Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references.
Gold Star:
Spontan, Trondheim
What the winners said:
“I'm super, super happy. [Since last year,] I’ve tried to go even more into new territories, including the Loire and California... just trying a lot of wines.”
– Oskar Sköld, Head Sommelier
What the judges said:
“Stunning wine list! It starts with a strong selection of grower Champagnes and other amazing producers outside the region. It promotes great names of the wine world but isn't afraid to include some lesser-known labels too. The Riesling grape and Burgundy region are highlights of this lovely medium-sized list.”
– Piotr Pietras MS
Silver Stars:
Cave Mia, Oslo
Hot Shop, Oslo
Matbaren by Renaa, Stavanger
MiraBelle by Ørjan Johannessen, Bekkjarvik
Norvald Vinbar, Stavanger
Territoriet, Oslo
Villa Heftye, Oslo
Best Short List
– Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings.
Gold Star:
Lasarett Vinbar, Oslo
What the winners said:
“I'm surprised and happy. And really, really honoured.”
– Thomas Tylman, owner
What the judges said:
“A well-curated wine list in terms of both vintages and the best wine producers in every region. There are also many great choices from lesser-known wine regions and countries.”
– Merete Bø
Silver Stars:
Bacchus Vinhus, Bergen
Buer restaurant, Odda
Lola bistro, Bergen
Madonna, Oslo
POUR - by Signe, Tjøme
TAK, Oslo
Zarathustra Meyhane, Oslo
Best By the Glass List
– Recognises the best 'by the glass' list.
This category is presented by Riedel
Gold Star:
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss
What the winners said:
“We’ve been really stepping up our game, spending hours emailing, hours and hours, building up our by the glass selection, so it’s becoming a really important project for what we’re doing. Today we have about 400 different wines by the glass. Next year let’s make it 800!”
– Robert Russel Rosares Johansen, Head Sommelier
What the judges said:
“Exceptional by the glass list! So much choice from around the world, not only from the renowned and well-established areas, but also from up-and-coming regions. Some back vintage stock available by the glass makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.”
– Piotr Pietras MS
Silver Stars:
Cave Mia, Oslo
Frances Vinbar, Oslo
Kastellet, Oslo
Lasarett Vinbar, Oslo
Norvald Vinbar, Stavanger
Territoriet, Oslo
Vinland, Oslo
Best Sparkling Wine List
– Recognises the best list for sparkling wines.
This category is presented by Nyetimber
Gold Star:
Speilsalen at Britannia Hotel, Trondheim
What the winners said:
“I think our selection's pretty good!”
– Aron Grønås, Head Sommelier
What the judges said:
“This list stood out as the finest when it comes to sparkling wine selections. The incredible range of back vintages, coupled with a well-curated library of sparkling wines from around the world, truly set it apart. From iconic Champagne houses to lesser-known producers, every bottle reflects a dedication to excellence and diversity. The global representation of sparkling wines on offer not only showcases a deep understanding of the category but also offers something unique for every palate.”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
Arakataka, Oslo
Hos Moi, Kristiansand
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss
RE-NAA, Stavanger
Tollbua, Trondheim
Vinland, Oslo
Best Newcomer List
– Recognises a venue that has recently opened.
Gold Star:
Vinland, Oslo
What the winners said:
“It seems like the name of Francesco Marzola is a recurring name that comes around. We would like to give a toast to his hard work. We represent all of Vinland.”
What the judges said:
“We found this list to be outstanding for a newcomer. Its precision and clarity make it incredibly approachable, offering an easy-to-navigate experience for guests. The well-structured 'by the glass' selection is a standout feature, providing a diverse range of choices that cater to every palate. You can immediately sense the passion and meticulous attention to detail that went into crafting this list.”
– Salvatore Castano
Silver Stars:
Bistro Fourrage, Oslo
Cave Mia, Oslo
dela:, Kristiansand
Frances Vinbar, Oslo
Huset i Gato, Mosjøen
MiraBelle by Ørjan Johannessen, Bekkjarvik
Tollbua, Trondheim
Sustainable Wine List
– For the Sustainable Wine List category, we evaluate not just the wine list, but also the stated actions of the venue, as described through a questionnaire within the application.
Gold Stars:
Buer Restaurant, Odda
Kontrast, Oslo
What the winners said:
“For us, sustainability is everything. We have our own farm, we have cows, we have sheep. For everything food-wise and on the wine list, we have amazing producers (cider, apple juice, the world’s best gin and beer). Two hours' drive and you’ll find almost all of the list.”
– Erlend Stueland, Head Chef, Buer Restaurant
“It’s a big honour to be here for the second time so thank you very much to the whole team. We commit, everybody, to new ideas, so it’s something very important.”
– Thomas Venuto, Head Sommelier, Kontrast
What the judges said:
“It is amazing to see the focus on the local selection of this wine list. This is a choice that also goes hand in hand with the philosophy behind the locally-sourced menu.”
– Merete Bø on Buer Restaurant
“Sustainability should transcend style or category — it should be on the agenda across the spectrum of restaurants. In this regard, it's essential to have places that demonstrate how it is indeed possible to achieve the highest standards without compromising sustainable ideals. Granted, this is no easy task, which makes this restaurant's success even more admirable. Here, sustainability extends beyond the wine program and is woven into the very fabric of its operations.”
– Nina Jensen on Kontrast
Silver Stars:
Markveien Mat & Vinhus og Vinbaren Dr. Kneipps, Oslo
Restaurant K2, Stavanger
Stallen, Oslo
TempoTempo, Bergen
RECURRING CATEGORIES:
Best Austrian Wine List
– Recognises the best list for wines from Austria.
This category is presented by Austrian Wine
Gold Star:
RE-NAA, Stavanger
What the winners said:
“We have deep connections with Austria. We’ve been travelling there a lot. We think it’s a place which needs to be discovered, and not just the more famous regions, but also shining a light on maybe the lesser-known appellations in Burgenland. There’s so much exciting stuff happening.”
– Kristoffer Aga, Head of Wine
What the judges said:
“Very well-developed Austrian selection. Interesting, quality-driven and dynamic - not only in the white section, but also in the reds. The region of Styria seems to be this venue's favourite.”
– Piotr Pietras MS
Silver Stars:
Bristol Grill, Oslo
Happolati, Oslo
Kastellet, Oslo
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss
Plah, Oslo
Vinland, Oslo
Vinoteket, Oslo
Best California Wine List
– Recognises the best lines for wines from California.
Gold Star:
Park Hotel Vossevangen, Voss
What the winners said:
“We’re super happy to win this category. I think we need to step up our game so that we can defend our title in the coming years!”
– Robert Russel Rosares Johansen, Head Sommelierbr>
What the judges said:
“This is by far the most comprehensive list of Californian wines in Norway. Here guests have a unique opportunity to taste an extensive catalogue of the region’s best wine producers, including many older vintages.”
– Merete Bø
Silver Stars:
A. Idsøe Grill & berkel, Stavanger
Brasserie Ouest, Oslo
Grand Café & Vinkjeller, Oslo
RE-NAA, Stavanger
Speilsalen at Britannia Hotel, Trondheim
Vinland, Oslo
Vino Bar Ålesund, Ålesund
LOCAL CATEGORY:
Special Jury Prize
– Recognises a venue that has done something extra with their wine list, in terms of direction, style or value.
Gold Star:
Arakataka, Oslo
What the winners said:
“We were very lucky, we had a guy who was very passionate about wine, especially in Jura, Champagne, Loire. We’ll continue doing the same passion. I think it’s boring that everyone’s focusing on Burgundy, Burgundy, Burgundy, Burgundy in Norway, and it’s interesting to see another perspective.”
– Sindre Solem
What the judges said:
“Sometimes a list doesn’t really fit the categories – and sometimes that is partly the reason why it is so good! Luckily, not everything conforms to a specific set of norms. The Special Jury Prize goes to a list displaying an unwavering commitment to what its creators believe in, with an amazing love letter to Jura and Loire enclosed. It emits confidence and love, with a no-nonsense approach. As you browse through it, preparing for the impossible task of choosing between so many tempting bottles, a clear red thread appears, underpinned by impeccable taste. It's a brilliant study in precision and the art of carving out a niche.”
– Nina Jensen
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.
Riedel
Read more about Riedel by clicking on the logo.
