Meet the “truly remarkable” Gold Star wine list winners in Belgium and the Netherlands 2025!

INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:

Best Long List

For wine lists with more than 600 references

A category presented by Smaragd Wijnen

Gold Star, Belgium:
Restaurant Sans Cravate, Bruges

What the winners said:
“My husband, Henk, knows everything about our wine list. He built it over some 21 years, so we started with seven white wines and seven red wines, and it became bigger and bigger and bigger, but not a less personal wine list. It is built on passion, more than passion. And so for my husband it is very important to have a good wine with a good dinner or lunch.”
– Veronique Bogaert

What the judges said:
“A truly world-class wine list, spearheaded by low-intervention producers and tremendous diversity. I absolutely adored the Loire Chenin Blanc selection!”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Zarzo, Eindhoven

What the winners said:
“My biggest passion is of course opening nice bottles all the time. We make sure all the holes in the wine list are closed, as we say. So, we always like to expand and have many references in different aspects.”
– Stefan Emmen

What the judges said:
“This list swept the jury panel off of our feet in sheer admiration! An encyclopaedic list with clear priorities, known icons, and new superstars at great prices. While being extensive, it still has great precision.”
– Nina Jensen

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Convento, Leuven
d'Oude Schuur, Sint-Martens-Latem
Dome, Antwerp
Fine Fleur, Antwerp
L'Envie, Zwevegem
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal
Restaurant Bachtekerke, Ghent
Restaurant Marcel, Antwerp
Restaurant Popelier, Gooik
Tablàvins, Knokke-Heist
Zilte, Antwerp

The Netherlands:
4850, Amsterdam
Central Park Voorburg, Voorburg
De Librije, Zwolle
Flore, Amsterdam
Mei Wah, Eindhoven
Merlet, Schoorl
Spectrum, Amsterdam
Vineum, Rotterdam
Voltaire, Leersum

Best Medium-Sized List 

Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references

A category presented by Arínzano

Gold Star, Belgium:
Racines Bruxelles, Brussels

What the winners said:
“We drink a lot, we taste a lot, we discover everything. And we try to also move on because we are used to Italian wines that we love, so we try to find something else.”
– David Lazar

What the judges said:
“This list, focusing on Italy, shows just what the country is all about – and its diversity. The back vintages that crop up every few pages come with very accessible prices and, for those seeking something outside Italy, the list is packed with Burgundy’s rising stars.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Ciel Bleu, Amsterdam

What the winners said:
“Thank you so much!”
– Niccolo Benigni

What the judges said:
“A truly classical wine list with meticulous attention to detail that stands out for its wide selection of back vintages and overall balance.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Alter, Tongeren
August, Antwerp
Bachtecafe, Bachte-Maria-Leerne
Bar Julien, Antwerp
Da Mimmo, Brussels
Hotel zur Post, St. Vith
Moretti, Hasselt
Oak, Ghent
Sir Kwinten, Lennik
Vin d'Où, Antwerp
Vrijmoed, Ghent

The Netherlands:
Café-Restaurant Terroir, Utrecht
De Nieuwe Winkel, Nijmegen
NOTK, Rotterdam
Oocker, Amsterdam
Restaurant Perceel, Rotterdam
Restaurant RJ, Texel
Restaurant SOBER, Tegelen
SAAM Restaurant, Amsterdam

Best Short List

Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings

Gold Star, Belgium:
Vintage, Kontich

What the winners said:
“We try to find the best producers, and we just work with the restaurant — we do only 30 guests per service, so I don't think we need a big wine list. And I don't want to criticise any restaurant who does, but we're working with a small wine list.”
– Steven Wullaert

What the judges said:
“This is a great example of a well thought-out and beautifully crafted short list with a clear focus and philosophy. Incredible depth packed into a small list.”
– Mikk Parre

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
De Matroos en het Meisje, Rotterdam

What the winners said:
There is a Dutch saying: “goede wijn is nog geen bier”. It basically means that a good wine will never be as nice as a nice glass of cold beer.
– Taco de Vos

What the judges said:
“Crafting a small and exciting wine list is all about the producers, and these guys have nailed it! And at those prices they'll have you ordering a second bottle.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Anthocyane, Namur
Debra, Ghent
InVINcible, Antwerp
Restaurant les Coulisses, Namur
Restaurant Lizanna, Putte
Ta-nnin, Antwerp

The Netherlands:
Bistrôt Bryan, Hulst
Cafe Maurits, Amsterdam
Café Restaurant Sandberg, Amsterdam
Café Wu, Amsterdam
Restaurant Markant, Breda
Wijnbar Pinot, Breda

Best Sparkling Wine List

Recognises the best list for sparkling wines

Gold Star, Belgium:
d'Oude Schuur, Sint-Martens-Latem

What the winners said:
“Well, we started with our wine list as a Burgundy wine list, and my son in particular is very fond of Champagne. So only two years ago we spoke about it, and actually he's getting the credit because he made the Champagne list what it is today.”
– Steven D’hoye

What the judges said:
“An extremely well-balanced list of Champagnes, highlighting both classic and up-and-coming growers, and also featuring top producers from countries like Italy and the UK.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Flore, Amsterdam

What the winners said:
“People are asking more and more, especially for our concept that works on local products. So they are always curious about local products as well in terms of wine. And then when we are thirsty, we need more sparkling wine in the restaurant as well. I wanted to do a journey through the different styles of wines making Champagne. It's an experience.”
– Antonello Nicastri

What the judges said:
“A list that offers a broad and well-balanced selection of Champagnes – both grower producers and larger houses. It also shines with a strong selection of sparkling wines from outside of Champagne.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Danieli Il Divino, Antwerp
L'Envie, Zwevegem
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal
Restaurant Sans Cravate, Bruges
Sir Kwinten, Lennik
Tablàvins, Knokke-Heist
Vin d'Où, Antwerp
Zilte, Antwerp

The Netherlands:
Bar du Champagne, Amsterdam
Central Park Voorburg, Voorburg
De Librije, Zwolle
Mei Wah, Eindhoven
Vineum, Rotterdam
Zarzo, Eindhoven

Best By-the-Glass List

Recognises the best ‘by-the-glass’ list

A category presented by Cloudy Bay

Gold Star, Belgium:
Zilte, Antwerp

What the winners said:
“I’m here on behalf of Aaron – he explained to me, because I'm not in service, that because every guest is different and every guest, he really wants to listen to them and hear what they prefer – what they like to drink – and from that he starts pouring the glasses. And he really wants to prevent that everybody feels like obliged to follow an arrangement. Some people don't like to have the glass with every dish, so he really makes a custom choice for them.”
– Marjorie Romeijn

What the judges said:
“The by-the-glass selection here is extremely diverse, with an impressive array of producers, providing the consumer with a wide range of options – from benchmark classics to quaffable, progressive wines.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Restaurant RJ, Texel

What the winners said:
“We try to get people and the guests enjoying the most of the world of wine and also the finest wine. Mostly, the problem is that you need to drink a whole bottle because some people want to drink more glasses, not always a whole bottle. And for us, it's an opportunity.”
– Jordy Schuijl

What the judges said:
“This list is certainly a destination for its by-the-glass program! With an accessible starting point and great offerings across most categories, including sparkling wines and premium selections, it represents an open window to discovering the world of wine.”
– Nina Jensen

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Pazzo, Antwerp
Racines Bruxelles, Brussels
Robijn Wine&Food, Genk
Tablàvins, Knokke-Heist
Vrijmoed, Ghent
Wijnbar ONA, Ghent

The Netherlands:
Ciel Bleu, Amsterdam
De Librije, Zwolle
Flore, Amsterdam
Merlet, Schoorl
Oocker, Amsterdam
Vineum, Rotterdam
Voltaire, Leersum
Wijnbar Vindict, Amsterdam
Zarzo, Eindhoven

Best Newcomer List

Recognises a venue that has recently opened

Gold Star, Belgium:
Anthocyane, Namur

What the judges said:
“The strength of this list lies off the beaten path, with compelling wines from smaller regions and progressive-minded producers. An impressive selection of hard-to-track-down wines, amassed over a relatively short time.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
CUE, Amsterdam

What the winners said:
“It's kind of a small team, but George and Mo have been working together for a long time, so it feels kind of like a family. It's actually a big privilege to work with Mo — he's one of the coolest, funniest sommeliers.”
– Ernest Civil Villanueva

What the judges said:
“A diverse list offering some top examples not just from Europe but also from New World wine regions. I would not have imagined the list to be less than a year old!”
– Toru Takamatsu MS

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Cultures Restaurant, Libin
Debra, Ghent
Foxes & Grapes Wine Bar, Brussels
Tribune, Ghent

The Netherlands:
Amelie Amstelveen, Amstelveen
Amí Bistro, Breda
Bistrôt Bryan, Hulst
Café Restaurant Sandberg, Amsterdam
Le Havre, Elburg
Restaurant Notable, Echt

Sustainability Prize

Assesses the sustainable commitment of both the wine list and broader venue via a supplementary questionnaire submitted during the application process

A category presented by Puike Wijnen

Gold Star, Belgium:
Vrijmoed, Ghent

What the judges said:
“A great vision and approach to sustainability, including the use of a digital list. Moreover, the respect paid to each and every producer they work with is simply amazing.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Restaurant SOBER, Tegelen

What the winners said:
“We get everything from our own garden — that's the basics of our cuisine and that's where we build everything around. And so we also try to put that flavour in perspective and put it back on the plate. We also make our own wines, so that's coming back, as that’s basically the essence of what we do.”
– Joni Sloesen

What the judges said:
“A charming list in its own right with a clear focus – and a few quirks. Domaines are well chosen while upholding strict sustainable criteria, such as distance. Sustainability is visibly embedded in the very DNA of the restaurant.”
– Nina Jensen

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal
Wijnbar ONA, Ghent

The Netherlands:
BAK, Amsterdam
Flore, Amsterdam
Restaurant Lutum, Wijk bij Duurstede

Best Austrian Wine List

Recognises the best list for the wines of Austria

A category presented by Austrian Wine

Gold Star, Belgium:
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal

What the judges said:
“A comprehensive selection of Austrian wines with good vintage depth and a sizable representation in each category, including sparkling and sweet wines.”
– Mikk Parre

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Remouillage, Amsterdam

What the winners said:
“Partly, I'm born in Austria, so that helps a little bit. But it's also more interesting for me. I feel you have someone sitting down and they're probably looking at a Pinot Noir from Burgundy and then they don't even ask how it tastes and then you ask, ‘How do you feel about a Pinot Noir from Austria?’ They're like ‘Oh how does it compare?’ It's more fun to do. It's a little bit of a secret.”
– Jonathan Sparber

What the judges said:
“An amazing selection of low-intervention producers with not only young vintages but also some that are right at their peak.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Bar Burbure, Antwerp
Restaurant Melchior, Tienen
Restaurant Popelier, Gooik
Restaurant Sans Cravate, Bruges
Sir Kwinten, Lennik

The Netherlands:
Central Park Voorburg, Voorburg
Flore, Amsterdam
Mei Wah, Eindhoven
Restaurant Kasteel Heemstede, Houten
Restaurant The Millèn, Rotterdam

Best Italian Wine List

Recognises the best list for the wines of Italy

Gold Star, Belgium:
Racines Bruxelles, Brussels

What the winners said:
“I cannot go to sleep without a glass of Piedmont.”
– David Lazar

What the judges said:
“Unfolding Italy in an alternative and refreshing way, this place has created the type of list that inspires people to drink more Italian wines and to try something new, yet without neglecting where Italy’s claim to fame originates from with a dreamy selection of cult wines.”
– Nina Jensen

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
Zarzo, Eindhoven

What the winners said:
“We do a lot of Burgundy and a lot of wines in general. But this is a nice crowd-pleaser as well. So, thank you very much.”
– Stefan Emmen

What the judges said:
“An extensive selection with amazing vintage depth dating back to the 1970s, and very accessible pricing. Definitely a must-visit in the Netherlands.”
– Toru Takamatsu MS

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Da Mimmo, Brussels
Danieli Il Divino, Antwerp
L'Envie, Zwevegem
Moretti, Hasselt
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal
Restaurant Gillis, Ghent
Restaurant Popelier, Gooik
Restaurant Sans Cravate, Bruges
Vin d'Où, Antwerp

The Netherlands:
Broederenklooster, Zutphen
Central Park Voorburg, Voorburg
De Librije, Zwolle
Flore, Amsterdam
Restaurant SOBER, Tegelen
Tribeca, Heeze
Vineum, Rotterdam

Special Jury Prize

Rewards a wine lovers’ place that does something out of the ordinary

Gold Star, Belgium:
Arabelle Meirlaen, Marchin

What the winners said:
“It's amazing, it's amazing! Thank you.”
– Pierre Thirifays

What the judges said:
“What a lovely list! Packed with wine lovers’ favourites at excellent and honest price points, you'll also find more recognisable brands. I would highlight the beautiful selection from the Rhône Valley, which combines the traditional and the contemporary.”
– Jonathan Gouveia MS

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
4850, Amsterdam

What the winners said:
“My favourite wine goes in waves, but right now, it’s the New World and new generation European.”
– Daniel Schein

What the judges said:
“This is a list that has been created by wine lovers for wine lovers, in its purest sense. A who's who of rising stars and trendy producers that just makes you want to dive in and lose yourself in discovery.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Anthocyane, Namur
Restaurant Sans Cravate, Bruges
Vintage, Kontich

The Netherlands:
Café-Restaurant Terroir, Utrecht
Restaurant Perceel, Rotterdam
SAAM Restaurant, Amsterdam

LOCAL CATEGORY:

Best California Wine List

Recognises the best list for Californian wines

A category presented by Pahlmeyer

Gold Star, Belgium:
Wijnbar ONA, Ghent

What the winners said:
“It's a great honour to win a prize for Californian wines. Especially these days, it's maybe not that easy to sell American wines, but I think California stands out in many different ways. And we try to make a selection with upcoming winemakers. Also, some older vintages. The power of California, it's the diversity. They work with so many varieties. We have so many different options.”
– Arne Braeckman

What the judges said:
“A refreshing and youthful take on the Californian wine scene, offering if not the largest, then definitely one of the most exciting selections from the region.”
– Mikk Parre

Gold Star, the Netherlands:
CUE, Amsterdam

What the winners said:
“Our head sommelier has lived in the United States and learned a lot about Californian wines. And I think it's something we don't see a lot in the Netherlands and a beautiful region to work with – so much diversity.”
– Tim Palacios

What the judges said:
“This list focuses on Napa wines and manages to strike an interesting dynamic. Supported by a thoughtful selection of stellar Pinot Noirs, the producer selection and vintage depth both secure this Star Wine List of the Year win.”
– Nina Jensen

Silver Stars:

Belgium:
Convento, Leuven
Dome, Antwerp
Paul de Pierre, Maarkedal
The Butcher's Son, Antwerp

The Netherlands:
Brasserie Lalou, Delft
Central Park Voorburg, Voorburg
De Librije, Zwolle
Valuas, Venlo
Zarzo, Eindhoven