The best wine lists in Germany 2026

INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:

Best Long List

For wine lists with more than 600 references

A category presented by Lingua Franca

Gold Star:
Weinkulturbar, Dresden

What the judges said:
“This wine list is a rarity – an almost archaeological pursuit of great vintages. It invites discovery, revealing bottles that carry time, character, and quiet prestige. A fascinating refuge for those who seek wines that are not only rare, but deeply expressive. With this remarkable collection, Dresden firmly places itself on the map of the world of wine.”
– Ferran Centelles

Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Freundschaft, Berlin
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach
Jaja, Berlin
Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Berlin
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
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

A category presented by Joseph Phelps

Gold Star:
Verōnika by Fotografiska, Berlin

What the judges said:
“Our winner delivers all the hallmarks of a great wine programme within the structures of a medium-sized list. There is age and maturity here with both classical and new-wave names, carefully treading the centrist point of view while having a distinct personality to stand out in a strong field of German lists.”
– Stephen Wong MW

Silver Stars:
Café Gupi, Weil am Rhein
Coda, Berlin
Diergardts Kühler Grund, Hattingen
Freiheit Vinothek, Ulm
Horváth, Berlin
Restaurant Jellyfish, Hamburg
Restaurant Löwengrube, Freiburg
Romantik Hotel Schloss Hohenstein, Ahorn
Rutz, Berlin
Trotte Weinbar, Freiburg
Weinraum Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt

Best Short List

Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings

Gold Star:
Restaurant Bagatelle, Trier

What the judges said:
“A wine list that feels far more expansive than its size suggests, driven by impressive vintage depth and a clear, focused selection.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
075 Weinbar & Handel, Nuremberg
Barra, Berlin
Chin Chin Bar, Regensburg
Essers Gasthaus, Cologne
Feed the Pony, Berlin
Hallmann & Klee, Berlin
Hotel Zur alten Post, Büsum
Merold, Berlin
Otto, Berlin
Restaurant Chairs, Frankfurt
Restaurant Schorse im Leineschloss, Hannover

Best By-the-Glass List

Recognises the best ‘by-the-glass’ list

A category presented by Stölzle Lausitz

Gold Star:
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich

What the judges said:
“This list was an absolute crush for every member of the jury – a true paradise. For a wine lover, the experience comes close to what a child would feel stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. An endless selection of wines available by the glass creates a sense of discovery without limits. With around 700 wines offered this way, this wine bar has become a place of pilgrimage for anyone passing through Munich.”
– Ferran Centelles

Silver Stars:
Bar Rique Winehouse, Bremen
Der Kleine August, Berlin
Kinfelts Kitchen & Wine, Hamburg
Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Berlin
Verōnika by Fotografiska, Berlin
Witwenball, Hamburg

Best Sparkling Wine List

Recognises the best list for sparkling wines

Gold Star:
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin

What the judges said:
“A truly special sparkling wine list, this is clearly put together with great knowledge and skill, showing refined diversity and appreciation for both the rare cult wines as well as lesser-known names – not just in Champagne but beyond.”
– Stephen Wong MW

Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach
irori, Knittelsheim
kiosque., Hamburg
Restaurant Basil, Hannover
Tantris Maison Culinaire, Munich
Weinkulturbar, Dresden
Witwenball, Hamburg

Best Newcomer List

Recognises a venue that has recently opened

A category presented by New Generation Wines from Georgia

Gold Star:
Der Kleine August, Berlin

What the judges said:
“A youthful and fresh wine list with a broad appeal, designed to engage a wide range of consumers. With a strong foundation already in place, continued focus on thoughtful curation and building depth will allow it to grow into something truly outstanding.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
NORMS, Berlin
Pluto, Berlin

Sustainability Prize

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

Gold Star:
Merold, Berlin

What the judges said:
“A clearly defined concept that places sustainability at its core, reflected consistently across every aspect of the operation. From a strong commitment to local sourcing of food and wines to a transparent approach and forward-looking vision, it demonstrates genuine purpose and coherence.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
BellasLokal, Bad Soden
Feed the Pony, Berlin
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin

Best Austrian Wine List

Recognises the best list for the wines of Austria

A category presented by Austrian Wine

Gold Star:
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach

What the judges said:
“This wine list showcases deep verticals spanning every major region and style, combining classical selections with a staggering range of choice. A true dreamland for Austrian wine lovers!”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Essers Gasthaus, Cologne
Freundschaft, Berlin
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
GRAPES Weinbar, Munich
Horváth, Berlin
Restaurant Fachwerk im Hotel Stadt Kassel, Rinteln
Weinkulturbar, Dresden
Witwenball, Hamburg

Best Italian Wine List

Recognises the best list for the wines of Italy

A category presented by Poggio al Tesoro

Gold Star:
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich

What the judges said:
“A wine list focused on classic regions and producers, distinguished by an exceptional library of back vintages. Simply outstanding in its depth and historical breadth.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
Enoiteca Il Calice, Berlin
Es:senz, Grassau
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
Tantris Maison Culinaire, Munich
W die Weinbar, Hamburg
Weinkulturbar, Dresden

Special Jury Prize

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

Gold Star:
Horváth, Berlin

What the judges said:
“A wine list with a truly distinctive personality, built around a historical concept: the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy (1867–1918). This unique perspective brings together an exceptional selection of wines from regions that once formed part of this cultural and geographical landscape – including Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Croatia. Beyond its historical depth, the list also highlights wines crafted with sustainable practices, made by producers who bring both conviction and charisma to their work.”
– Ferran Centelles

LOCAL CATEGORIES:

Best Bordeaux Wine List

A category presented by Château Tour des Termes

Gold Star:
Restaurant JM, Sylt

What the judges said:
“This wine list offers a massive selection of back vintages spanning over a century, with a strong focus on top red wines. A key strength of the list lies in its excellent value across all price levels, particularly through carefully selected older vintages.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
W die Weinbar, Hamburg
Weinkulturbar, Dresden

Best Rhône Wine List

Gold Star:
Tantris Maison Culinaire, Munich

What the judges said:
“A very elegant wine list with notable depth, particularly in the red wines, showcasing a strong focus on traditional producers and top names with an especially nice Northern Rhône selection.”
– Mikk Parre

Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Gasthaus Waltz, Munich
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
W die Weinbar, Hamburg
Weinkulturbar, Dresden

Best Rosé Wine List

A category presented by Château Galoupet

Gold Star:
Jaja, Berlin

What the judges said:
“This list takes rosé seriously. With more than 25 thoughtfully selected wines, it offers both young and mature vintages, creating a rich and nuanced perspective on the category. Rooted in classic French regions such as Tavel and the Loire, the selection also embraces countries like Germany, Austria, and Spain – with a clear commitment to producers who work with sensitivity and minimal intervention.”
– Ferran Centelles

Silver Stars:
Nobelhart und Schmutzig, Berlin
Restaurant Schorse im Leineschloss, Hannover
W die Weinbar, Hamburg
Weinkulturbar, Dresden

Best Spanish Wine List

A category presented by Familia Torres

Gold Star:
Hotel Jagdhof, Röhrnbach

What the judges said:
“Within a wine list rich in great German and international bottles, Spain finds one of its finest expressions. What makes it truly special is the presence of less obvious regions – Ribeira Sacra, Penedès, Mallorca, and Tenerife – alongside the great classics such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Priorat. An outstanding selection that brings together the finest Spanish producers, offering both diversity and depth in equal measure.”
– Ferran Centelles

Silver Stars:
Es:senz, Grassau
Kinfelts Kitchen & Wine, Hamburg
Restaurant Basil, Hannover
Sticks & Stones Wine Bar, Munich
W die Weinbar, Hamburg