The Star Wine List International Final 2025 will be held in… Vienna
Next June sees the International Final of the Star Wine List of the Year tour 2024/’25. As we reveal the date – 16 June – and the location – Vienna – our friends at Austrian Wine tease us with details of what our global finalists can expect from the climax of our world wine list competition.
The Star Wine List of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting wine lists in the world, and the people who have created them. This season, we are holding 19 events across Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa, finishing up in Austria on 16 June 2025 with the winners in each region’s international categories competing for world titles.
Last year’s International Final was held in Stockholm, attended by guests from 19 different countries who shared a wine-paired lunch, competed in a roving city quiz, tasted the broad selections from our sponsors, and then cheered one another on as the overall winners were announced. There was a rooftop party to finish off, of course, watching the sun set over the Swedish capital before people ventured off into the night...
This year, we head to Austria for what promises to be another special event.
“We are preparing an unforgettable experience that blends Vienna’s finest elements – wine, art, and culture,” says Patrick Eppacher, Head of International Markets at Austrian Wine. “Finalists will visit some of the city’s most iconic spots and spend an extraordinary day with sommeliers from across the globe. It’s all about bringing together a shared passion for wine in a city that celebrates creativity and excellence.”
The Star Wine List team is excited to gather our worthy winners for a sommelier festival like no other! Check our events page to see if there’s still time to enter the awards in your country.
We spoke to Patrick about why the awards are important to Austrian Wine, a Star Wine List global partner.
What do you like about working with Star Wine List?
“We love collaborating with Star Wine List because it’s a truly unique international platform dedicated to top sommeliers and wine-focused restaurants. While chefs often take centre stage in the culinary world, Star Wine List shines a well-deserved spotlight on sommeliers and wine. We also appreciate how the platform continues to grow and innovate, making it an exciting partnership for us.”
What are you looking forward to at the International Final?
“We’re thrilled to host the International Final and share Austria’s hospitality, culture, and of course, our incredible wines. Vienna, with its vibrant art, culinary, and cultural scene, is the perfect backdrop to showcase why it’s been ranked the most liveable city in the world. It’s a chance for participants to truly experience what makes Austria special.”
What does the atmosphere in the room feel like, at the competition?
“The energy in the room is electric! You can feel the passion from every participant – it’s inspiring to see sommeliers and restaurants come together on such a prestigious platform.”
What else will Austrian Wine be up to in June?
“Our team is constantly working on activities worldwide to promote Austrian wine. During that time next year we’re already planning for VieVinum 2026. It’s going to be another extraordinary event that will leave anyone who hasn’t already fallen in love with Vienna completely smitten!”
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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.
