On 16 September, Star Wine List of the Year celebrated the great wine lists in South Africa. The Grand Prix and two more Gold Stars was won by Culture Wine Bar in Cape Town.

“Impressive to see the continuous development across the board, despite all struggles of the previous years. Many wine lists had an even clearer structure, focus, and good balance of local and international wines. As a sommelier I was particularly excited by the large amount of mature vintages on offer. Cheers to the South African sommelier community!” says Jury member Marc Almert, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019.

Star Wine List of the Year is a celebration of the great wine lists in the world and the teams behind them. The prize was awarded in eight categories, and the winners in each category got a Gold Star and qualified for the international final (to be held in June 2024). The event was held alongside the Best Sommelier of South Africa 2023 Competition at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

About the jury

The jury for the Star Wine List of the Year South Africa 2023 comprises of some of the most renowned sommeliers in the world, including two world sommelier champions:

  • Tawanda Marume, Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe
  • Raimonds Tomsons, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023
  • Marc Almert, ASI Best sommelier of the World 2019
  • Julie Dupouy-Young, Best Sommelier of Ireland

Winners

Grand PrixThe best overall list, a category presented by Winterhalter

Gold Star: Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town

Best Long List

The best wine list with over 600 listings, a category presented by Winterhalter

Gold Star: Aubergine, Cape Town

Best Medium-Sized ListThe best wine list with 200-600 listings, a category presented by Amorim Cork

Gold Star: Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town

Best By the Glass List

The best wine list by the glass

Gold Star: Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg

Best Sparkling Wine List

The best list with sparkling wine, a category presented by Nyetimber

Gold Star: Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town

Sustainable Wine List

Recognises a wine list that has put extra emphasis on the wine program’s impact, including wine growing, winemaking, packaging and transport. A category presented by WWF Conservation Champions

Gold Star: ëlgr restaurant, Cape Town

Best Short List

The best wine list with fewer than 200 listings

Gold Star: Grub & Vine, Cape Town

Best Newcomer List

Recognises a venue that has opened recently

Gold Star: Signature Restaurant Umhlanga, Durban