On 16 September, Star Wine List will celebrate the great wine lists of South Africa for the second time, in cooperation with the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA). The international sommelier jury including two sommelier world champions has now decided the finalists from across South Africa.
Star Wine List of the Year is a celebration of the great wine lists in the world and the teams behind them. In South Africa, the prize is awarded in eight categories, and the winner in each category will also qualify for the International Final in 2024.The South African awards will be held at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 16 September, in cooperation with the South African Sommelier Association, and the Best Sommelier of South Africa event.
“After the wonderful response we got last year, it will be great to once again highlight the best wine lists in the country,” says Krister Bengtsson, founder and publisher of Star Wine List.
For the first time, the best Newcomer wine lists are awarded. Sustainability has gotten its own category as well, presented by WWF Conservation Champions. Winterhalter joins as partner for both Grand Prix and Best Long List, and Amorim Cork presents the Best Medium-Sized List. And like always, the Best Sparkling wine lists are also recognised, presented by Nyetimber.
About the jury
The jury for the Star Wine List of the Year South Africa 2023 is filled with sommelier champions, including two world sommelier champions:
- Marc Almert, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2016
- Julie Dupouy-Young, several times Best Sommelier of Ireland
- Tawanda Marume, Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe
- Raimonds Tomsons, ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023
Finalists
Grand Prix
The best list overall, presented by Winterhalter.
The winner will be announced at the event.
Best Long Wine List
The best large wine list, with more than 600 references, presented by Winterhalter.
- Aubergine, Cape Town
- Ellerman House, Cape Town
- Noop, Paarl
- Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg
Best Medium-Sized List
The best wine list with 200-600 listings, presented by Amorim Cork.
- Capito, Pretoria
- Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town
- FYN Restaurant, Cape Town
- Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Pretoria
- La Colombe, Constantia
- Marble Restaurant Johannesburg
- Signature Restaurant Sandton, Johannesburg
- Signature Restaurant Umhlanga, Durban
Best Short List
The best wine list with fewer than 200 listings.
- Café Charles, Cape Town
- ëlgr restaurant, Cape Town
- Grub & Vine, Cape Town
- Judd’s Local, Cape Town
- PRIVA Lounge, Pretoria
- Salsify at the Roundhouse, Cape Town
- The Chefs’ Table Restaurant, Durban
Best By the Glass List
The best wine list by the glass.
- Belthazar, Cape Town
- Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town
- ëlgr restaurant, Cape Town
- Grub & Vine, Cape Town
- Marble Restaurant, Johannesburg
- Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg
- The Wine Glass, Stellenbosch
Best Sparkling Wine List
The best list with sparkling wine, a category presented by Nyetimber.
- Aubergine, Cape Town
- Belthazar, Cape Town
- Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town
- Grub & Vine, Cape Town
- Marble Restaurant, Johannesburg
Sustainable Wine List
Not only the wine list is evaluated, but also the stated actions of the venue, a category presented by WWF Conservation Champions.
- ëlgr restaurant, Cape Town
- Ellerman House, Cape Town
- La Colombe, Constantia
Best Newcomer List
For a venue that recently opened.
- Dusk, Stellenbosch
- Kashew, Johannesburg
- Signature Restaurant Umhlanga, Durban
- The Bailey, Cape Town
For more info, please contact Krister Bengtsson, founder and publisher: krister@starwinelist.com