Star Wine List celebrated South Africa's top wine lists

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 were 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 Prix

• The 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 List

• The best wine list with 200-600 listings, a category presented by Amorim Cork
• Gold Star: Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town

Best By The Glass

• 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

• Recognizes 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

• Recognizes a venue that has opened recently
• Gold Star: Signature Restaurant Umhlanga, Durban