By Elise Ferrari
The winners of the annual Australian Wine List of the Year awards have been announced, with the competition as tough as ever.
Held on Monday (Aug 2) at Skoda Australia’s showroom in Melbourne, and presented by Fine Wine Partners and Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine, the awards recognise the investment made by restaurants, bars and clubs to develop a quality wine list.
The biggest winner overall was Melbourne’s Rockpool Bar & Grill, winning both Best Restaurant Wine List and the Australian Wine List of the Year.
Rockpool took out the prestigious national award, defeating Sydney finalists Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Pilu, Glass, Est. and Quay, as well as Melbourne's Vue du Monde.
The restaurant’s wine list was noted for its quality and depth, according to the 28 strong judging panel chaired by Australian wine communicator, Peter Forrestal.
Victory was not limited to just New South Wales and Victoria, with Western Australia’s Settlers Tavern named Best Pub Restaurant, and Perth’s Must Wine Bar awarded Best Wine Bar.
Queensland’s The Brisbane Club was also named Best Club Restaurant.
The Gourmet Traveller WINE Readers’ Choice Award for 2010 went to Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, Victoria.