Supporting restaurants for a brighter future.
The 2021 NSW SOMMELIER’S WINE LIST AWARDS launched last week with a new look and a revitalised aim of showcasing and rewarding the very best ‘NSW Wine Stars’. A ‘NSW Wine Star’ is a sommelier/beverage manager or venue that offers their customers a great NSW wine experience and a range of delicious local wines that highlight the quality and diversity of wines being produced in NSW.
NSW Wine Industry Association President Mark Bourne says, “In these challenging times it is more important than ever that all sectors of hospitality work together. NSW has an exceptional selection of wines, from a diversity of regions and climates, that are created by passionate and driven people across the State. The NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards celebrates those sommeliers and restaurant venues that work with local wine producers to create memorable NSW dine and wine experiences”.
Mark continues, “We have just this week received the latest wine list research, which shows that wines made in NSW hold only 11% of listings within restaurants and bars in NSW. This shows there is still plenty of opportunity for growth and it is critical for the sustainable future of all our industries that we support and work with each other.
“We are very proud of the exceptional wine experiences offered at our cellar doors, and these awards look to celebrate when these are complemented by sommeliers and expanded into memorable dining experiences. So, it is with great pleasure that I announce the 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards are now open for entries, and look forward to sommeliers and restaurants showcasing their passion and commitment for the First State Of Wine, New South Wales.”
As well as the new look, there have been a few other changes to the Awards since the inaugural awards in 2019. Entry is still FREE via a simple online form but this year there will be submission categories for wine lists from hotel accommodation venues, as well as restaurants, gastro pubs and wine bars. Anywhere that has a wine list now has a chance to be crowned a ‘NSW Wine Star’ and then go on to possibly win one of the seven ‘2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year’ titles on offer.
In 2021, submitted wine lists will be judged by three experienced, independent judges. Dane Richards, with experience as GM and Head of Reviewing Australia for Gault&Millau, and judging food and wine at all levels for a diversity of organisations, providing invaluable, honest and objective assessments. Ned Goodwin, Master of Wine, is a former Sommelier, a dux of the Len Evans Tutorial, Japan’s first Master of Wine and a highly regarded wine educator and critic. He brings a wealth of wine knowledge to the team. Mark Baulderstone, MD of Riedel Spiegelau Nachtmann Australia, has worked with some of the world’s finest wine glasses and a diverse range of restaurants, giving him great insight into the broader wine experience.
The 2021 winners will be announced at a prestigious event at Government House Sydney, hosted by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, on 24th May.
Along with a stunning trophy and promotional opportunities, some great prizes are also up for grabs, including automatic entry into Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, exclusive food and wine trips to some of NSW’s best wine regions, invaluable advice on and creation of the right digital systems and design for your business, some of Australia’s best wine logistic solutions and some cutting-edge wine service equipment and premium wine glasses (individually selected for your venue), making these awards a must-enter event for any sommelier and restaurant.
Sommeliers and Beverage/Bar Managers have until 11 April to enter the awards online at www.nswwine.com.au/nsw-sommeliers-wine-list-awards
2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards
