It’s the fourth year of the awards, which saw a record number of entries submitted from across the state.

Run by the NSW Wine Industry Association, the award seeks out the state’s best sommeliers, beverage managers and venues showcasing local NSW wine producers.

The submitted lists have been judged by Dane Richards (Editor News for the Food Lover and President NSW Bailliage of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs) and Mark Baulderstone (MD Riedel Spiegelau Nachtmann Australia) to be whittled down to 42 finalists.

The 42 finalists are as follows:

  • Altitude at the Shangri-La, Sydney                                                  
  • Atelier by Sofitel, Sydney                                                                    
  • Avalon Restaurant, Katoomba                                                          
  • Bar Lucia, Sydney                                                                                   
  • BAR NSW, Lookout at Echo Point                                                    
  • Bells Boutique Hotel, Killcare                                                            
  • Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney                                                        
  • Bibo Wine Bar, Sydney                                                                          
  • Bills Fishhouse + Bar, Port Macquarie                                            
  • Black Bar & Grill, Sydney                                                                       
  • Blaq Restaurant at The Kyah, Blackheath                                  
  • Boilerhouse, Sydney                                                                                
  • Botanica, Pokolbin                                                                                   
  • Botswana Butchery, Sydney                                                              
  • Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral                                                            
  • Bull & Bell Steakhouse, Griffith                                                        
  • Charred Kitchen and Bar, Orange                                                   
  • Dead Ringer, Sydney                                                                                
  • Dixson & Sons, Sydney                                                                            
  • Esca Restaurant, Pokolbin                                                                   
  • Eschalot Restaurant, Berrima
  • Flying Fish, Sydney                                                           
  • Glass Bistro, Mittagong
  • Glass Brasserie at The Hilton, Sydney
  • Gowings at QT Sydney
  • Infinity, Sydney
  • International Convention Centre, Sydney
  • Me-Gal, Sydney
  • Ploos Restaurant, Sydney
  • Public Dining Room, Sydney
  • QT Newcastle
  • Quay, Sydney
  • Rustica, Newcastle Beach
  • Singleton Diggers, Singleton
  • SOUTH on Albany, Berry
  • Tattersalls Club, Sydney
  • The Blue Door Surry Hills, Sydney
  • The Newcastle Club, Newcastle
  • The Quarry Restaurant, Cowra
  • The Zin House, Mudgee
  • Whitney’s Restaurant at The Remington, Orange
  • Woodcut, Sydney

The 42 finalists are now in the running to win the title of NSW Wine Star, along with a range of prizes such as a Coravin Pivot wine preservation system; free entry to Australia’s Wine List of the Year Award; a glass consultation and $2000 fit out from Riedel and trips to NSW wine regions.

The winners will be announced later this year.