The World of Fine Wine
2015 World’s Best Wine Lists
Awards Criteria
General Criteria
All award-winning wine lists must reach certain standards in relation to a range of criteria, among which the most important are: the breadth, depth, interest, quality, and value of the wine selection (relative to the nature and size of the list and any specialism); the clarity of the organization and presentation; the accuracy and completeness of the information for each entry on the list, including origin, producer, wine, vintage, price, and format or serving size; the suitability of the selection in terms of the cuisine and the establishment.
Related
One-Star Award
A good wine list in relation to the general criteria.
Two-Star Award
A very good wine list in relation to the general criteria, and in addition normally with: superior breadth and/or depth in the selection; a high proportion of leading producers; a good mix of vintages in terms of age, maturity, quality, and style; a good range of wine styles and prices; a good by-the-glass program; a good selection of half-bottles and larger formats; superior organization and presentation.
Three-Star Award
A great wine list in relation to the general criteria, and in addition normally with: exceptional breadth and/or depth in the selection; a very high proportion of leading producers, large and small, old and new, established and emerging; a very good mix of vintages in terms of age, maturity, quality, and style; a wide range of wine styles and prices; an extensive by-the-glass program; an extensive selection of half-bottles and larger formats; outstanding organization and presentation; clear evidence of originality and personality; clear evidence of commitment over the long term, genuine passion, and real vision.
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Category Awards – Regional (selected from among the three-star award-winners in each region)
The following category awards will be made for each of the six regions (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia, Australasia), providing that there is a suitably worthy winner: Best Wine List; Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List; Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List; Best By-the-Glass Wine List; Best Wine-and-Food Pairing List; Best New List (for establishments that opened within 12 months of the closing date for entries); Best Wine Bar List; Best Hotel Wine List; Best Medium-Sized List (fewer than 500 wines); Best Short Wine List (fewer than 200 wines); Most Original Wine List.
Category Awards – Global (selected from among the regional category-award winners, with the exception of airlines and cruise lines)
The following category awards will be made on a global basis: Best Wine List; Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List; Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List; Best By-the-Glass Wine List; Best Wine-and-Food Pairing List; Best New List (for establishments that opened within 12 months of the closing date for entries); Best Wine Bar List; Best Hotel Wine List; Best Medium-Sized List (fewer than 500 wines); Best Short Wine List (fewer than 200 wines); Most Original Wine List; Best Airline Wine List; Best Cruise Line Wine List.
Jury Prizes (selected from among the three-star award-winners)
At the nomination of individual senior judges, but subject to the approval of the jury as a whole, these prizes recognize wine lists that show distinctive character and flair, offer exceptionally good value, or were particularly strong in a specific wine style.
