Award-winning Stillwater wine list runs deep

Long-time Launceston favourite Stillwater Restaurant has been crowned champion in the 2022 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year awards.

Sommelier James Welsh's impressively detailed list took out the overall Best Tasmanian Wine List in the awards organised by Wine Tasmania.

Three additional categories were awarded this year, including a new category - Best Small Wine Bar List - which was awarded to Launceston venue Bar Two.

The Old Bank of Geeveston took out the award for Judges’ Choice Best Regional Wine List for a second consecutive year and The People’s Choice award, as voted by the Tasmanian public, was awarded to culinary touring experience Eat the Wild.

Stillwater Restaurant’s extensive selection of both current vintage and museum wine coupled with its high standard of customer service earned the venue the prized title .

Stillwater’s co-owner and sommelier James Welsh said the eatery has a philosophy that focuses on combining local produce, beautiful wine and exceptional service.

“The palpable sense of care and community is the best thing about Stillwater and that’s why many of our customers continue to dine with us after 20 years of operation," he said.

"We are privileged to play a part in some of life’s most precious moments - hosting engagements, anniversary dinners and milestone birthdays.”

The judging panel commended all the finalists for their great support of local wine producers.

Judge and wine writer Winsor Dobbin (oops, that's me) said: “I think this is the most impressive list of finalists we have seen so far, and the standard of wine lists featuring local wines is on the rise.”

Wine Tasmania’s CEO Sheralee Davies said: “The entries this year reflect much greater depth and diversity of wine lists across different wine producers, wine growing areas, vintages, varieties and styles than seen before.

"Wine knowledge, training and service is an elevated priority for venues and their staff, with a wide range of additional promotion and activity being undertaken by venues to support local wine producers."

2022 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year award winners:

Judges’ Choice Best Wine List – Stillwater
Judges’ Choice Best Small Wine Bar List – Bar Two
Judges’ Choice Best Regional Wine List – The Old Bank of Geeveston
People’s Choice Best Wine List – Eat the Wild

2022 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year finalists (listed alphabetically):

Alida Restaurant at Penny Royal (Launceston), Aura Hobart, Black Cow Bistro (Launceston), Black Footed Pig (Hobart), Driftwood Restaurant (Lauderdale), Mudbar (Launceston), Mures Upper Deck (Hobart), Peppermint Bay (Woodbridge), Peppina (Hobart), Prospect House Private Hotel (Richmond), Stelo at Pierre’s (Launceston) and The Gorge Restaurant (Trevallyn).