Global Wine Elite Revealed: Americas Finalists Announced for Star Wine List Open 2026
The prestigious Star Wine List of the Year International Open has unveiled its finalists for 2026. This year, the competition celebrates outstanding wine lists across the Americas. Many talented restaurants and bars earned recognition. The announcement came on January 15, 2026. Winners will be revealed on February 2, 2026. This event highlights global wine culture. It recognizes dedication to exceptional wine selections. The International Open covers regions without a dedicated Star Wine List event. It ensures wine excellence everywhere gets noticed. This news is a significant marker for the wine industry. It shows a growing trend in wine appreciation. Los Angeles shines brightly this year. Antico Nuovo is among the celebrated finalists. This recognition is a major achievement.
The Star Wine List International Open Explained
Star Wine List is a global platform. It celebrates the world’s best wine lists. The International Open is its key annual competition. It spans multiple continents. The competition aims to find top wine venues. These are located outside of Star Wine List’s specific regional tours. An expert jury evaluates every submission. They seek innovation and quality. The 2026 competition saw a large number of entries. The deadline for submissions was December 14, 2025. Finalists were announced on January 15, 2026. Winners will be celebrated online. The grand finale is set for February 2, 2026. Gold Star winners advance to an international final in June 2026. A new Bronze Star category was also introduced. It acknowledges solid wine standards. This expands recognition for more venues.
Americas Finalists Emerge
The Americas region features many impressive contenders. Finalists hail from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. This diverse group showcases a wide range of wine expertise. From bustling cities to renowned wine regions, the selection is broad. Previous winners like Acquerello in San Francisco received nods again. Le Coureur des Bois in Canada also earned a spot. However, many new establishments are making their debut. These nominees represent the cutting edge of wine service. They demonstrate passion and commitment. This is great news for wine lovers everywhere. It highlights trending destinations. The competition spans various categories. These include Best Long List and Best Short List. It also features Best Medium-Sized List. Other categories honor specific wine types. These include Best Sparkling Wine List. The Sustainability Prize is also a key award. It recognizes eco-conscious wine programs. This global recognition is highly sought after.
Spotlight on Los Angeles’ Antico Nuovo
Los Angeles has a standout contender. Antico Nuovo has been named a finalist. It competes in the Best Medium-Sized List category. This category honors lists with 200 to 600 references. Antico Nuovo is an acclaimed Italian restaurant. It is known for its exquisite pasta and wood-fired meats. Wine Director Rachel Grisafi curates its impressive list. The selection is nearly 30 pages long. It focuses on minimal intervention wines. Classic Italian terroir expressions are prominent. Grisafi’s list shows deep understanding. It complements the restaurant’s culinary vision. The wine program has a balanced approach. It offers both confidence and approachability. Antico Nuovo is a trending spot in Los Angeles. It offers a rustic yet intimate dining experience. Chef Chad Colby leads the kitchen. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Guide mention. This nomination further solidifies its reputation. It positions Antico Nuovo as a top wine destination. This bar is clearly making its mark.
Diverse Contenders Across the Continent
Beyond Los Angeles, other notable establishments are finalists. In the Best Long List category, places like Anchoita in Argentina are recognized. Barberian’s Steakhouse in Toronto also made the cut. Guy Savoy in Las Vegas is another strong contender. For the Best Medium-Sized List, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro in Milwaukee is nominated. Copra in San Francisco also earned a place. These finalists represent a spectrum of wine programs. They range from classic institutions to modern wine bars. Each nominee demonstrates a unique approach. They share a commitment to wine excellence. The judges faced a difficult task. They selected lists that engage and enlighten wine lovers. This wide array of talent sets a high bar. It shows robust wine culture across the Americas. These venues are setting new standards.
Expert Judging and What’s Next
The wine lists were judged by a panel of experts. This includes Master Sommeliers like Julie Dupouy-Young and Jonathan Gouveia. Stefan Neumann also served on the judging panel. They assessed lists based on their quality. They looked for depth and diversity. Curation and relevance to the food were key. The finalists represent the best of the best. The anticipation for the winners is high. The Star Wine List of the Year International Final is next. Winners will be announced online on February 2, 2026. This digital event will crown the champions. It marks a significant milestone. It celebrates the hard work of sommeliers. It honors the vision of restaurateurs. This is a major news story for the culinary world. It continues to elevate wine culture globally. The recognition is a testament to dedication. It inspires future wine list creation. This event fuels innovation. It celebrates passion for wine.
A Toast to Excellence
The Star Wine List International Open 2026 finalists represent a vibrant wine scene. The Americas region boasts incredible talent. Antico Nuovo stands out in Los Angeles. Its nomination underscores its wine program’s strength. The competition celebrates dedication. It champions sommeliers and their craft. This event is a benchmark for quality. It drives excellence in hospitality. The upcoming winner announcements will be keenly watched. This is a moment for celebration. It honors the dedication to great wine. The future of wine lists looks exceptionally bright.
