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, and the Antico Nuovo Finalist is a celebrated name among them. This year, the competition celebrates outstanding wine lists across the Americas. Many talented restaurants and bars earned recognition, with the announcement coming on January 15, 2026. Winners will be revealed on February 2, 2026. This event highlights global wine culture and recognizes dedication to exceptional wine selections. The International Open covers regions without a dedicated Star Wine List event, ensuring wine excellence everywhere gets noticed. This news is a significant marker for the wine industry, showing a growing trend in wine appreciation. Los Angeles shines brightly this year, with Antico Nuovo among the celebrated finalists. This recognition for Antico Nuovo is a major achievement.
The Star Wine List International Open Explained
Star Wine List is a global platform that celebrates the world’s best wine lists. The International Open is its key annual competition, spanning multiple continents. The competition aims to find top wine venues located outside of Star Wine List’s specific regional tours. An expert jury evaluates every submission, seeking innovation and quality. The 2026 competition saw a large number of entries, with the deadline for submissions on December 14, 2025. Finalists were announced on January 15, 2026, and 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, acknowledging solid wine standards and expanding 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, demonstrating passion and commitment. This is great news for wine lovers everywhere, highlighting trending destinations. The competition spans various categories, including Best Long List and Best Short List. It also features Best Medium-Sized List. Other categories honor specific wine types, including Best Sparkling Wine List. The Sustainability Prize is also a key award, recognizing eco-conscious wine programs. This global recognition is highly sought after.
Spotlight on Los Angeles’ Antico Nuovo: An Antico Nuovo Finalist
Los Angeles has a standout contender in the Antico Nuovo Finalist. Antico Nuovo has been named a finalist, competing in the Best Medium-Sized List category. This category honors lists with 200 to 600 references. Antico Nuovo is an acclaimed Italian restaurant, known for its exquisite pasta and wood-fired meats. Wine Director Rachel Grisafi curates its impressive list, which is nearly 30 pages long. The selection focuses on minimal intervention wines, with classic Italian terroir expressions prominent. Grisafi’s list shows deep understanding and complements the restaurant’s culinary vision. The wine program has a balanced approach, offering both confidence and approachability. Antico Nuovo is a trending spot in Los Angeles, offering 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 as an Antico Nuovo Finalist, positioning 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, from classic institutions to modern wine bars. Each nominee demonstrates a unique approach but shares a commitment to wine excellence. The judges faced a difficult task selecting lists that engage and enlighten wine lovers. This wide array of talent sets a high bar and shows robust wine culture across the Americas. These venues are setting new standards.
Expert Judging and What’s Next for this Antico Nuovo Finalist
The wine lists were judged by a panel of experts, including Master Sommeliers like Julie Dupouy-Young and Jonathan Gouveia. Stefan Neumann also served on the judging panel. They assessed lists based on their quality, depth, and diversity. Curation and relevance to the food were key. The finalists, including the Antico Nuovo Finalist, 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 and marks a significant milestone. It celebrates the hard work of sommeliers and the vision of restaurateurs. This is a major news story for the culinary world, continuing to elevate wine culture globally. The recognition is a testament to dedication and inspires future wine list creation. This event fuels innovation and 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 as an Antico Nuovo Finalist. Its nomination underscores its wine program’s strength. The competition celebrates dedication and champions sommeliers and their craft. This event is a benchmark for quality and drives excellence in hospitality. The upcoming winner announcements will be keenly watched. This is a moment for celebration, honoring the dedication to great wine. The future of wine lists looks exceptionally bright, with contenders like Antico Nuovo leading the way.
