Category: Wine Awards

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa: Is A Chic Urban Retreat in the Heart of Lisbon

Tucked away in Lisbon’s charismatic Bairro Alto district, The Lumiares Hotel & Spa is not just a hotel; it’s a design-forward, soulfully Portuguese experience that seamlessly blends elegance, authenticity, and a deep sense of place. This five-star boutique gem, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and featured in the Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels 2025 guide, has earned accolades for its intuitive hospitality and earned the 2024 award for Best Bar in Europe, for good reason.

Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace, The Lumiares reimagines luxury for the modern traveller. The design tells a distinctly Portuguese story: think bold patterned tiles, original artworks by Lisbon-based creatives, handcrafted furniture, and warm textures that nod to the city’s vibrant culture.

Each of the 47 apartment-style suites, from Studios to the two-bedroom Penthouse, offers both style and space. Fully equipped kitchens with SMEG appliances, elegant living and dining areas, and plush king-sized beds ensure guests feel truly at home. Oversized windows frame iconic cityscapes of terracotta rooftops, winding cobblestone alleys, and distant river views.

A true highlight of my stay was the Lumi Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Set high above Lisbon, it offers sweeping 180° views of the Tagus River and the timeless charm of the Alfama historic skyline.

What made it so special? The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between polished sophistication and laid-back charm. Chef João Silva’s seasonal menus showcase fresh, local ingredients with creativity and flair, while the craft cocktails celebrate Portugal’s rich culinary heritage with inventive twists.

It’s no surprise that Lumi was awarded Best Bar in Europe 2024 by Condé Nast Johansens, a well-earned recognition for a truly memorable experience.

The Lumiares Spa is a hidden oasis in the city. The treatment menu includes everything from deep-tissue and Ayurvedic massages to organic facials and detoxifying rituals. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, and a 24-hour gym.

The Lumiares Concierge team excels at curating bespoke experiences tailored to each guest. Think:

  • Private tuk-tuk tours through Lisbon’s oldest quarters
  • Artisan-led azulejo tile painting workshops
  • Food and wine tastings showcasing local petiscos and boutique wines
  • Sunset sailing on the Tagus River
  • Fado music nights in nearby Alfama

For oenophiles, the hotel can arrange private vineyard day trips to Setúbal or Colares, two of Portugal’s most fascinating and under-discovered wine regions.

The hotel’s enviable central location makes it an ideal base for walking and exploring:

  • Chiado and Principe Real shopping districts – 5-minute walk
  • Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – just steps away, perfect for golden hour
  • Elevador da Glória – right outside, connects guests to downtown Baixa
  • Carmo Convent and Santa Justa Lift – under 10 minutes on foot
  • Time Out Market and the Ribeira waterfront – 15-minute stroll

“The Lumiares is effortlessly Lisbon: layered, expressive, welcoming, and deeply rooted in place. It invites you not just to visit the city, but to live it.”  Liz Palmer

Celebrating Excellence in Global Wine Hospitality: 2025 Regional Winners of The World’s Best Wine Lists Announced

The World of Fine Wine has just unveiled the winners of the 2025 World’s Best Wine Lists – Regional Category Awards, which honour outstanding achievements in global wine hospitality.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, leading establishments across six major global regions: Asia, Australasia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America, and South & Central America, including the Caribbean, have been recognized for their exceptional wine list curation. These venues demonstrated outstanding depth, breadth, and originality in their wine selections, along with a steadfast commitment to quality, education, and exemplary service.

In total, awards were presented across 21 distinct categories in each region, recognizing restaurants, wine bars, hotels, and other establishments that exemplify best practices and innovation in wine list development.

Regional winners will now advance to the final stage of adjudication, competing for the prestigious Global Category Awards, which will be officially announced at the 2025 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Savoy, London, on September 15, 2025.

This initiative underscores the evolving standards of excellence in wine service and highlights the critical role of curated wine programs in enriching the global gastronomic landscape.

“As ever, we were delighted by the exceptionally high standard and endless variety of the wine lists entered into this year’s World’s Best Wine Lists Awards,” said the chairman of the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards and editor of The World of Fine Wine, Neil Beckett.

“To be judged the best on their respective continent in one of these categories is a huge achievement for any establishment, and each of the Regional Category Awards winners has every right to be extremely proud of the prestigious titles they have already won,” Beckett continued.

The World’s Best Wine Lists is a global awards program created in 2014 by the multi-award-winning publication The World of Fine Wine.

Judged according to a rigorous protocol by independent, international panels of leading professionals, including World Champion Sommeliers, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and highly respected wine writers, it is the first awards program to acknowledge the crucial importance of a good wine selection, regardless of size, in the modern dining experience all around the world.

Commenting on the new format for the awards ceremony, which will elevate the event from a walk-around tasting to an “elegant” gala dinner, Beckett said, “We are thrilled to introduce this new format on September 15.

“This transformation will not only provide a more relaxed and sophisticated ambience but will also nurture even more meaningful networking and tasting opportunities, allowing attendees to connect and build lasting relationships with key clients and industry leaders while sharing a range of fine wines in the context of a sumptuous meal.”

Tickets for this exclusive event, which are limited, can be purchased from the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2025 site: https://nsmg.eventsonlineregister.com/tc-events/world-of-fine-wine-the-worlds-best-wine-list-awards-2025/

World’s Best Wine Lists 2025 Regional Category Winners

 

Best Long Wine List (more than 500 wines)

Evett, Seoul, South Korea—Asia

Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Affinatore, Milan, Italy—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius—Middle East & Africa

Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Tarrytown, New York, USA—North America

Grand Old House, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Medium Wine List (fewer than 500 wines)

Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Bangkok, Thailand—Asia

Shell House, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Blandford Comptoir, London, UK—Europe

Nobu, Dubai, UAE—Middle East & Africa

Compline Restaurant, Napa, California, USA—North America

Bu’ul at Chablé Maroma, Playa del Carmen, Mexico—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Short Wine List (fewer than 250 wines)

Sushi Oono, Singapore—Asia

The Wine Bar at The International, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Liath, Dublin, Ireland—Europe

Moonrise, Dubai, UAE—Middle East & Africa

Atoboy, New York City, New York, USA—North America

Best Micro Wine List (fewer than 100 wines or 4 pages)

Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon, IFC Mall, Hong Kong, China—Asia

Bar Miette, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia—Australasia

Mina’s, London, UK—Europe

Kru, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA—North America

Best Regional Wine List (in the region)

Cai Lin Xuan, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Rissai Valley, Jiuzhaigou, China—Asia

Ten Minutes by Tractor, Main Ridge, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Rei dos Leitões, Mealhada, Portugal—Europe

Sabi Sabi, Johannesburg, South Africa—Middle East & Africa

Treadwell Cuisine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada—North America

Aramara, The Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Regional Wine List (outside the region)

Burnt Ends, Singapore (for Australia)—Asia

Grossi Florentino, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (for Italy)—Australasia

NapaGrill, Zürich, Switzerland (for USA)—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius (for France)—Middle East & Africa

Acquerello, San Francisco, California, USA (for Italy)—North America

Ajualä, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (for Spain)—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List

Evett, Seoul, South Korea—Asia

Quay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Affinatore, Milan, Italy—Europe

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, UAE—Middle East & Africa

Acquerello, San Francisco, California, USA—North America

Grand Old House, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List

Grossi Florentino, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Wunderbrunnen, Opfikon, Switzerland—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius—Middle East & Africa

Southall Farm & Inn, Franklin, Tennessee, USA—North America

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Organic Wine List

Potong, Bangkok, Thailand—Asia

Gimlet Cavendish House, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

La Cuverie by Comte Liger-Belair, Vosne-Romanée, France—Europe

Jing Restaurant, Constance Halaveli, Maldives—Middle East & Africa

Barcelona Wine Bar, Washington, DC, USA—North America

Best Sake List (outside Japan)

Palace Garden Grand Lisboa Palace, Macao—Asia

The Chedi Andermatt, Andermatt, Switzerland—Europe

Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi, UAE—Middle East & Africa

Sushi Nakazawa, New York City, NY, USA—North America

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Spirits List

The Datai Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia—Asia

Society, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Visselulles Vinbar, Sønderborg, Denmark—Europe

Nobu, Dubai, UAE—Middle East & Africa

The Pines Modern Steakhouse, Highland, California, USA—North America

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Wine-by-the-Glass List (with Coravin®)

Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Bangkok, Thailand—Asia

Maison Bâtard, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

67 Pall Mall, London, UK—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius—Middle East & Africa

Wine Bar George, Lake Buenavista, Florida, USA—North America

Ajualä, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Wine-by-the-Glass List (without Coravin®)

Chún, MGM Cotai, Macao—Asia

Ten Minutes by Tractor, Main Ridge, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi, UAE—Middle East & Africa

Vintage ’78 Wine Bar, Overland Park, Kansas, USA—North America

Best Wine Bar List

Big Wine Freaks, Singapore—Asia

Cellar Door Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand—Australasia

Sticks & Stones A Terroir Bar by Justin Leone, Munich, Germany—Europe

The Library, Houston, Texas, USA—North America

Best Hotel Wine List

Palace Garden Grand Lisboa Palace, Macao—Asia

Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Hotel Almhof Schneider, Lech, Austria—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius—Middle East & Africa

The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado, USA—North America

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Most Original Wine List

Potong, Bangkok, Thailand—Asia

Ten Minutes by Tractor, Main Ridge, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Kupaj Fine Wines and Gourmet Tapas, Cluj-Napoca, Romania—Europe

Sabi Sabi, Johannesburg, South Africa—Middle East & Africa

Ada’s Food + Wine, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA—North America

Best Designed Wine List

Potong, Bangkok, Thailand—Asia

The Grill at The International, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Frog by Adam Handling, London, UK—Europe

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, UAE—Middle East & Africa

March, Houston, Texas, USA—North America

Best New Wine List (since 2022)

Big Wine Freaks, Singapore—Asia

The Grill at The International, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Sticks & Stones A Terroir Bar by Justin Leone, Munich, Germany—Europe

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, UAE—Middle East & Africa

Chez Fifi, New York City, New York, USA—North America

Best Value Wine List

Bar Miette, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia—Asia

The Grape Escape, Cheltenham, UK—Europe

Sabi Sabi, Johannesburg, South Africa—Middle East & Africa

C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado, USA—North America

Best All-Inclusive Wine List

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives—Asia

Alizée Restaurant, Constance Moofushi, Maldives—Middle East & Africa

Best Half-Bottle Wine List

Spago at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore—Asia

Grill Americano, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia—Australasia

Hotel Almhof Schneider, Lech, Austria—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius—Middle East & Africa

One White Street, New York City, New York, USA—North America

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas—South & Central America and the Caribbean

Best Large-Format Wine List

Zuicho Grand Lisboa Palace, Macao—Asia

Aria, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Einstein Gourmet, St Gallen, Switzerland—Europe

Blue Penny Cellar, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius—Middle East & Africa

Grill 23 & Bar, Boston, Massachusetts, USA—North America

Grand Old House, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands— South & Central America and the Caribbean

France Reigns Supreme at the 2025 Decanter Awards, Redefining the Benchmark for World-Class Wine

The results of the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, announced last week, reaffirmed France’s preeminent position in the global wine hierarchy. In this year’s competition, France secured an extraordinary 3,200 medals, a remarkable 1,000 more than its closest rival, alongside 14 Best in Show accolades. Notably, the category of Champagne emerged with 27 honours.

Italy, another powerhouse of the wine world, earned 2,204 medals, including six Best in Show distinctions, marking an improvement of 31 top-tier honours compared to its performance in 2024. Meanwhile, Spain amassed 2,025 medals and five Best in Show wins, with its Rioja region gaining special attention. Garnering three Platinum medals and 21 Gold medals, Rioja shines as an ideal destination for wine lovers, a hidden gem for those seeking to explore the richness of Spanish winemaking beyond the bustling tourist centers of Andalusia and Catalonia.

The remainder of the top ten medal-winning nations included Australia, Portugal, South Africa, Argentina, Croatia, Canada, and Chile, a testament to the growing diversity and global reach of the wine industry.

In 2025, the Decanter World Wine Awards once again illuminate the evolving landscape of fine wine, reaffirming France as a timeless beacon of excellence and craftsmanship for wine lovers, connoisseurs and collectors.

For further details: https://tinyurl.com/4smsvh7u

Margaret River to Host World’s 50 Best Vineyards Awards November 2025

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards Awards returns in 2025, with this year’s event hosted in Margaret River, Western Australia. On Wednesday, November 19, the list of 2025’s finest vineyard experiences will be revealed at a special live event in Margaret River, encouraging travellers to discover the very best wine and gastronomy tourism in the world.

The Margaret River Region, in Western Australia’s Southwest, is the only premium wine region in Australia that combines world-class food and wine with pristine beaches, tall-timber forests, renowned surf breaks and ancient caves. In addition to its 200 vineyards and welcoming cellars, the region is home to a diverse selection of restaurants, from award-winning establishments to local favourites, presenting wine and food pairings that showcase the best of the region’s produce.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards to Western Australia later this year for the first time,” says William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. “This region offers the perfect combination of world-class wine, vibrant gastronomy and breathtaking natural surroundings. From its pristine coastline and ancient forests to its dynamic food and wine scene, Margaret River delivers an unforgettable visitor experience. It’s an ideal setting to celebrate the innovation, excellence and diversity that characterize global wine tourism.”

Tourism WA Managing Director Anneke Brown said, “Welcoming The World’s 50 Best Vineyards to our iconic Margaret River Region is a proud moment for Western Australia. This globally recognized event will shine a spotlight on the world-class wine experiences found in WA and reinforces our reputation as a premium destination for travellers seeking extraordinary food, wine and nature-based tourism. We look forward to hosting industry leaders, media and wine enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing the very best our region – and our state – has to offer.”

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards list is compiled annually to spotlight and celebrate the leading wine tourism destinations around the globe. Each year, it highlights exceptional vineyards that offer unique visitor experiences, ranging from modern architectural masterpieces and UNESCO-protected ancient cellars to award-winning dining spots and intimate family-run wineries.

The Voting Academy, made up of more than 700 influential wine and travel experts and sommeliers, submit their nominations based on their best vineyard experience during the voting period. There is no set criteria for what constitutes best elements such as overall visitor experience, ambiance, cuisine, activities, views, service, staff, and value for money may have varying degrees of importance to different voters. The votes are then collated to determine the annual list of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. Vineyards cannot apply to be on the list. Equally, no sponsor has any influence on the voting process.

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards is now fully integrated into the 50 Best brand portfolios, published by William Reed, which includes The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Hotels, and regional iterations of the brand. This new alignment brings the wine portfolio – including World’s Best Vineyards and World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection – under the globally recognized 50 Best umbrella, the leading authority in gastronomy, hospitality and travel.

Wine Reviews: Embark on a Journey with these Exceptional Vintages from the Wagner Family of Wine: Caymus, Mer Soleil, and Caymus-Suisun

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet

The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to half a century of winemaking excellence, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Caymus Vineyards.

The Caymus Vineyards was established in 1972 by the Wagner family in Napa Valley, California. Over the past 50 years, the winery has become synonymous with exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, earning a reputation for producing wines of remarkable quality and consistency. The 2022 vintage marks a significant milestone, celebrating five decades of dedication to the art of winemaking.

Tasting Notes:
The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable wine that embodies the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of Caymus Vineyards. This vintage presents a deep, garnet color with a bouquet that is both complex and inviting. Aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries are complemented by subtle hints of cocoa, vanilla, and a touch of tobacco. On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and well-structured, with velvety tannins and a harmonious balance of fruit and oak. The flavors mirror the nose, with an added layer of spice and a long, satisfying finish.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

Accolades and Awards: The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered critical acclaim, including high ratings from renowned wine critics and publications. It has been praised for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.

Food Pairings: This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops, and hearty beef stews. It also complements aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.

 

Coastal Elegance: 2022 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey County

Mer Soleil, established by the Wagner family, has been producing exceptional Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands since 1981. The 2022 Reserve Chardonnay continues this tradition of excellence, offering a captivating expression of coastal terroir, offering a delightful blend of elegance and complexity.

Tasting Notes:
The 2022 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey County showcases a brilliant golden hue and an enticing bouquet of tropical fruits, citrus, and a hint of butterscotch. On the palate, this Californian Chardonnay is rich and creamy, with flavors of pineapple, lemon zest, and ripe pear, balanced by a touch of vanilla and toasted oak. The wine’s vibrant acidity and smooth texture lead to a long, refreshing finish.

91 Points
Liz Palmer

Accolades and Awards: This Chardonnay is a versatile and opulent wine. It has received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 90+ points from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.

Food Pairings: This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes including grilled or roasted chicken, s king crab legs, pork loin topped with pineapple, creamy pasta dishes, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, and salads with citrus vinaigrette, enhancing the savory notes, subtle smoky undertones, fruity characteristics, and vibrant acidity of the wine.

 

2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif Suisun Valley Petite Sirah

Caymus-Suisun, part of the Wagner family’s portfolio, has been producing high-quality Petite Sirah in Suisun Valley since 1992. The 2021 vintage showcases the winery’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines from this historic region.

Tasting Notes:
The 2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a powerhouse wine, boldly showcasing the depth and richness that the Durif grape, better known as Petite Sirah, is capable of. Picture a glass filled with deep, inky purple goodness, and you’ll have a glimpse of what awaits. On the nose, you’re met with an inviting medley of blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, all elegantly intertwined with hints of mocha, vanilla, and a subtle touch of black pepper. The palate doesn’t disappoint, delivering a full-bodied and robust experience with velvety tannins and well-structured acidity that beautifully balances the concentrated fruit flavors. Layers of dark chocolate, licorice, and toasted oak add complexity, leading to a long and satisfying finish., making it a standout in any collection.

92 Points
Liz Palmer

Food Pairing: The 2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes such as braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, stews, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.