Above: Al Muntaha at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Wine Lister has spoken to 19 fine wine industry legends in its ‘Words With’ series, gathering invaluable industry insights to share with our readers. In our latest blog, we recap eight top restaurant wine lists from around the world, as recommended by our respondents outside of the UK. For the top wine lists in London according to our UK respondents, head to our recent blog here.
Al Muntaha at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai (one Michelin star)
Recommended by: Oliver Dixon (MMI Dubai)
Located on the 27th floor of the famous Burj Al Arab, Al Muntaha's cellar has been carefully built up since the restaurant’s opening in 1999. It houses an extensive selection of wines including top back vintages and rare bottles, designed to complement the restaurant’s contemporary European cuisine.
Recommended by: Andrew Caillard MW (The Australian Ark)
Head Sommelier, Alexander Jacques, has fine wine in his blood, having been inspired to pursue his career by his sommelier grandfather. Located in the renowned Sydney Opera House, Bennelong predominantly centres its wine list on key Australian regions and acknowledges previous sommeliers for their contribution to its curation.
Above: COTE, Miami
COTE, Miami (one Michelin star)
Recommended by: Jamie Ritchie (BlockBar)
Lauded as "America's first and only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse", COTE boasts a wine list with over 1,200 references, ranging from juggernaut brands to more elusive, lesser-known producers. The team prioritises wines that follow organic, biodynamic, and sustainable practices, and, where possible, champions bottles made by BAME producers.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Hong Kong (three Michelin stars)
Recommended by: Paulo Pong (Altaya Wines)
Boasting three Michelin stars for 13 consecutive years, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s wine list features a whopping 3,500 labels and pays homage to fine and rare bottles with low mark-ups.
Le Bistro du Sommelier, Bordeaux
Recommended by: Fabrice Bernard (Millésima)
The aptly-named wine-focused bistro pairs southwestern French cuisine with (as proclaimed by Fabrice Bernard) one of the ‘biggest and best’ wine selections of Bordeaux - a statement not lightly made!
Above: Les Amis, Singapore
Les Amis, Singapore (three Michelin stars)
Recommended by: Grant Ashton (67 Pall Mall)
Known for having one of Asia's most sought-after wine lists, Les Amis's cellar is designed to complement chef, Sebastien Lepinoy's, award-winning menu. The list is 90% French - largely Burgundy and Bordeaux - and boasts over 1,800 references for guests to choose from.
Recommended by: Mathieu Chadronnier (CVBG)
Located on the iconic Place des Quinconces, Le 1925’s wine list is curated by owner, Pierre Martin. With more than 800 references, including an extensive selection of Bordeaux bottles, it is inspired by the team’s love for the region.
Ressources, Bordeaux (one Michelin star)
Recommended by: Kate Janecek (U'wine) and Mathieu Chadronnier (CVBG)
Chef, Tanguy Laviale, works closely with sommelier, Maxime Courvoisier, who has curated a list of over 700 ready-to-drink wines. You will be in expert hands as the team guides you through their extensive cellar.
Above: Stanglwirt, Austria
Recommended by: Maximilian Riedel (RIEDEL)
Situated in Tyrol's five-star 'biohotel', Stanglewirt's selection of over 850 wines was compiled by Wine Director, Walter Kaltschik. With over 36 pages of references, including a focus on Austria and its surrounding wine regions, it is listed as a White Star on Star Wine List.
