I went to the 2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year awards last night.
Ironically, Drinks Digest didn’t score an invite, I was attending for my day job.
The 2025 awards were held at Strangers Dining Room in NSW Parliament House.
NSW Parliament House is a funny old place, quite unexpectedly casual. They put you through a security screening outside, but otherwise they couldn’t care less who you are or why you are there.
The event I was attending was hosted by NSW Wine Industry Association (NSW Wine).
Guests included NSW wine producers, Members of Parliament, sommeliers and meeeeee.
I sipped a glass of lovely NSW sparkling and devoured lots of very naughty finger food, including duck pancakes and butter chicken party pies.
And I’d been so good all day, dammit.
I didn’t know many people in the room, which was a bit unusual. I caught up with a lovely PR bloke called Brian and two of my fellow staff members. I let the Minister know I was there, just in case he needed me.
He looked a bit startled when I thrust out my hand and fortunately he didn’t need me.
Oh, and I’ll let you know the winners, just in case you fancy supporting NSW winemakers. You really should because they make delicious wines, which tend to be terribly under-represented on wine lists.
The overall winner for 2025 was BTWN at W Sydney …
Plus, here’s the full list …
2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (<60 seats): Katrina Hiltbrunner, Mélange Bilpin
2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Regional NSW venue (>60 seats): Andres Aragon, Blaq at The Kyah Hotel, Blue Mountains
2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (<60 seats): Lisa Guenther-Strauss, The Art Syndicate, Surry Hills
2025 Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue (>60 seats): Daniele Campo, BTWN at W Sydney
2025 Best NSW Wine List by a Caterer or in a Functions venue: William Wilson, ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
2025 NSW Wine President’s Award for Outstanding Support of the NSW Wine Industry: Sonia Greig, SOUTH on Albany, Berry
2025 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year: Daniele Campo, BTWN at W Sydney
I didn’t hang around afterwards despite all the free wine on offer. What’s gotten into me?
PS I got my eyebrows and lashes tinted in yesterday’s lunch break to try and bring a little definition to my fading face.
The experience reminded me that the so-called “Karens” of this world are a minority.
My beautician is lovely, but I’m not convinced she does very good dye jobs. I can still see a few grey hairs. But do I complain? Heavens, no. I say thank you and get out my credit card.
I would be mortified to make a fuss.
And I go back.
Sometimes I wonder if Gen X are a bit too “just get on with it” for their own good.
On the other hand, it’s just eyebrows. There are bigger things to grandstand about.
Song of the day: Crowded House “7 worlds collide”
housegoeshome 
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