Margaret River pub scoops top wine list award

Settlers Tavern, a pub located in the heart of Margaret River wine country, has been awarded the title of “Best Pub Restaurant Wine List in Australia”.

The announcement formed part of the 2009 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, decided by an international panel of leading food and wine writers and sommeliers.

The Settlers Tavern 250-bin list features wines from acclaimed producers around the world. Over 50 local wines from the Margaret River area are also available and the pub offers a changing selection of 25 different wines by the glass. In addition, Settlers Tavern runs its own wine club, offering monthly tastings.

Owners Rob and Karen Gough took over the pub five years ago and their efforts have already been rewarded with a number of Australia’s most prestigious food and wine accolades.

The pair have over 52 years combined experience in the hospitality industry, having worked in both Australia and the USA. In the latter they played an instrumental role in establishing Australian brands such as Cullen and Leeuwin Estate in the top wine shops and restaurants of North America.

Commenting on this latest award, Karen Gough said: “We are thrilled that the judges have recognised Settlers Tavern as having the best wine list of any pub restaurant in Australia”. She explained: “We pride ourselves on serving locally sourced produce matched with a quality wine list, which has now been recognised as on par with some of the best in the nation.”

The overall national winner, judged to have the best wine list in Australia, was the Rockpool Bar & Grill in Sydney. Other category winners included Must Wine Bar in Perth, which took the prize for “Best Wine Bar List”, and Bilson’s in Sydney, which took home the award for “Best food and wine matching”.

Gabriel Savage, 18.08.09