The wine list as a competitive edge: VDP opens its award to Czech venues for the first time
In our consulting work we often see the wine list created as the very last item before a venue opens – based on one supplier’s offer and with no link to the kitchen or the guests. Yet a well-built list is exactly what can set a venue apart from the competition. Now there is also an international award that Czech venues can compete for for the first time.
What is the Outstanding Wine Concept
The Ausgezeichnetes Weinkonzept award (Outstanding Wine Concept) is presented jointly by VDP.Die Prädikatsweingüter – the association of Germany’s top wine estates – and meiningers sommelier, a trade magazine for sommeliers. It recognises venues that present German wines on their list with expertise and a personal approach. Winners receive a golden plaque, and the award has so far been presented at the VDP.Weinbörse fair in Mainz.
In previous years venues from Germany, Austria and Switzerland could apply – winners for 2025 included Park Hotel Vitznau in Switzerland and Hotel Alpenstern in Damüls, Austria. For 2027 the organisers explicitly welcome applications from all over the world. What counts is the quality and strength of the wine concept, not where the venue is located.
What the jury assesses
- Selection: the range and quality of German wines on the list.
- Vintage depth: whether the venue also offers older, mature wines.
- Design of the list: layout, structure and clarity.
- Vision: the personal approach behind how the venue selects and recommends wines.
A new special award for the best regional wine concept is also presented – for venues fully dedicated to one wine region and its best producers.
Who can apply
The competition is aimed at hospitality: restaurants, hotels and wine bars with their own wine list on which German wines play a prominent role. Wine shops that also serve wine have a chance too – in 2024 the organisers gave a special award precisely for combining a wine bar with a wine shop.
How to apply
- Send your current wine list as a PDF to sommelier@meininger.de.
- If you are also applying for the special regional award, say so in your application and attach a video of up to 60 seconds about why you present that particular region.
- The deadline is 10 February 2027.
Why it is worth it even without winning
Preparing an application is a good opportunity to look at your wine list through the eyes of both a guest and a sommelier: Does the list fit the venue’s concept and kitchen? Does its structure make sense? Can your staff explain and recommend it to guests? And does it make money? These are the questions we look at in operational audits and when preparing new concepts, and we are happy to help with the wine list too.
For German and Austrian wines we recommend our partners at DER WEINSCHMECKER, who import wines directly from family estates, including a number of VDP members.
Sources
- VDP newsletter “We’re looking for the Outstanding Wine Concepts 2027”, 28 October 2026
- VDP – Excellent Wine Concepts 2025
- meininger.de – Gesucht: die Top-Adressen für deutschen Wein
Cover photo: Peter Bender / VDP. This article reflects the situation as of 29 October 2026.