Cote Basque's drinks list named Drinks List of the Year at The Age Good Food Guide Awards

The restaurant's drinks list, overseen by drinks director Leanne Altmann, was praised for taking drinkers from manzanilla and vermouth to champagne and txakoli, the Basque region's signature sparkling wine, before moving inland to navarra garnacha and rioja as the food gets hotter and darker.

Later in the meal the list continues with Madeira, port, grappa, the Basque liqueur Izarra, a sauternes cocktail and a Shakerato of Braulio and coffee. The review notes that while there are big-ticket wines on the list, good bottles sit between $70 and $80, and drinkers can order by the glass or split a half bottle. Thoughtful non-alcoholic options are also included.

Patrons do not need to commit to dinner to enjoy the list: the wood-trimmed bar serves champagne cocktails and crab tart. The review describes the drinks list as generous, a little hedonistic and built for lingering.

The award is part of the 2027 The Age Good Food Guide, with the full list of winners published by the guide.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The award highlights the strength of Melbourne's restaurant drinks culture, where lists increasingly balance regional wines, accessible pricing and non-alcoholic options.
For Trader House Group, a drinks accolade for a newer venue signals confidence in its hospitality offering and adds to the restaurant's profile.
For diners, the award acts as a guide when choosing venues in the coming year.

Background

The Age Good Food Guide is an annual awards program for Victorian restaurants and bars. Cote Basque is the latest restaurant from the Trader House Group, with Leanne Altmann overseeing the drinks list. The award recognises the list's range, from Spanish and Basque wines to fortified wines, spirits, cocktails and mindful non-alcoholic alternatives.

Key Perspectives

Diners: The list offers accessible entry points, with bottles from $70 to $80, by-the-glass options and half bottles, allowing exploration without a full dinner commitment. Drinks enthusiasts: The list rewards going deeper, moving through txakoli, rioja, Madeira, port, grappa and Izarra, while also offering familiar options for those who prefer to keep it simple. Critics and skeptics: Awards season can generate debate about judging criteria and whether hype shapes selections. The practical test is whether the list works in service and delivers value once the attention fades.

What to Watch

Whether the award drives bookings and bar traffic at Cote Basque in the months after the guide is published.
How other winners in the 2027 Good Food Guide shape the wider conversation about Victoria's food and drink scene.
Whether accessible price points and non-alcoholic options continue to feature in future award-winning drinks lists.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources