Kadota awarded 2 Glasses in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2026

Kadota has been awarded 2 Glasses in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2026, and we want to congratulate our Front of House Director, Risa Kadota, who curates our wine list.

The awards were established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook, Rob Hirst and the late Judy Hirst to recognise the people and teams behind Australia’s wine lists. Every list is judged independently and confidentially on content, balance, suitability for the venue, presentation and pricing, by a panel of more than 35 experts including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers. One Glass is Recommended, Two Glasses is Excellent and Three Glasses is Outstanding. 2026 was a record year for entries.

The judges noted that our Japanese menu leads the drinks list, which is why the sake, Japanese spirits and teas, including our in-house blended Kadota teas, sit alongside the wine. They also pointed to small producers, a good number of central Victorian wineries, and a surprising number of Japanese wines. Japan makes wine too, and its best-known white, koshu from Yamanashi, is prized alongside dashi and seafood for its freshness and restraint. The list suits a range of budgets, with plenty of interest below $100 and premium bottles for those who want to trade up. In the judges’ words, it is “a thoughtful, considered list with a clear sense of place and purpose.”

To Risa, congratulations, and thank you to our whole team and every guest who has explored the list with us. Sake pairings can be added to either the Short Course or the Standard Course, alongside a selection of beverages from our curated list.