Judging
Top 100 SA Wine List Challenge provides an objective, independent and professional rating of fine wine lists. A clearly documented and transparent judging protocol gives you unambiguous facts on how the scoring works. Results and scores are shared. You will always know your own results. You will also know how to improve.
Judging protocol
Top 100 judging methodology is based on bettering murky practices used elsewhere. We set global best practice with the 100 point scoring system.
100 point scoring; objective & transparent
Fine dining/long wine lists
- Presentation – physical, layout, description (8)
- Wine service; with additional points for qualified, or unqualified, sommelier (14)
- SA content - depth, breadth & balance (35)
- International content - depth, breadth & balance (12)
- Glassware, quality, range and setting (10)
- Unusual sizes (12)
- BYO clarity (4)
- Cellaring and cellar conditions (5)
- Total Maximim(100)
- Plus bonus points potential (+20)
- Minus penalty points (-20)
- Notes: Errors besides spelling lose ½ point per item, no maximum
Relaxed dining/shorter wine lists
- Presentation – physical, layout, description (10)
- Wine service; with additional points for qualified, or unqualified, sommelier (10)
- SA content - depth, breadth & balance (40)
- International content - depth, breadth & balance (10)
- Glassware, quality, range and setting (10)
- Unusual sizes (10)
- BYO clarity (10)
- Total Maximim(100)
- Plus bonus points potential (+20)
- Minus penalty points (-20)
- Notes: Errors besides spelling lose ½ point per item, no maximum
Quality Awards - judging process
- Five qualified judges
- Where required the Chair has a casting vote
- Judges are independent and answer to the Chair
- Wine lists are sighted; judges interests (if any) are pre recorded
- No judge with an establishment relationship may judge that establishment
Best Value Awards - judging process
- Consumers love good value!
- Best Value awards given in addition to Quality status awards
- Overall value criteria: Can consumers buy good wines, a glass or a bottle, at attractive prices
