Vietnam’s F&B scene continues to gain recognition on the global wine map, as several restaurants and wine bars have been named finalists at the Star Wine List of the Year Southeast Asia 2026 – one of the most prestigious awards dedicated to outstanding wine lists.
More than just a presence, Vietnam’s representatives this year appear across multiple categories, reflecting the growing diversity and maturity of the country’s wine culture.
What is Star Wine List?
Founded in 2018, Star Wine List is a global platform that celebrates restaurants and wine bars with exceptional wine programs, while recognizing the sommeliers and teams behind them.
If the Michelin Guide honors cuisine, Star Wine List can be seen as its counterpart for wine placing the wine list at the heart of the dining experience.
The Southeast Asia 2026 awards will take place on April 21, 2026, at ProWine Singapore, bringing together the region’s most exciting wine destinations.
Jury & Evaluation Criteria
Wine lists are assessed by an international jury of leading experts, including:
- Stephen Wong MW
- Richard Hemming MW
- Ferran Centelles (elBullifoundation)
Quy The judging process is conducted independently to ensure fairness and professional integrity.
Key evaluation criteria include:
- Depth and quality of the wine selection
- Balance and curation
- Storytelling through the wine list
- Creativity and personality
- Alignment with the culinary concept
Awards span multiple categories, from Best Short List to Sustainability Prize and Special Jury Prize, highlighting different dimensions of excellence.
Vietnam on the Star Wine List 2026 Map
This year, Vietnam stands out not only for its participation, but for its presence across diverse award categories — from compact, curated wine lists to concept-driven and sustainability-focused programs.
🥂 Best Short List
Nén Đà Nẵng (Da Nang)
- Upstairs Tasting Room (Ho Chi Minh City)
This category recognizes wine lists under 200 labels, where precision and curation matter more than scale. The inclusion of Nén and Upstairs reflects a clear trend in Vietnam: less, but better — curated rather than exhaustive.
🌱 Sustainability Prize
Lửa (Ho Chi Minh City)
This category celebrates wine programs that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability – from producer selection to overall philosophy.
Lửa’s nomination signals a shift in Vietnam’s wine scene: wine is no longer just about taste, but also about responsibility.
🏆 Special Jury Prize
Little Bear Wine Bar (Ho Chi Minh City)
Awarded to venues with strong personality and a unique approach, this category highlights creativity beyond conventional standards.
Little Bear represents a new generation of wine bars in Saigon – intimate, expressive, and driven by discovery.
MA New Landscape for Wine in Vietnam
If wine in Vietnam was once dominated by fine dining establishments, this year’s finalists reveal a notable shift:
- Independent wine bars are gaining international recognition
- Curated wine lists are becoming the new standard
- Sustainability and storytelling are increasingly valued
More importantly, a new generation is redefining how wine is experienced in Vietnam- making it more approachable, personal, and meaningful.
Conclusion
Being named at Star Wine List 2026 is more than recognition.
It signals that Vietnam is stepping onto the global wine stage — not through volume, but through thought, identity, and intention.
And perhaps, this is only the beginning.
