New bar tops top drop list

Although the beach bar and restaurant has been open for less than a year, Hybla is already getting national recognition for its wine selection.

Hybla, which opened in October last year, was just given two glasses out of three by Gourmet Traveller for their Wine List of the Year Awards in Sydney on July 27.

The awards are considered the most respected and contested competition in the country for wine lists, according to Hybla manager and sommelier Alex Johnson.

Only 13 other restaurants in the State received the same rating and only six restaurants rated higher at three glasses.

"One of my key thoughts for developing our wine program here was to make it approachable," Mr Johnson said.

He said when he moved to Hybla after working with wines at restaurants in Perth such as Raffles and Rockpool, he knew he wanted to create a unique wine list, but one that was still appropriate for a country town.

"This wine list isn't just like a sommelier's wine list - anyone can come and enjoy all the wines," he said.

He said incorporating Great Southern wines into the list was a must but he also wanted to showcase some imports as well to introduce to curious palates, and Gourmet Traveller noticed.

"This is a true celebration of Great Southern wines packaged with excellent information and tasting notes," the Gourmet Traveller review said.

"Imports are not neglected, with Greek and New York State wines adding panache.

"Modest mark-ups add to the thrill, with a mere handful of wines over $100 per bottle."

Mr Johnson said he felt like he was doing something right to receive such a high recognition, but said his wine list was about more than just receiving a trophy.

"We're a country town and people work very hard in the country for the dollar so we want to make sure we're giving as good a value as we can," he said.