New champagne bar celebrates grand cru with top award nomination
From bistros to bottle shops, and five-star luxury to family-friendly accommodation, venues from across the state have been shortlisted for the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) 2026 Awards for Excellence.
Although it was a decade in the making, Winnifred’s has only been open to the public since August.
Which is why founder Megan Nunn and her team are “genuinely ecstatic” the venue, dubbed Brisbane’s new temple to grower Champagne, is a finalist in the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) 2026 Awards for Excellence.
“Winnifred’s is named after my nanna, who taught me the true meaning of great hospitality – making everyone feel completely at home and welcome,” Nunn told InDaily.
“She would be so proud that we have been nominated in the 2026 QHA Awards for Excellence.”
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The french Bistro, nestled on the fringe of Fortitude Valley, is one of 140 venues from across the state that have been shortlisted for the awards, which span across 45 categories.
The winners will be revealed at a gala presentation evening at The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday, June 1.
A decade in the making, the groundbreaking new venue is stocked with more than 14,000 bottles of champagne, sourced from all corners of the region – making it the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
But is was its bistro-style menu of classic French dishes “with an Australian twist” that earned it a nomination in the award for best restaurant.
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“Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that Winnifred’s has only been open for nine months,” Winnifred’s Dave Keeling said.
“The standard of venues, both new and old, in Brisbane is absolutely world-class, and we are proud to be in such remarkable company.”
QHA chief executive Bernie Hogan said finalists had been selected from a record number of nominations.
“Our 2026 finalists include perennial favourites who have set the industry standard for generations and innovators from the newest members of the industry, raising the bar ever higher,” he said.
Hogan said this year’s regional categories were particularly strong.
“Regional venues truly serve their communities and demonstrate that you don’t need to leave regional Queensland to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career.”
The Queensland winner of each category will go on to contest the 2026 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) National Awards for Excellence on 30 November.
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