New York has been named as the world’s top wine destination by some of the industry’s leading names.

UK based wine publication The World of Fine Wine has given 36 New York restaurants its top rating of three stars in its inaugural 2014 Wine List Awards.

The distinguished panel of judges included WFW Contributing Editor Andrew Jefford, legendary Sommelier Gerard Basset MS MW OBE, Wine and Spirits Columnist Elin McCoy and globally respected Champagne expert Tom Stevenson.

With only 220 three star ratings awarded in total, New York accounts for over one sixth of the world’s best wine lists – the highest of any city worldwide.

A further 300 global restaurants were awarded two-star status, with 500 honored with a one star rating.

North America was the best performing region overall, providing 93 three-star lists, ahead of Europe (64) and Asia (24).

As well as seeking out the best overall wine lists, the judges also selected the best restaurants in a number of specialist categories, with New York’s Morrell declared the Best By-the-Glass Wine List in the World. Restaurant Hearth won the highest accolade for the Best Wine List in North America.

Other New York winners included Restaurant DANIEL, Thomas Keller’s Per Se and Eleven Madison Park.

Head Chef of Eleven Madison Park Daniel Humm said: “I’m so proud of (Wine Director) Dustin and his team for being recognized in such a prestigious way. They’ve worked so incredibly hard and poured a lot of time and attention into every detail of the wine program here. It is an incredibly appreciated and well-deserved honor.”

Other restaurateurs honored with 3 stars for their wine lists included Gordon Ramsay for his eponymous London restaurant. On receiving the award, the celebrity chef said: “It’s just fantastic news that the wine list at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay has been recognised in this way. The entire team there work tirelessly to deliver the ultimate experience in wine, food and service for all to enjoy. I’m very proud of all of them.”

See the full index of winning restaurants here.