Annual Program Celebrates Top Global Destinations for Wine and Hospitality
Special ‘Restaurant Awards’ Issue Also Profiles New York Chef Andrew Carmellini
June 23, 2026 (New York, NY) — Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, has unveiled the winners of the 2026 Restaurant Awards, which honor the world’s best restaurants for wine. This year’s program recognizes 4,012 dining destinations that exemplify excellence in wine service around the globe.
“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when,
how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Chairman and CEO, Wine Spectator. “Congratulations to the 4,012 restaurants that earned a Restaurant Award and continue to elevate the wine experience for guests around the world. We raise a glass to your success.”
Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards recognize the highest standards in restaurant wine service across three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award, bestowed upon 2,083, 1,830, and 99 winners respectively this year.
This year, Wine Spectator presented the Grand Award to two additional restaurants, recognizing their world-class cellars and exceptional service: Caruso’s in Montecito, California, and Berria Wine Bar in Madrid, Spain.
Also featured in Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue: “In The Fast Lane,” an inside look at Chef Andrew Carmellini’s wine-centric restaurant empire, where ambitious New York hospitality meets deep Italian roots.
Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue is available on newsstands on July 21st.
Follow Wine Spectator on Instagram (@wine_spectator) and use hashtag #WSRestaurantAwards for posts about this year’s awards. WineSpectator.com/Restaurants also features coverage of winners, interviews with leading wine directors, wine picks and pairing tips from sommeliers at award-winning programs. In the Restaurant Search, all winners can be searched by name, location, award level, cuisine, wine specialties and pricing. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users.
About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.
