
Wine Spectator's Restaurant Wine List Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. They must offer a well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

The Award of Distinction recognizes those restaurants who distinguish themselves both in dining quality, and in "delivering the most wine-friendly experience" to patrons, according to Wine Enthusiast editor Adam Strum.