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June 25, 2026
27 Charlotte Restaurants receive 2026 Wine Spectator Awards
Dining spots lauded for outstanding wine programs
by TM Petaccia
The Wine Spectator annual restaurant awards issue is out and Charlotte’s dining scene made its best showing to date with twenty-seven local restaurants recognized for operating high-level wine programs, eleven for the first time. In total, 91 North Carolina and 42 South Carolina restaurants made the list, part of a global group of 4,012 winners that this year included a first-ever honoree from Egypt.
“We’ve always believed that a truly great dining experience happens when exceptional food and exceptional wine come together,” says Jeff Tonidandel of Tonidandel-Brown, whose Supperland received its fifth straight Wine Spectator award and Leluia Hall its first. “Both require immense focus and expertise, so receiving this recognition from Wine Spectator is especially meaningful. It’s a tremendous honor and a reflection of the hard work our team puts in every day.”
The process began in January when restaurants submitted their wine lists to Wine Spectator along with a $700 application fee. The magazine confirms the list, including accurate vintages and producer names, as well as correct spelling of offerings. Those who meet all the criteria and have demonstrated a level of excellence are given awards in one of three levels.
Eighteen Charlotte restaurants received the Award of Excellence for offering at least 75 selections from a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the restaurant’s menu in both price and style.
“We are honored and grateful to be considered by Wine Spectator for such an award,” says Terrell Johnson, sommelier at Omakase by Prime Fish, which along with the restaurant group’s Prime Fish Cellar, each received their first Award of Excellence. “We aren’t a major corporation or large chain, so our choices in beverage are very intentional and yet need to service the palates of the general public. Much thought goes into these selections. We are just happy that Wine Spectator saw the value in our programs.”
Nine Queen City eateries were given Best of Award of Excellence citations for offering a wider breadth of selections across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth from top producers as well as demonstrating superior presentation. These restaurants typically offer 350 or more selections.
“It’s always an honor to be recognized by such an organization as renowned as Wine Spectator,” says Michael Myers, sommelier at Counter- which has been given a Best of Award of Excellence every year since 2023. “This year is particularly cool because Charlotte has been called out as one of the fastest-growing cities for wine.
“This not only highlights the incredible effort that restaurant and wine professionals have been putting in, but also showcases the trend towards intentionality with different lists and programs in the city. Just as you go to a specific restaurant for a specific kind of food, you can visit these restaurants to enjoy the specific wine program that has been created. This year shows that Charlotte restaurants are investing in their wine programs and the people they trust to run them,” he says.
No Charlotte restaurant received the magazine’s highest honor, the Grand Award which is given to restaurants showing “an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs” with wine lists typically featuring 1,000 or more selections. However, each of the Carolinas can boast a Grand recipient: The Angus Barn in Raleigh and Soby’s in Greenville.
The 2026 Wine Spectator Charlotte recipients are:
| Restaurant | Award |
|---|---|
| Ballantyne | |
| Gallery Restaurant | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Cotswold | |
| Omakase by Prime Fish | Award of Excellence |
| Prime Fish Cellar | Award of Excellence |
| Dilworth | |
| Leluia Hall | Award of Excellence |
| Elizabeth | |
| Rosemont | Award of Excellence |
| Madison Park | |
| L’Ostrica | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Midtown | |
| Mama Ricotta’s | Award of Excellence |
| Plaza Midwood | |
| Supperland | Award of Excellence |
| South End | |
| Barcelona Wine Bar | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Sullivan’s Steakhouse | Award of Excellence |
| SouthPark | |
| Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Peppervine | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Reid’s Fine Foods | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Dilworth Tasting Room | Award of Excellence |
| Little Mama’s Italian Kitchen | Award of Excellence |
| The Palm/Charlotte | Award of Excellence |
| Uptown | |
| The Capital Grille | Best of Award of Excellence |
| MOA Korean BBQ & Bar | Best of Award of Excellence |
| Caroline’s Oyster Bar | Award of Excellence |
| Chima Steakhouse | Award of Excellence |
| Dean’s Italian Steakhouse | Award of Excellence |
| Eddie V’s Prime Seafood | Award of Excellence |
| McNinch House Restaurant | Award of Excellence |
| Mico | Award of Excellence |
| Morton’s, The Steakhouse | Award of Excellence |
| STK | Award of Excellence |
| Wesley Heights | |
| Counter- | Best of Award of Excellence |
Wine Spectator has been bestowing the awards since 1981. You can see all the recipients on the magazine’s website, as well as its Apple iOS app.
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