From the Charlotte Business Journal
A total of 17 Charlotte-area restaurants made the cut for Wine Spectator’s 2015 Restaurant Awards.
Since 1981, the publication has compiled a list that recognizes “outstanding eateries with extraordinary wine lists.”
This year, more than 3,600 restaurants from around the world made that list, including 86 in North Carolina.
Winners are named in three categories.
Nearly 2,600 restaurants received the Award of Excellence, which recognizes a wine list with a selection of wines that are well-presented and match the restaurant’s cuisine in price and style.
The local honorees in that category are:
Aria Tuscan Grill, 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, 110 N College St., Charlotte
The Capital Grille, 201 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, 130 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 210 E. Trade St., Charlotte
Gallery Restaurant at Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte
Mama Ricotta’s 601 S. Kings Drive, Charlotte
McNinch House Restaurant, 511 N. Church St., Charlotte
The Palm, 6705-B Phillips Place Court, Charlotte
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 6000 Fairview Road, Charlotte
The Wooden Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, 231 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
The Best of Award of Excellence is given to those that offer a wine list of 350 or more selections that represent a variety of vintages or wine regions.
The local restaurants receiving that award are:
Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, 4725 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte
The Fig Tree Restaurant, 1601 E Seventh St., Charlotte
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 222 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
The String Bean, 106 N. Main St., Belmont
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 1928 South Blvd., Charlotte
The Grand Award is presented to those with more than 1,000 selections. Just one N.C. restaurant — The Angus Barn in Raleigh — received that honor.
Jennifer Thomas covers retail, health care and education for the Charlotte Business Journal.