Denver Restaurant Among Wine Spectator Grand Award Winners

DENVER, CO — The restaurant industry is perhaps the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Months into the crisis, many of us still aren’t venturing out to that quaint downtown bistro to savor a meal and a glass of our favorite merlot.

Putting aside the challenging year, Wine Spectator magazine recently released its list of 2020 Restaurant Award winners, honoring the best in the industry and recognizing the devotion displayed by an industry that has, according to a statement posted to its website, “come together to support its members and the communities they serve.”

The annual list typically gives us a generous glimpse at the best spots in Colorado. This year, Barolo Grill, at 3030 E 6th Ave in Denver, was named among Wine Spectator's 100 Grand Award winners. With an inventory of around 14,000 bottles and 2,100 selections, Barolo Grill's strength is Northern Italian wine, according to the report.

Wine Spectator gave a hat tip to the restaurant's owner and wine director, Ryan Fletter, and sommeliers Erin Lindstone and Hugh Wodlinger.

"Barolo Grill lives up to its name with a menu of Piedmont specialties and a wine program steeped in that region’s premier labels," the Wine Spectator article read. "A page of the wine list is dedicated to the team’s favorite finds on their annual trip to Italy."

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The annual Restaurant Awards honor excellence in restaurant wine lists, as well as those who have demonstrated passion and devoted extensive resources to creating outstanding wine programs.

Awards were given in three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. This year, the awards honored 3,800 restaurants in 50 states and 80 countries and territories.

The Grand Award is Wine Spectator’s most prestigious honor, given to the world’s most elite wine programs. Read profiles of all 100 current Grand Award winners.