Littleton Restaurant Among Wine Spectator 2020 Winners

LITTLETON, 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, The Melting Pot, at 2707 W. Main Street in Littleton earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

With an inventory of around 3,300 bottles and 150 selections, The Melting Pot's strength is California wine, according to the report.

Wine Spectator gave a hat tip to the restaurant's wine director, James Coffey, and sommeliers Tony Wheeler (who is also the eatery's general manager), Chris Milburn, Steve Sesow and Chris Langley.

The Melting Pot is also known for its romantic ambience, cocktails and of course its popular fondue menu. The eatery also has locations in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Louisville, as well as more than 100 restaurants in North America.

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.

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

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.