Asheville’s Finest: Restaurants Recognized in Wine Spectator’s Best Wine List Chris Lehoux, July 2, 2026 ASHEVILLE – A selection of local restaurants in Asheville has received accolades for their exceptional wine programs in the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. Established in 1981, these awards acknowledge the best restaurants worldwide that elevate the wine experience for their guests. This year, Wine Spectator recognized 4,012 dining venues across all 50 states and 85 countries, with ten Asheville restaurants making the list. Marvin R. Shanken, chairman of Wine Spectator, highlighted the evolving nature of the restaurant industry as consumers become more selective about their wine choices. The awards are given based on three levels: the Award of Excellence (one wine glass), Best of Award of Excellence (two wine glasses), and the Grand Award (three wine glasses). This year, 2,083 restaurants received the Award of Excellence, while 1,830 earned the Best of Award of Excellence, and 99 were bestowed the Grand Award. Asheville’s Wine Spectator Award Winners: The Dining Room Location: 1 Antler Hill Road, at The Inn at Biltmore Estate Recognition: Best of Award of Excellence (two wine glasses) Notable for its, innovative American cuisine and an impressive 5,300-bottle collection. Bargello Location: 7 Patton Ave. Recognition: Award of Excellence Offers an extensive wine list with strengths in California wines. Posana Locations: 1 Biltmore Ave. and 264 Thetford St. Recognition: Best of Award of Excellence (two wine glasses) Features a well-curated collection of 405 selections, focusing on Californian, French, and Italian wines. Cúrate Bar de Tapas Location: 13 Biltmore Ave. Recognition: Award of Excellence Celebrated for a collection highlighting Spanish wines, with 75 selections available. The Blackbird Location: 47 Biltmore Ave. Recognition: Award of Excellence Offers a farm-to-table dining menu complemented by 95 wine selections. The Market Place Location: 20 Wall St. Recognition: Award of Excellence Known for its American farm-to-table focus and a collection of 85 selections. Red Stag Grill Location: 11 Boston Way, at the Grand Bohemian Asheville Recognition: Award of Excellence Features strengths in Californian wines from 205 selections. The Corner Kitchen Location: 3 Boston Way, Biltmore Village Recognition: Award of Excellence Noted for a strong collection of Californian wines from 120 selections. Jargon Location: 715 Haywood Road, West Asheville Recognition: Award of Excellence Offers a balanced selection of California and French wines. Wine Spectator will publish the complete list of 2026 Restaurant Award winners on July 21, which will be available on newsstands and online. For a detailed overview, visit winespectator.com. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine