NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Restaurant August has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.
“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink,” said Marvin R. Shanken, chairman and CEO of Wine Spectator. “As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs. Congratulations to the 4,012 restaurants that earned a Restaurant Award and continue to elevate the wine experience for guests around the world. We raise a glass to your success.”
“At Restaurant August, we view our wine program as an essential part of the guest experience, with every selection chosen to complement the cuisine and create memorable moments at the table,” said Tyler Cox, Restaurant August wine director and assistant general manager. “Receiving Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the second year in a row is a meaningful recognition of our team’s continued dedication to building a thoughtful, well-balanced collection that offers both timeless favorites and exciting discoveries. We’re always looking for new ways to evolve the program while maintaining the level of hospitality and attention to detail our guests have come to expect.”
Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards recognize excellence in restaurant wine service across three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,083, 1,830 and 99 winners this year in each respective category.
Restaurant August has won the Best of Award of Excellence. The Best of Award of Excellence recipients display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation.
Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue is available on newsstands on July 21.
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