How and Why to Enter Our Restaurant Awards
Each year, Wine Spectator honors restaurants across the globe that have exceptional wine programs. A Wine Spectator Restaurant Award offers unmatched credibility and publicity, connecting wine lovers with outstanding wine lists wherever they may be. The information and links in this section tell you everything you need to know about our Restaurant Awards program, including how to enter, how to renew, entry fees and the criteria for each award level.
Why apply for a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award?
1. Boost Your Visibility: All winners are listed in Wine Spectator's Aug. 31 Restaurants issue and year-round in our website's Restaurant Search and in our Restaurant Awards App, connecting you with wine-loving diners across the globe.
2. Get Featured: Winners are regularly written about in the magazine, in our website's Restaurants section and in our dining-focused newsletters, reaching an audience of well over 3 million readers.
3. Showcase Your Excellence: Receive an official certificate and digital assets to promote your achievement.
When are entries accepted?
The 2026 submission window will run from Jan. 14 to March 13, 2026
To receive an email reminder when the submission window opens, please go here.
Entry Fees
Those who apply in the first month, from Jan. 14 through Feb. 14, 2026, will receive an early-bird discounted application fee. Those who submit from Feb. 15 through March 13, 2026, will pay the standard application fee.
What is required to apply for an award?
All applicants—whether new entrants or renewing for a previously earned award—are required to complete an online application, for which you will need the following:
- Digital copies of your wine list and dinner menus
- A form of payment for the entry fee (check or credit card)
- A one-page cover letter (optional but strongly encouraged), preferably on your restaurant letterhead, describing your storage conditions, inventory, pricing and any other information you feel is relevant to your wine program; please submit this cover letter in English.
- Three digital photos of the restaurant (optional*); please be sure to have these ready before you start the online application
- A digital headshot of the restaurant's wine director or sommelier (optional*)
* Photos are not a requirement, but they may be used in the magazine and will be used to enhance your listing on the Restaurant Awards website and Restaurant Awards iOS app.
What to know before you apply:
Make sure your wine list meets these basic requirements:
- The list must provide vintages, appellations and prices for all selections, including wines by the glass. Please note that spelling and overall presentation and appearance of the list are taken into consideration. Winning lists generally have around 90 selections or more.
- The submitted wines list must be an exact copy of what is currently in use in your restaurant. Lists entered reflect what your customers will see and have access to.
- Entries from private clubs are not eligible.
- For more information, please refer to our About the Award Levels and FAQ pages.
If you have any questions about applying for a Restaurant Award that are not answered here or in the included links, please email restaurantawards@mshanken.com.
Where to Find Restaurant Award winners:
Sommelier Directory 2025: Recognizing Excellence in Wine Service
This definitive industry resource for wine professionals spotlights the individuals behind Wine Spectator's Restaurant Award winners
