Central Kentucky Restaurants Win Prestigious Wine Award

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Lexington, Kentucky – Two renowned Lexington restaurants bag prestigious wine accolades

Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wines, has just announced the winners of the 2024 Restaurant Award, and much to the delight of the Bluegrass State, nine of these recipients hail from Kentucky. The awards, which celebrate extraordinary wine selections, cover 3,777 dining destinations from all 50 states and over 75 countries each year.

Topping the awards list from Kentucky are Coles 735 Main and Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, both in Lexington, and Ouita Michel’s Holly Hill Inn located in Midway. Louisville also had a strong showing with six winners, including Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, Cuvée Wine Table, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Swizzle Dinner & Drinks, and The Capital Grille.

On Coles 735 Main

Coles 735 Main, situated at the heart of Lexington, has previously won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2018. Chris Hutchinson, the director of operations and sommelier, expressed the team’s delight for the recognition of their wine program. “We work really hard to offer guests an array of selections in varietals and regions,” he said. “Wine can be intimidating, but we strive to make our list approachable so everyone can enjoy their experience.”

Established in 2012, Coles boasts of classic Kentucky Proud cuisine making use of locally-sourced ingredients. Their vast wine program, under the guidance of wine specialist Rita Kraynak and Chris Hutchison, features an impressive range of 1,110 wines and 225 selections.

A sommelier’s secret? An unusual but highly popular selection in their list is an Areni Noir from Paul Hobbs Winery, an Armenian wine that Hutchison said they are particularly proud of. Patrons looking for an extra dose of charm should also check out the 1920s limestone cellar tucked underneath the restaurant which houses many rare wines.

Coles’ Take on Wine Pairing

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wine pairing at Coles. The Coles team believes “beyond the rules of pairing because everyone’s palette is different.” Instead, they insist that if a diner likes a wine, then it is the right one for them. Hutchison stated, “We take our wine list seriously, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously, and that’s been key to our success.”

Other Central Kentucky Winners

Several other Central Kentucky restaurants were also recognized for their extensive wine lists. Jeff Ruby’s in Lexington has an inventory of 2,505 wines and 400 selections, thanks to wine director Jon Maiden and sommelier Garret Coats. Holly Hill Inn also boasts an impressive inventory of 1,200 wines, with a selection of 200 carefully curated by wine director Chris Michel.

Wine Culture and Recognition

Editors at Wine Spectator have noted an increased interest and investment in restaurants’ wine programs — the very ethos that drives the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program. The 2024 Restaurant Awards issue, featuring chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud on the cover, will be published on July 9. This celebration of the wine culture in restaurants worldwide not only recognizes excellence but also encourages culinary enthusiasts to discover and experience diverse wine cultures.