07/09/2026
How rare is it for a restaurant to maintain an award-winning wine program for over a quarter of a century? In Minnesota, that extraordinary distinction belongs to Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar. Once again, Bellisio’s has been honored in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, cementing its legacy among the world’s premier destinations for wine lovers.
“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Chairman and CEO, Wine Spectator. “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.”
"Receiving this prestigious honor is a milestone we never take for granted," said Sarah Runser, General Manager of Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar. "To earn continued recognition from Wine Spectator at this level is a testament to our team's tireless dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining and wine experience for our guests."
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.
Recipients of the Best of Award of Excellence display excellent breadth across multiple wine-growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Bellisio’s has been the recipient of the award ever since opening in 1999. Out of the 24 Minnesota venues celebrated in 2026, Bellisio’s stands as one of the state's longest-running honorees—second only to the St. Paul Grill.
