Wine Spectator Magazine Awards 1618 Midtown
GREENSBORO, N.C., (July 17, 2018) – It can be said that 1618 Midtown’s General Manager Stacey Land has “grape expectations” when it comes to her job. And those expectations were met when the restaurant was recently honored by Wine Spectator magazine with a 2018 Award of Excellence.
“We put a lot of work into keeping a fun and diverse wine list,” says Land, “and we’re thrilled about the national recognition.”
It’s the first time 1618 Midtown has been recognized by Wine Spectator, which highlights establishments with outstanding wine lists both in the United States and around the world with its annual Restaurant Awards, a competition that began in 1981.
The Award of Excellence identifies restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Midtown carries 120 carefully chosen selections and keeps an inventory of 1,500 bottles.
“I look for balance when creating the list,” says Land. “For every off-the-wall blend of Greek indigenous varietals there needs to be something comfortable and easily recognized, like a New Zealand sauvignon blanc.”
The award is a reflection of the restaurant’s mission to deliver an outstanding beverage program and the growing talents of Land. Land earned the distinction of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2017 and is currently studying for her Advanced Sommelier exam. She is also a Certified Sake Advisor and winner of the 2016 Domaine Serene Somm Select challenge.
1618 Midtown, along with sister restaurants 1618 Seafood Grille and 1618 Downtown, is home to several celebrations of wine including winemaker dinners, tastings, culture classes and the 1618 Book* Club (and by book we mean wine).
