Every year since 1981, Wine Spectator Magazine, one of the world’s leading lifestyle magazines focusing on wine and wine culture, reviews and rates wine lists from restaurants in all the states in America and from more than 80 countries. This year, for the first time ever, two restaurants from Jamaica have made it in the Annual Restaurant Guide. They are the Restaurant at Round Hill and Marguerites Seafood by the Sea, both in Montego Bay, St James. They were listed in the Wine Spectator 2014 Annual Restaurant Guide in the Aug 31 issue of the magazine. Marguerites Seafood by the Sea was the 2010 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Best Wine Experience (Stand-alone restaurant/Bar Category) winner.

To Qualify

Wine Spectator states that to qualify for an award, a wine list must present complete, accurate information, including vintages and appellations for all selections. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, and the overall presentation of the list is also considered. Lists that meet these requirements are judged for one of the three awards.

About the Awards

Award of Excellence is the basic award for lists that offer a well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Typically, these lists offer at least 90 selections. The Restaurant at Round Hill and Marguerites Seafood by the Sea are at this level. Worldwide there are 2,791 winners in this category.

Best of Award of Excellence is the second-tier award, created to give special recognition to restaurants that clearly exceed the requirements of the Award of Excellence. These lists typically offer 400 or more selections, along with superior presentation, and display either vintage depth, with several vertical offerings of top wines, or excellent breadth across several wine regions. Worldwide there are 883 winners in this category.

The Grand Award is Wine Spectators’ highest award, given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programme. These restaurants typically offer 1,500 selections or more, and feature serious breadth of top producers, outstanding depth in mature vintages, a selection of large-format bottles, excellent harmony with the menu, and superior organisation, presentation and wine service. Worldwide only 74 winners are at this level.

Wine lovers are a restaurant’s best friend and more restaurants need to appreciate this fact. There are many more restaurants in Jamaica that could be recognised for their wine programme if they choose to do the work and make the submission. The deadline for the 2015 Guide is Feb 1, 2015.

A great wine list does not necessarily equal great food…

Wine Spectator states that their awards evaluate wine lists, not restaurants as a whole. They assume that the level of food and service will be commensurate with the wine lists entered by award winners, but they realise that this unfortunately is not always true. They don’t visit every award-winning restaurant (although all Grand Award winners and many others are inspected by Wine Spectator editors).

I reviewed the lists of both restaurants and while they deserve their awards, I felt that both lists could add some more information to help guests select wines. Also, I was hoping to see some Austrian Grüner Veltliner on the Round Hill list.

Christopher Reckord – Information Technology Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter: @Reckord

ROUND HILL HOTEL & VILLAS

Why did Round Hill enter the Wine Spectator awards?

Wine Spectator Magazine is recognised worldwide as the expert on all things wine. Each year thousands of people anticipate the month when the issue with the awards is published, and I thought this would be a great forum to feature our eclectic menu that has been developed with such care and detail while still not having access to all the wines available in other countries. Also, with our award prominently displayed, it serves as a great talking and selling point for our guests.

Is there a guest favourite?

With our warm climate and outdoor dining, most guests prefer the white varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio which are crisp and refreshing, with some floral and citrus notes.

What is your favourite wine/style of wine?

My preference is for red varietals, particularly Pinot Noir, which is a finicky grape, but when produced well, offers bold, but not overpowering, flavour profiles.

MARGUERITES SEAFOOD BY THE SEA

Why did Marguerites Seafood By The Sea enter the Wine Spectator Awards?

Marguerites submitted an entry so we could, if we won — and it’s great that we did — broaden our client base.

Is there a patron favourite?

Our patrons enjoy a diverse variety of wines that complements perfectly our menu selections.

What is your favourite wine/style of wine?

My personal favourite wine style is Cabernet Sauvignon. I truly enjoy full-body reds and my favourites are from the Oakville/Rutherford section of Napa.