Each year the Commission recognizes restaurants that exhibit exceptional support of Washington State wines and high professional standards in wine service. The restaurants and their dedicated staff were honored at the Washington Athletic Club.

Seattle’s Metropolitan Grill received this year’s Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year award, which includes a unique custom blown glass sculpture designed by local artist Granite Calimpong.

Budd Gould from Anthony’s Restaurants won the Walter Clore Honorarium award for demonstrating dedication to the advancement of the Washington State wine industry. 

Nelson Daquip, Wine Director at Canlis Restaurant (Seattle, Wash.), was honored as Sommelier of the Year for his outstanding wine knowledge and unbridled professionalism.

The Winemaker’s Choice Award went to The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge (Woodinville, Wash.).  This award is determined by an anonymous group of Washington State winemakers who select the restaurant they feel is most supportive of the industry.

The Washington Restaurant Association award, recognizing an outstanding member of the association, was presented to Adriatic Grill (Seattle, Wash.). 

The Seattle magazine award for restaurant leadership in the business community was presented to Tulalip Bay Dining (Tulalip, Wash.).

Other distinguished awards included:

Most Innovative Wine List – RN74 (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Restaurant Event Featuring Washington Wines – Legendary Swirl at El Gaucho (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Out-of-State Washington Wine Program – Anthony’s Old Mill (Bend, Ore.)

The Washington Wine Grand Award – These restaurants are considered the true industry leaders in support of the Washington State wine industry:

Anthony’s Pier 66, Anthony’s at Columbia Point, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Anthony’s Restaurants, The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge, Canlis Restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler, El Gaucho – Bellevue, El Gaucho – Seattle, Sun Mountain Lodge, The Grape Adventure, The Herbfarm, The Marc Restaurant, The Metropolitan Grill, The Triple Door, Tulalip Bay Dining, Valley Café of Ellensburg, Visconti’s of Leavenworth, Washington Athletic Club, and Waterstreet Café & Bar.

Washington Wine Award of Distinction – These restaurants have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry:

Adriatic Grill, Aqua by El Gaucho, Bella Italia, Bin on the Lake, Bistro San Martin, Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar, Bon Vino’s Bistro & Bakery, Café Flora, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Etta’s, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, John Howie Steak, Katya’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Local 360, Masselow’s, Palisade Waterfront Restaurant, Pike Brewing Company, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Kirkland, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Seattle, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Woodinville, Ray’s Boathouse, Ristorante Italianissimo, RN74, Rover’s Restaurant, Salty’s at Redondo, Salty’s on Alki, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Bellevue, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Seattle, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Swing Wine Bar, The Fireside, Urbane, Visconti’s Italian Restaurant, Washington State Convention Center, and Wild Ginger at The Bravern.

Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition – These are restaurants that are building support of the Washington State wine industry:

Blueacre Seafood, Breadline Café, Churchill’s Steakhouse, Coho Café, Elliott’s Oyster House, Fonte Café & Wine Bar, Harborside, Il Fornaio, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, Matt’s in the Market, Mission Street Bistro, Poco Wine Room, Pomegranate Bistro, Ponti Seafood Grill, Seatown Seabar & Rotisserie, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, The Capital Grille, The Fort Worth Club, The Lincoln Center, The Scotch and Vine, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, and Volterra.

For additional details on the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, please visit washingtonwine.org/restaurantawards.