Canlis had twenty consecutive Wine Spectator Magazine Grand Awards, but no James Beard Awards. All of that changed last night, May 1st, at the 2017 James Beard Awards.
This year, Canlis finally took home the coveted James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program. Via Seattle Times, this is Canlis’ first win after being nominated ten times to the James Beard Awards.
A Seattle institution since 1950, Canlis is renowned for its 88-page wine list. If its wine selection looks broader than that of a high-end wine shop, that’s because it essentially is a shop. All wines are also available for retail sale and delivery.
For example, there are nine vintages of Grand Cru Domaine de la Romanée Conti alone. Viewed in this light, it’s no wonder that the restaurant has also successfully trained four Master Sommeliers and nine Advanced Sommeliers. The average patron would take at least half an hour just to quickly skim the list, let alone make a decision.
It will also come as no surprise that Canlis also offers wines bottled under its own name. Prior wine partnerships have included a dessert wine with Alois Krater, Buty Syrah, a Jean Milan Champagne, and Hirsch Chardonnay.
Prepare for your wine-filled visit by doing a pre-read of their extensive list here.