The Highlands has been honored for their outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. 

The Main Dining Room received an Award of Excellence recognizing 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.

“In a time of technological innovation, restaurants offer the human experience diners are hungry for—listening to their customers and offering personalized experience,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “This annual issue celebrates the places where wine is at the top of that conversation. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,505 restaurants for their dedication to wine and wine-loving diners.”

The 2023 awards recognized winners from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 70 countries.

“We’re proud to be listed amongst the world’s best restaurants to enjoy wine,” said Bryan Banfield, sommelier and director of food and beverage for The Highlands. “Our wine list of over 180 bottles and growing is hand-curated with focus on estate wines, and pairings to match our cuisine.”

“We’re also really focused on creating high-level experiences for our guests,” Banfield added.  “We’re securing wine verticals and rare wines like Domaine Romanee-Conti and have a passionate and knowledgeable team who loves wine with five managers having received formal training through the Court of Master Sommeliers.”

The Main Dining Room is open seasonally at The Highlands.  Guests can also enjoy The Main Dining Room’s wine list year-round in the resort’s Slopeside Lounge.

Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award, with 2,001; 1,411; and 93 winners this year in each respective category.

Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue is on newsstands now.

To explore this curated list of great dining spots for enjoying wine, head to WineSpectator.com’s free-access Restaurant Search, which features all of Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Award winners searchable by name, location, cuisine type, wine strengths, pricing, and award level.

About Wine Spectator 
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter. 

About The Highlands
The Highlands offers an idyllic setting in charming Harbor Springs, Mich.  The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality.  For nearly 60 years, The Highlands has enriched the moment for vacationing guests with its all-season allure.  The Highlands is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.  To learn more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.