Restaurants which offer extraordinary and interesting wine selections appropriate to their cuisine have been honored by Wine Spectator, since 1981. And in 2017, the Wine Spectator awarded seven new "Grand Awards" to restaurants, bringing the total to 85.

Qualifying restaurants must provide a wine list that is complete with accurate information, including vintage wines and appellations for all wine selections.

It is mandatory that the spellings of wine producer names and labels are correct, and the overall list presentation is also a factor to awarding candidates.

Wine lists that meet these requirements are then judged for one of three wine awards.


Award of Excellence
2,414 winners
The award winners typically offer at least 90 different selections in their wine list featuring a diverse assortment of quality wine producers, along with a matching theme to complement the restaurant's menu in style and pricing. Whether the wine list is focused or diverse, small or large, the wine lists provide sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.


Best of Award of Excellence
1,093 winners
The recipients of this award usually have wine lists that show above average selections across multiple winegrowing regions and/or a vast vertical focus of top wine producers and superior presentation.

These restaurants will generally offer at least 350 or more wine selections and thus, are a influential reason for serious wine lovers to visit. In addition, the restaurant will be dedicated to accommodating those committed wine lovers, both through the restaurant staff and in the cellar.


Grand Award
85 winners
The Grand Award is the highest accolade given to restaurants.

These restaurants show true uncompromising passion and devotion to the exceptional quality of their wine lists and programs. Their wine lists will typically boast at least 1,000 or more wine bottle selections from a vast array of top wine producers. In addition, their wine lists will offer outstanding depth in vintage wines that are harmonious with their menu, a sufficient selection of large format bottles and superior presentation. These restaurants offer the highest level of wine choice and service for any wine connoisseur.

The Open Cork is one of the select few Mississauga restaurants to have earned the Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" for five consecutive years.