Two Lake Geneva Restaurants Earn "Wine Spectator" Awards of Excellence
THE HUNT CLUB STEAKHOUSE AND CRAFTED AMERICANA RANK FIRST IN GLASS
Geneva National Resort’s Hunt Club Steakhouse and The Ridge Hotel’s new Crafted Americana both have been awarded for their outstanding wine programs by Wine Spectator. These are the only Lake Geneva, WI establishments this year honored by Wine Spectator, which applauds 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.
“We strive to make the dining experience exemplary for our guests, and we believe our wine lists demonstrate this,” states GL Chambers, President of Paloma Resort Properties, which owns Geneva National Resort and manages The Ridge Hotel. “Whether enhancing a dish, occasion or celebration, wine is at the forefront – and our culinary teams strategically select each bottle.”
This is the 12th consecutive year that the Hunt Club Steakhouse has been honored by Wine Spectator. Located along the Gary Player golf course in a 100-year-old farmhouse in the woods, the Hunt Club building – and wine list – boast a rich history. “Our devotion to quality wines is rooted in a passion for each bottle’s history and geographic origins – as well as the people with whom we share our wine and the cuisine it accompanies,” says Hunt Club Manager Martha Militello, who personally greets dinner guests at the front door.
Just a mile away, The Ridge Hotel’s Crafted Americana exudes a midcentury-modern vibe, and its wine list reflects this hip twist. ”We seek hard-to find, eclectic wines that you won’t spot on grocery store shelves. Whether it’s a Round Pond or Watermark cabernet, a Sea Smoke or Kosta Brown pinot noir or a Napa Nook red blend, we pour what’s chic and unique for your palate,” says Rob Johnson, Director of Food & Beverage for The Ridge Hotel. Crafted Americana’s wines range from $30 to $400 a bottle, but bon vivants can save and savor on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the restaurant’s half price wine specials, which run from 11am to close.
Crafted Americana and the Hunt Club Steakhouse join an elite group of just 44 restaurants in Wisconsin and 3,592 worldwide to be singled out by Wine Spectator as top destinations for wine lovers. “As wine becomes more important to diners, the Awards program is thriving with an increasing number of entries, as well as growing print, digital and social audiences,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor & Publisher of Wine Spectator. “Restaurants continue to raise their game when it comes to wine, and we are particularly proud to present this year’s winners.”
Indeed, the Hunt Club Steakhouse and Crafted Americana are privileged to be among such esteemed company. “We are honored that our wine lists are highly recognized by Wine Spectator, as its reputation and influence in the wine world exceed all other such publications,” comments Chambers, who plans for Paloma’s restaurants to pour out more accolades in the years to come.
