South Bay Restaurants Make 2022 Wine Spectator List

SOUTH BAY, CA - Wine Spectator released their annual list noting the best restaurants for wine across the country and this year South Bay restaurants received nods.

Some 3,169 restaurants made the cut in 2022, receiving recognition at three different levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award or Excellence and the Grand Award — the most prestigious.

Honored restaurants not only feature interesting and extensive lists, but have wine selections that complement their food menus and appeal to a wide range of drinkers, according to Wine Spectator. A winning restaurant must also have an accurate and complete wine list with descriptions of where the grapes are grown.

“These awards not only guide our readers to dining establishments with impressive wine lists and outstanding service, but also serve to honor restaurants for their achievements and commitment to maintaining pristine cellars,” Wine Spectator Editor and Publisher Marvin Shanken wrote in a news release.

Only 97 restaurants across the country received the magazine’s highest award, the Grand Award. This award is reserved for restaurants with a whopping 1,000 selections including vintage choices, large-format bottles, superior presentation and service and a menu to match. One California restaurant made the top award for the first time: Press Restaurant in Napa Valley.

One South Bay restaurant received this prestigious honor:

• Plumed Horse, Saratoga, Best Wines: California, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Piedmont, Tuscany, Germany, Australia

The second-best award covered 1,290 restaurants across the country for their selections of at least 350 wines. These restaurants show “a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team,” according to Wine Spectator. These restaurants received the Best of Award designation:

• Adega, San Jose, Best Wines: Portugal, Madeira, Port
• Bird Dog, Palo Alto, Best Wines: California, Burgundy, Champagne, Italy
• Chez TJ, Mountain View, Best Wines: California, France
• Dio Deka, Los Gatos, Best Wines: California, France, Greece, Italy
• Epernay Bistro, Los Gatos, Best Wines: Burgundy, California, France, Oregon
• Forbes Mill Steakhouse, Los Gatos, Best Wines: California, Italy, Rhône, France
• Manresa, Los Gatos, Best Wines: California, Burgundy, France, Germany
• One Iron Bar, San Martin, Best Wines: California, Italy, France
• Tasting House, Los Gatos, Best Wines: California, France, Italy

Some 1,782 restaurants received the Award of Excellence, meaning their list features at least 90 selections with variety and quality. These wine lists will satisfy a discerning wine lover, according to Wine Spectator. Here are the South Bay restaurants that qualified:

• 20Twenty Cheese Bar, San Jose, Best Wines: California
• Birk's Restaurant, Santa Clara, Best Wines: California
• Dry Creek Grill, San Jose, Best Wines: California
• Fogo de Chão, San Jose, Best Wines: Argentina, California, Chile
• Ladera Grill, Morgan Hill, Best Wines: California
• Meso Modern Mediterranean, San Jose, Best Wines: California, Greece
• Morton's, The Steakhouse, San Jose, Best Wines: California
• Steamer's the Grillhouse, Los Gatos, Best Wines: California
• Sundance the Steakhouse, Palo Alto, Best Wines: California