For nine consecutive years, Wine Spectator Magazine, the industry’s paragon, has selected the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa’s fine dining restaurant, Winfield’s Bistro, as the recipient of its prestigious Award of Excellence.  The Award of Excellence program is recognized throughout the U.S., as well as in 37 countries.  Among the criteria for selection are sommelier savvy, a well-balanced cellar, originality and menu compatibility.  

Beverage Manager, Ed Clawson, who oversees the wine selection, works closely with the Stoweflake chefs to assure the list complements the culinary creations and imaginative menu.  With over 3000 bottles from more than 10 countries, the Stoweflake cellar is one of the most original in Vermont.  Over 50 wines are served by the glass offering customers unlimited opportunities to discover and compare wines from around the world without having to purchase entire bottles.  Two ounce tastings are available, as well.
 
The wine list is revised several times annually. Clawson, who has been with the Stoweflake for 15 years, explains, “Over the years, our cellar has evolved to meet the needs of our increasingly sophisticated and inquisitive wine enthusiasts. We offer a broad, but refined, selection of exceptional wines, several of which are not available elsewhere and are considered the best in their fields.  For example, we offer a large selection of the Cave Collection of Far Niente, which ranges in price from $80 to over $300 per bottle.

"By the same token, we also select familiar, well-valued wines such as several from the Ferrari-Carano Winery,” continues Clawson.  “We also are flexible - 1997 was a stupendous year for Cabernets, so we have 40 different choices on our new list. No matter what the budget or level of sophistication, customers can always find outstanding choices.”  Other favorites include a 1996 Gewurztraminer from Gunderloch aud Nachen and a Jean Paul Gautier Piper-Heidsieck bubbly clad in a red leather bodice.

The wine list is also offered at Charlie B’s Pub & Restaurant, the resort’s popular, casual dining spot.