FORT McDOWELL, AZ – For the fourth consecutive year in a row, Ember – We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort’s fine dining restaurant – has been recognized with Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.” It is one of only 15 restaurants in Arizona to receive the award.
According to Wine Spectator, the designation recognizes wine lists that “display excellent breadth across multiple wine-growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and throughout their service team.”
Ember has received the “Best of Award of Excellence” since the restaurant opened in October 2020.
“Over the past four years, Dennis has curated an elevated wine culture that has made the restaurant a ‘must-go-to’ dining establishment for people celebrating special occasions or just looking for a delicious meal with a thoughtful wine pairing,” said Zac Gallo, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. “Ember has truly become a culinary destination for local residents, as well as visitors to the area, and this success can be attributed in large part to our extensive wine and spirits library, as well as our popular wine dinners and bourbon tastings.”
Ember’s wine program continues to be recognized by wine critics and guests as one of the very best lists in Arizona. Over the past year, Dennis Payne – sommelier at Ember – has expanded the wine list in several areas that target collectors and also appeal to the loyal guests who dine frequently at the award-winning restaurant.
“Ember currently boasts 10 verticals, double the vertical selections from the previous year, ranging from amazing fourth growth Bordeaux wines to historical blends from Napa Valley,” said Payne. “Our list now features 800 selections from 30 countries, focusing on each country’s top wine-producing regions and most highly acclaimed vineyards, and more than 60 ports and dessert wines from seven countries. Property Executive Chef Richard Pelz’ inventive menus continue to inspire our wine library acquisitions and pairings, and we look forward to further broadening our guests’ palates with new vintages.”
Additionally, Ember’s 38-page wine list includes a page titled “The Century Club,” dedicated to the world’s top 100-point wines. Curated for fine wine collectors, the list contains 36 critically acclaimed wines spanning more than two decades that have scored a perfect 100 points.