Sip in style at these 3 award-winning Baldwin County wine spots

If you are looking to pair your next night out with an exceptional glass of wine, the coastal dining scene just got some major national validation.

Wine Spectator, a global authority on wine culture and ratings, released its 2026 Restaurant Awards. This year, the publication honored more than 4,000 establishments across 87 countries and all 50 states for their outstanding wine programs. Three local Baldwin County favorites made the cut for 2026.

Since 1981, the Award of Excellence has recognized restaurants that curate high-quality wine lists with selections that clearly appeal to wine lovers, thematic consistency and excellent pairing choices for their dinner menus.

Baldwin County award-winning wine lists to try right now

Here are the three local establishments that earned the 2026 Award of Excellence honors, along with where to find them:

• Little Bird | 52 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
• The Hope Farm | 915 Nichols Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
• Villaggio Grille | 4790 Wharf Pkwy W, Ste 108B, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Alabama restaurant wine awards: Winners in Birmingham, Huntsville + beyond

While Baldwin County represented the coastal region with three standout selections, 14 other excellent dining spots across Alabama also received the 2026 Award of Excellence recognition:

• Birmingham (5):
  • Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar
  • Little Betty Steak Bar
  • Ocean
  • Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
  • Seasons 52
• Auburn/Opelika (4):
  • Acre
  • Botanic
  • The Depot
  • 1856 Culinary Residence
• Montgomery (2):
  • Ravello Ristorante
  • Vintage Year
• Huntsville (2):
  • Char Restaurant
  • Domaine South
• Tuscaloosa (1):
  • Forte

Did Wine Spectator get the coastal Alabama list right? Did they miss your favorite local wine menu? Let us know by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram!