Livermore Restaurants Receive Prestigious Wine Spectator Awards

LIVERMORE, CA — Given the world-famous Livermore Valley, it’s no surprise two Livermore restaurants received prestigious awards from Wine Spectator Magazine.

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.

Posada, a Southwestern-themed restaurant on Murrieta Boulevard, received an “Award of Excellence,” while Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard near the Bankhead was only one of two restaurants in the East Bay to receive a “Best Of Award.”

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.

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. Uncle Yu’s, which offers deluxe Chinese food in addition to wines, boasts an extensive wine list.

Posada was one of 1,782 restaurants around the country honored with the Award of Excellence, which requires at least 90 selections of wine.

Click here to see which other Tri-Valley restaurants received awards.