Vakkaru Maldives is thrilled to announce that its wine cellar, Vakkaru Reserve, has once again been recognised by the esteemed  Wine Spectator magazine with the Best of Award of Excellence for 2023. This honour marks  the third time the island sanctuary’s cellar has earned this prestigious title, further solidifying  its position as a leading destination for wine connoisseurs. 

Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards are designed to recognise restaurants whose wine lists  offer interesting selections that complement their cuisine, appealing to a broad spectrum of  wine enthusiasts. This “Two-Glass” title is given to establishments that present at least 350  selections of wine labels, offering a wide array of wine regions, styles, and vintage depth.  Vakkaru Reserve’s diverse and sophisticated collection and unwavering commitment to  exquisite guest experiences were instrumental in securing this commendation. Among the  1,411 award winners in 2023, only four establishments in the Maldives were granted this title. 

Housed in an elegant wooden building steps away from the ocean, the Vakkaru Reserve  wine cellar, which opened in 2018, accommodates up to 10 guests for an intimate dining  experience around a communal table. Surrounded by palm trees and beautifully illuminated  by candlelight, the eight-seater outdoor dining table is a popular spot for guests looking for a  special evening and those wanting to try the cellar’s cigar collection. In addition to wine  tasting experiences, private wine pairing dinners are also available, and guests can savour  three- to five-course set menus, paired with wines curated by the sommelier. 

Home to a careful curation of vintage and non-vintage wines from the Old and the New  Worlds, the wine list covers 680 labels from 15 different countries. It includes rare vintages such  as the 1974 and 1985 Château Cheval Blanc, 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, 2002 Krug  Clos du Mesnil and 2009 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé, the 1990 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia  Bolgheri, 2002 Chateau d’Yquem and Tiganello vintages running from 2006 to 2014. 

“We are immensely proud and delighted to receive the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of  Excellence for the third time. This award is not only a recognition of the diverse and  sophisticated collection of wines we offer at Vakkaru Reserve, but it’s also a testament to the  unwavering commitment of our team to provide unparalleled guest experiences,” said Iain  McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives. “Vakkaru Reserve is more than just a wine  cellar; it’s a destination for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who seek an exquisite wine journey.  As we celebrate this recognition, we are inspired to continue curating a world-class wine list  and exceptional experiences that our guests have come to expect and enjoy,’’ he added.