Pazzi Ristorante Italiano Earns 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award

Pazzi Among the World’s Top Destinations for Wine—

Pazzi Ristorante Italiano has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.

“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming

as diners become more selective about when,

how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Chairman and CEO, Wine Spectator. “Congratulations to the 4,012 restaurants that earned a Restaurant Award and continue to elevate the wine experience for guests around the world. We raise a glass to your success.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence,” said Kelly Caperton, chief operating officer of Cantina Hospitality Group.“Our team has worked hard to create a wine program that complements Pazzi’s Italian menu while offering our guests an approachable and memorable experience. Sommelier Gabriel Ballantine has played an essential role in curating the program, educating our team and making exceptional wine accessible to every guest. This recognition reflects Gabe’s expertise and the passion, knowledge and dedication of everyone at Pazzi.”

Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards recognize excellence in restaurant wine service across three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,083, 1,830, and 99 winners this year in each respective category.

Pazzi Ristorante Italiano has won the The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists offer at least 75 selections and feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue is available on newsstands on July 21st.

Follow Wine Spectator on Instagram (@wine_spectator) and use hashtag #WSRestaurantAwards for posts about this year's awards. WineSpectator.com/Restaurants also features coverage of winners, interviews with leading wine directors, wine picks and pairing tips from sommeliers at award-winning programs. In the Restaurant Search, all winners can be searched by name, location, award level, cuisine, wine specialties and pricing. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users.

About Wine Spectator 

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter. 

About Pazzi Ristorante Italiano

Pazzi Ristorante Italiano offers a contemporary Italian dining experience in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring handcrafted pastas, wood-fired dishes, fresh seafood, premium steaks and thoughtfully prepared desserts. Its curated wine program is designed to complement the restaurant’s Italian-inspired menu and provide an inviting experience for both casual diners and wine enthusiasts. Pazzi Ristorante Italiano is part of Cantina Hospitality Group.