Vakkaru Maldives Scoops Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the 3rd Time
Wednesday 12th of July 2023
Vakkaru Maldives’s exclusive wine cellar, Vakkaru Reserve has once again been recognized by the acclaimed Wine Spectator magazine with the Best of Award of Excellence in its 2023 edition. This is the third time the island sanctuary’s cellar earned this esteemed title, augmenting its position as a preferred destination for wine connoisseurs from all over the world.
Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards are distinguished for recognizing restaurants whose wine listings feature unique collections that complement their cuisine, catering to the preferences of a broad spectrum of wine enthusiasts. This ‘Two-Glass’ title is received by establishments that presently offer at least 350 selections of wine labels, covering a wide range of wine regions, styles and vintage depth in their choices.
Vakkaru Reserve’s diverse and sophisticated collection appeals to oenophiles worldwide and demonstrates the property’s unwavering commitment to providing exquisite guest experiences. These two reasons were instrumental in securing this commendation, placing Vakkaru Maldives amongst the 1411 elite award winners in 2023, out of which only four establishments in the Maldives were granted the title.
A mere step away from the ocean, the Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar is housed in an elegant wooden building that can accommodate up to 10 guests around a communal table at any given time. Since its inception in 2018, the Vakkaru Reserve has garnered a reputation as a highly sought-after setting for an intimate dining experience and is an ideal location for guests seeking special evenings. The building also features an eight-seater outdoor dining table, adorned by palm trees and artfully illuminated by candlelight.
Guests can sample the cellar’s cigar collection during a visit to the Vakkaru Reserve and partake in exclusive wine-tasting experiences. Private wine pairing dinners can also be arranged at the Reserve where guests will have the opportunity to savour three to five-course set menus paired with wines curated by a sommelier. Boasting a rich curation of vintage and non-vintage wines from the Old and the New Worlds, Vakkaru’s wine portfolio spans 680 labels from 15 different countries.
Some of the rare vintages featured in the cellar include 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.
Iain McCormack, General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives remarked: “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.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.’’