From Milan to Tokyo, via Castellammare di Stabia, Fort Lauderdale, and Denver: the Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium announces the winners of the 2026 Leccio d’Oro. The awards recognize restaurants and wine bars that showcase local wines through their menus. The awards ceremony will take place on November 21, during Benvenuto Brunello.
They are From Giacomo in Milan, Casa d’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale, Grappolo Blu in Castellammare di Stabia, and La Cantina Bessho in Tokyo the winners of the Leccio d’Oro 2026. To round out the picture, the Rosso di Montalcino Special Award, attributed to the Denver Tavern. Each year, the Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium presents these awards to restaurants and wine bars that pay special attention to wines from this appellation.
Five establishments in Italy, the United States, and Japan, all of which offer wine lists that showcase Montalcino. Through a variety of producers, labels, and vintages. The award recognizes both the breadth of the selections and the depth of the vintages available, thereby highlighting the work of those who age and serve even the most mature wines.
Award-winning restaurants in Italy and abroad
In the “Restaurant Italy” category, the award goes to Da Giacomo in Milan. The restaurant, which evokes the atmosphere of early 20th-century Milanese trattorias. Offers sixty wines ranging from Brunello to Rosso di Montalcino. With a selection that includes Riserva wines and single-vineyard labels.
For the Best International Restaurant category, the jury selected Casa d’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Founded by Chef Angelo Elia, it features over 160 Montalcino wines. The wine selection is complemented by three private dining rooms that are also available for personalized tastings.
Wine Shops: From Campania to Japan
The Enoteca Italia award goes to Grappolo Blu in Castellammare di Stabia. In business for over ten years. The wine shop features a wide selection of Montalcino wines and bears a name that pays homage to the tavern of the same name in the Tuscan village.
In the “International Wine Shop” category, the winner is La Cantina Bessho in Tokyo. Originally founded as a liquor store, it now offers a total of over 2,000 wine selections. With a specific focus on Italian wines.
We return to the United States with the Special Rosso di Montalcino Award going to La Tavernetta in Denver: a wine list with a strong Italian influence, where Rosso features alongside Brunello.
The awards ceremony at Benvenuto Brunello
Awards will be presented on Saturday, November 21, at the Teatro degli Astrusi in Montalcino, during the 35th edition of Benvenuto Brunello, scheduled for November 19–23.
The preview will feature 116 wineries, showcasing the 2022 Brunello di Montalcino, the 2021 Brunello Riserva, and the 2025 Rosso di Montalcino. First two days will be reserved for the national and international press and selected industry professionals. This will be followed by events attended by producers and open to wine enthusiasts.
Established in 1994, the Leccio d’Oro award is presented by a jury composed of the president and members of the Consortium’s board.The roll of honorees lists the recipients of the award.
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