CANTON − Grapes in a Glass has once again put downtown Canton on the wine map, earning its 10th recognition from Wine Spectator and fifth Best of Award of Excellence.
The wine bar remains the only establishment in Stark County to receive the honor.
The wine bar at 575 Market Ave. N is among the recipients of the magazine’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which recognize restaurants and wine bars around the world for outstanding wine programs.
Grapes in a Glass received the Best of Award of Excellence, a distinction awarded to restaurants with exceptional wine lists that feature broad selections from multiple wine regions, significant vertical offerings from top producers and superior presentation.
“Thirteen years after opening our doors, we are incredibly proud and honored to receive our 10th Wine Spectator recognition and fifth Best of Award of Excellence,” said Tamara Jorgensen, owner, master sommelier candidate and wine educator at Grapes in a Glass. “Being one of just 16 locations in Ohio − and the only establishment in Stark County − to hold this honor is truly special.”
Recognized among world’s top wine programs
Wine Spectator launched its Restaurant Awards in 1981. Today, the program recognizes restaurants in three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. This year, the magazine recognized 4,012 restaurants worldwide, including 1,830 Best of Award of Excellence winners.
As Grapes in a Glass approaches its 13th anniversary on July 23, the business continues to build its reputation as a destination for wine enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of wines from renowned regions around the world, along with educational tastings, wine dinners and customized tasting experiences.
“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,” Marvin R. Shanken, chairman and CEO of Wine Spectator, said in a news release announcing the awards.
Looking ahead
Jorgensen credited the wine bar’s staff and customers for helping earn the recognition.
“Thank you to our loyal guests and dedicated team for helping us achieve this recognition,” she said. “We look forward to continuing to share exceptional wine experiences with our community.”
The complete list of 2026 Restaurant Award winners is available on Wine Spectator’s website.
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton’s Grapes in a Glass earns 10th Wine Spectator honor
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
