In recognition of its exceptional wine cellar, which services all of the food outlets on the Ashford Castle Estate, the George V restaurant has been awarded a Best of Award of Excellence in one of the world’s most prestigious awards programmes, for a sixth consecutive year.
Wine Spectator's annual Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
According to Wine Spectator, restaurants deserving of its Best of Award of Excellence also take their love of wine a step further, such as carefully designing the presentation of the list, training staff on wine to ensure guests have knowledgeable assistance and giving diners an opportunity to learn more through curated wine dinners.
Guests of Ashford Castle can experience the castle’s 16th Century wine cellars, secret passageways that were only unearthed during recent restorations. Originally used as the servants’ entrance, a coal bunker and underground walkway, the cellars have been lovingly transformed.
They now provide intimate private spaces to enjoy dining experiences and wine tasting from the castle’s expansive list of over 600 wines, including selections from the world-renowned Bouchard Finlayson winery.
The Bouchard Finlayson winery is owned by Ashford Castle’s owners, the Tollman family of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and collaboratively run by Victoria Tollman and Peter Finlayson. Bouchard Finlayson wines are available in Ireland exclusively at Ashford Castle and sister hotel, The Lodge at Ashford.
Niall Rochford, general manager at Ashford Castle said: "I am so proud of our team, expertly led by Robert Bowe, our long-standing restaurant and wine programme manager, who makes every guest experience in the George V memorable. Together with our passionate sommeliers, Robert curates a wonderful and interesting wine list and enjoys sharing with guests his expert recommendations from our legendary cellars. Robert first helped us win this award as far back as 1996."
The annual Wine Spectator awards are designed to elevate wine selection and service around the world and encourage strong wine programmes that complement a variety of cuisines, settings and prices.
Set in a spectacular 350-acre estate in Cong, Co. Mayo, Ashford Castle is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. See www.ashfordcastle.com
