Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas has once again proven it’s in a league of its own—this time by earning a coveted spot in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards. Celebrating the finest wine programs across the globe, the prestigious awards recognize restaurants that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to wine excellence. With thousands of entries from around the world, Fearing’s stands proudly among the elite as a winner of the Award of Excellence.
“A wine list is a restaurant’s identity in print,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator. “This year’s winners reflect deep knowledge and a passion for discovery.”
At the heart of Fearing’s award-winning program is sommelier Paul Botamer, whose expertly curated wine list is crafted to complement the bold, Texas-inspired cuisine that defines the restaurant’s distinctive culinary voice. From iconic Napa Valley reds to rare European gems, the selection bridges the classic and the unexpected, offering guests a memorable and refined pairing experience.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” Botamer said. “It represents not only the strength of our wine program, but also the care and pride our entire team brings to the Fearing’s experience. Every bottle we select is chosen to elevate the moment for our guests.”
Since its launch in 1981, Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards program has spotlighted excellence in wine service at three tiers: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award. Fearing’s joins 2,010 restaurants worldwide who received the Award of Excellence this year—a distinction reserved for those offering thoughtful, high-quality selections that align seamlessly with the restaurant’s menu and philosophy.
The full list of winners will be featured in Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue, available July 15. For those who appreciate a glass poured with purpose, a visit to Fearing’s offers more than a meal—it’s a curated journey through some of the world’s finest wines, right in the heart of Dallas.
