Sommelier Massimo Tullio, The Whelk, Norwalk.

Wine Enthusiast magazine released the 2018 iteration of its annual America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants list in its August print issue. Norwalk’s The Whelk represented Connecticut on this distinctive list, with wines under the direction of Sommelier Massimo Tullio. Each year, the magazine’s editors seek out restaurants that offer the “best, most innovative and thoughtful wine, dining and service.” Tullio said of the accolade, “I am honored to have received this award from Wine Enthusiast. Being acknowledged for doing something you love is a great feeling. My goal has always been to seek out interesting, balanced wines for our guests at The Whelk, Jesup Hall and Kawa Ni. In the world of beverages, regardless of trends, wine will always have a strong foothold and I look forward to the future of this industry and what the upcoming young wine professionals will add to it.”