Artisan in Southport and West Hartford were among the 33 Connecticut venues recognized for wine excellence by Wine Spectator’s 2021 Restaurant Awards.

Wine Spectator awarded 33 Connecticut restaurants for excellence in its 2021 Restaurant Awards compilation. Announced in June, the annual list highlights eateries around the world for their wine lists. In its 40th year, the awards issue also highlighted renowned dining establishments who were forced to close due to factors related to the pandemic. “Best of” Award of Excellence designations were given to Artisan, Southport and West Hartford; Barcelona Wine Bar, Norwalk, Stamford, Fairfield, New Haven and West Hartford; Caputo Trattoria, Ledyard; David Burke Prime Steakhouse, Ledyard; Fife ‘N Drum Restaurant & Inn, Kent; L’Escale Restaurant, Greenwich; La Foresta Restaurant & Wine Bar, Killingworth; Noveau Monde, Sandy Hook; Winvian Farm Restaurant, Morris; 2hopewell, South Glastonbury; Arethusa al Tavolo, Bantam; Café Aura, Manchester; Castello Restaurant, Danbury; Cava Restaurant, Southington; Kensington’s, Norwich; Millwright’s, Simsbury; Moon, Greenwich; Rebecca’s, Greenwich; Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Newington; Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, New Haven; The Capital Grille, Hartford and Stamford; The Essex, Centerbook; The Griswold Inn & Wine Bar, Essex; The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood, Rowayton; Tony’s at the J House, Riverside; Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire; and Washington Prime, South Norwalk.