Abrielle Awarded Wine Spectator's 2026 Award of Excellence

Recognizing one of Toronto's most thoughtful wine programs

Great wine lists are never built overnight.

They evolve over years of tasting, learning, challenging assumptions, and finding bottles that genuinely deserve a place on the table. Every addition should have a purpose. Every producer should tell a story.

That philosophy has earned Abrielle one of the wine industry's highest honours.

We are proud to share that Abrielle has been recognized with Wine Spectator's 2026 Award of Excellence, an international distinction presented to restaurants whose wine programs demonstrate quality, depth, and a clear connection to their culinary identity.

For us, the award is not simply recognition of the wines we serve. It is recognition of the philosophy behind them.

A wine program built with intention

From the day Abrielle opened, the wine list was designed to be more than a collection of great bottles.

Former General Manager and Wine Director Arash Shroff created the program around a deeply personal idea. Inspired by his mother, a lifelong advocate for women entrepreneurs, he envisioned a wine list that celebrated the talent, creativity, and craftsmanship of women across the global wine industry.

Today, that vision continues to define the restaurant.

Our wines by the glass are sourced exclusively from female winemakers and women-owned wineries, creating one of the most distinctive by-the-glass programs in Toronto. Throughout the bottle list, guests will find producers from celebrated wine regions alongside smaller discoveries that deserve equal attention.

Rather than organizing the list around prestige alone, every wine is selected because it belongs at the table and complements the experience we want every guest to have.

Wine and food should never compete

A memorable dining experience happens when food and wine elevate one another.

Abrielle's Mediterranean-inspired menu was developed with that principle in mind. Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, handmade pastas, premium cuts, and vibrant coastal flavours provide endless opportunities for thoughtful pairing.

Whether you're exploring a new grape variety, celebrating with an exceptional bottle, or simply looking for the right glass to accompany dinner, our team is always happy to guide the experience.

The goal is never to impress with complexity. It is to help guests discover wines they genuinely enjoy.

Continuing the vision

The wine program is now led by General Manager Mariam Dannawi, who continues to build on the foundation established from the beginning.

While the list evolves with each season, the philosophy remains unchanged. Curate thoughtfully. Celebrate craftsmanship. Continue discovering remarkable producers from around the world while maintaining a strong commitment to women in wine.

That consistency is one of the reasons Wine Spectator recognized the program, and one of the reasons guests continue to return.

Experience one of Toronto's award-winning wine lists

Whether you're joining us for an anniversary, a business dinner, a spontaneous evening out, or your first visit to Abrielle, our wine program is designed to be explored.

The 2026 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is an incredible milestone for our team, but the real reward comes every evening when guests discover a new favourite bottle, enjoy a perfect pairing, or leave having experienced something memorable.

We look forward to welcoming you to Abrielle and sharing a glass with you.

Reserve your table today and discover why Abrielle has become one of Toronto's destination restaurants for wine lovers and fine dining.