Michael's On East has been honored with the "Best of Award of Excellence" designation for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator's 2020 Restaurant Awards. Recognized among other winners from all over the globe as a top destination for wine lovers, the restaurant is the only honoree in the Best Of Award of Excellence category in the Sarasota-Manatee region. Michael's On East was first recognized by the Wine Spectator in 1989. The Best of Award of Excellence award in 2020 represents an upgraded level of recognition for Michael's On East in the annual Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards.

"This coveted 'Best of Award of Excellence' distinction is a very gratifying recognition for our Wine division! As our region hopes to welcome domestic tourists to our beautiful area this summer, the international recognition offered by this distinction helps us introduce Michael's On East and Sarasota to oenophiles across the country," said Michael's On East Co-Proprietor, Michael Klauber.

With more than 350 estate and domaine-bottled wines on the Michael's On East wine menu, this expansive list is just a curated selection from the more than 1,200 estate- and Domaine-bottled wines available through Michael's. Patrons have the unique benefit of purchasing wines they discover on the Restaurant's wine list from the adjacent retail store, Michael's Wine Cellar.

Guests at Michael's On East are invited to share in the celebration of wine all summer long with the return of its popular wine-focused summer promotions. The Restaurant is offering half-priced bottles of wine each Thursday as part of its weekly Wine Lovers Thursdays summer special. Also, as part of Michael's "Double Points Days", members will earn double Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club points on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during dinner at Michael's On East, plus double points on all retail purchases at Michael's Wine Cellar on Thursdays.

Michael's On East achieved the Best of Award of Excellence for more expansive lists that show a greater commitment to wine with significant vintage depth and excellent breadth across multiple regions. This restaurants' team invests time in extensive staff training, carefully designed presentations, innovative menu pairings, and showpiece wine cellars. Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world's best wine lists in 198

With thirteen staff members holding Court of Master Sommelier certifications, this accomplishment reinforces Michael's On East's commitment to providing exceptional service with the guest's experience in mind. Additionally, the entire staff is trained to guide each guest through the restaurant's comprehensive wine list. Inventory for the restaurant's wine list is sourced from Michael's Wine Cellar, the adjacent retail wine store, which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy 1,200 additional boutique wines on top of the 350 wines listed on the iPad menu in the restaurant.

"Boasting 12,700 bottles on the property, our wine program is one of my personal passions—and a crown jewel of the Michael's operation," said Mr. Klauber

Since opening in 1987, the iconic midtown restaurant has remained a prominent Sarasota dining destination receiving regional and national recognition. Michael's On East was one of only ten restaurants in the nation to be inducted into the 2009 Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame, considered the Oscars of the restaurant industry. Best of Award of Excellence recipients offer more extensive selections with significant vintage depth and excellent breadth across multiple regions.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world's leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web's most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms, and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine's role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 16,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken's Impact Newsletter.