The world’s most elite wine destinations usually conjure up images of Portuguese vineyards and French chateaus. But around here, accessing one of the greatest wine cellars on the planet just requires being on the keen lookout for cyclists on the winding curves of Flagstaff Mountain.
Flagstaff House has landed a spot on Wine Spectator’s 2026 Grand Award list, placing the Boulder fine-dining landmark among just 99 restaurants globally recognized for an outstanding wine program. The accolade is backed by a staggering cellar of nearly 15,000 bottles (enough wine to fill a 12-foot backyard swimming pool or 37 standard bathtubs to the brim). While the Grand Award roster represents an elite tier of international wine destinations, it’s familiar territory for the mountainside restaurant, which has maintained the honor every year since 1983.
“Our wine list, and the Grand Award, they’re a part of our identity at Flagstaff House,” said co-owner and general manager Adam Monette. “Fewer than 100 restaurants in the entire world get this recognition, and one of them is in Boulder. That is super special. It’s something we take a lot of pride in.”
The foundation of the restaurant’s current wine program dates back to the 1970s, when original owner Don Monette first began building out the collection. Today, his grandson, Adam Monette, runs the restaurant alongside executive chef Chris Royster, who both purchased the business in 2022…