Ariccia Cucina Italiana’s wine program received the Wine Spectator’s 2020 Restaurant Award’s “Best of Award of Excellence,” given to restaurants that offer more extensive selections with significant vintage depth and excellent breadth across multiple regions. The annual program, which recognizes restaurants around the world as the top destinations for wine lovers, successfully moved forward in 2020 despite the effects of COVID-19.

“This year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Award program celebrates restaurants’ resilience, dedication and bravery during these unprecedented times,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “We hope that all of our award winners and the people who make them special will find their way through the crisis to once again welcome us through their doors. We look forward to raising a glass together and to new beginnings.”

The wine program within Ariccia Cucina Italiana is overseen by Adam Keeshan, executive assistant manager of food and beverage for The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

“We are honored that Ariccia Cucina Italiana has been recognized by Wine Spectator as having one of the best wine programs in the country,” said Hans van der Reijden, managing director of The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. “Adam and his team have worked tirelessly to grow and enhance our wine offerings. Not only is it a great opportunity to expose the world of wine to our Auburn community, but also an opportunity to showcase the wineries that support Auburn University and our Hospitality Management Program. Winemakers across Northern California, Italy, Oregon, Argentina and Chile dedicate their time, knowledge and open their homes annually to our students. It’s one small way we can show our appreciation for the investment they make into our students by featuring their wines on our list.”