Abrielle Toronto Wins Wine Spectator 2026 Award for Female-Led Wine Program

Abrielle, a Toronto restaurant, has won Wine Spectator's 2026 Award of Excellence, the publication said on Monday. The award recognizes wine lists that show quality, balance, and alignment with a restaurant's identity.

The restaurant's wine program is built around a specific focus. Wines by the glass come exclusively from female winemakers and women-owned wineries, making that section the most prominent and highest-volume part of the list. The bottle program extends the commitment, with a curated selection of women-led producers across regions and styles.

The program was originally created by former General Manager and Wine Director Arash Shroff, whose vision was shaped by his mother, an advocate for women entrepreneurs, the release said. "Throughout his career in hospitality, Arash viewed the wine list as an opportunity to honor her legacy by showcasing exceptional wines crafted by women around the world," the restaurant said.

The wine program now operates under General Manager Mariam Dannawi, who carries forward that founding philosophy. "This recognition from Wine Spectator is a reflection of the care and intention behind every bottle we select and every guest experience we create," Dannawi said in a statement. "We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to the team members, past and present, who have shaped our wine program into what it is today."

The 2026 Restaurant Awards will appear in Wine Spectator's August issue, with winners listed on Winespectator.com and the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards app.

Abrielle serves modern, Mediterranean-inspired food, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and coastal influences. The restaurant is in Toronto.