Little Nell Wins A Top Award From The World Of Fine Wine, Earns Recognition From Michelin Guide Colorado Series

The Little Nell was honored twice this week with awards for exceptional wine and outstanding food, a pairing that has been a part of the hotel’s ethos since its very beginning.

The World of Fine, a multi-award-winning quarterly publication, which presents the most prestigious and rigorous wine lists awards program, held its annual awards ceremony in London. The esteemed Regional Winners for the 2023 list, which were announced earlier this summer, were invited to take part in the Global Category ceremony held this week.

Having been named the Regional Winner for “Best Hotel Wine List in North America,” The Little Nell was invited to the awards. Little Nell Wine Director Chris Dunaway attended the event on Monday in London and was presented with the overall award for “Best Hotel Wine List in the World,” which he accepted on behalf of his team and the entire hotel. 

In determining the finalists, and ultimately the winners, of each category, a panel comprising some of the world’s most respected experts, including Masters of Wine, a Master Sommelier, and a World Champion Sommelier, are the judges who guarantee the credibility and integrity of the competition and run each submitted list through an intensive independent judging process.

“What a special accolade to help celebrate the great wine legacy at The Nell,” said Dunaway. “We’ve worked tirelessly for the past 34 years to source and share some great fine and rare with our guests and to be mentioned in the same breath with the great properties represented at the 2023 World of Fine Wine Awards was truly a great honor. And to be there and win on the world stage has us all buzzing with excitement. We’re looking forward to sharing that excitement with our guests this upcoming season and beyond.”

On Tuesday, September 12, the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide Colorado selection was revealed. There are three regions that were considered for the guide - Denver and Boulder, Vail and Beaver Creek, and Aspen and Snowmass.

Among the Aspen and Snowmass winners were BOSQ Aspen/Chef Barclay Dodge who received a MICHELIN star, while Element 47 at The Little Nell, Prospect at Hotel Jerome and Mawa’s Kitchen each received a “Recommended Restaurant” distinction. 

Matt Zubrod, Culinary Director for The Little Nell stated, “to be acknowledged by the highest standard of unsolicited review, ‘the sign of a chef using quality ingredients that are well cooked; simply a good meal,’ is very flattering considering the volume we serve at Element 47 at The Little Nell. We will strive to continue the excellence in achieving a MICHELIN star and are very grateful to even be on the map!” 

Eliza Voss, Vice President for Marketing for Aspen Chamber Resort noted, “We are delighted to congratulate Barclay Dodge and the BOSQ Aspen team for their MICHELIN star. And congratulations to our “Recommended” restaurants Element 47, Mawa’s Kitchen, and Prospect. We always knew the culinary scene in our community was something to be proud of and now we can share these accolades with the world.”

Visit The Little Nell to experience the award-winning wine and culinary programs. The hotel closes on October 29, for the off-season, and will reopen on November 20 for ski season.