Stirrups and Genievieve’s Earn 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award

Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala is thrilled to announce that Stirrups and Genievieve’s have been honored for their outstanding wine programs in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. 

“We are honored to have both Stirrups and Genievieve’s recognized by Wine Spectator for their exceptional wine programs,” says Jeremy Gow, Senior Director of Hospitality Operations at World Equestrian Center. “Our teams are dedicated to transforming the wine experience through thoughtfully curated selections, exceptional service and elevated dining experiences for every guest who dines with us.” 

Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards recognize excellence in restaurant wine service across three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award. Stirrups and Genievieve’s have both won the Best of Award of Excellence, which recognizes excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Only 1,830 restaurants worldwide received the Best of Award of Excellence this year, placing Stirrups and Genievieve’s among the world’s top destinations for wine. 

Stirrups  

For a third year, Stirrups has earned Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Featuring more than 600 selections curated by an in-house sommelier, the award-winning wine program showcases renowned producers from wine regions around the world, with notable representation from California, France, Burgundy and Italy.  

The extensive collection complements Stirrups’ refined steakhouse experience and seasonal Southern-inspired cuisine. From lively brunches and elegant dinners to immersive dining events, Stirrups offers memorable dining experiences for any occasion. Make a reservation through OpenTable to experience the world-class wine program. 

Genievieve’s 

In its first year, Genievieve’s has earned the Best of Award of Excellence, a prestigious honor that reflects its dedication to exceptional wine service and authentic Italian dining. With more than 500 selections, the Italian wine program is showcased in a cellar-inspired private dining room highlighting bottles from all 20 Italian wine regions, including Piedmont and Tuscany. 

Paired with elegant cuisine and warm hospitality, the extensive wine program invites guests to explore the diversity and craftsmanship of Italy’s most renowned wine regions. Make a reservation through OpenTable to explore the award-winning Italian wine collection.   

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. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.  

About World Equestrian Center 
Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio. 

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property. 

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Learn more at wec.net.