Text courtesy of The Little Nell
Images by Jamie Jaye Fletcher and Megan Wynn
The Little Nell was honored twice recently with awards for exceptional wine and outstanding food, a pairing that has been a part of the hotel’s ethos since its very beginning.
In September 2023, The World of Fine Wine, a quarterly publication that presents the most prestigious and rigorous wine list awards program, held its annual awards ceremony in London. The esteemed regional winners for the 2023 list, announced months prior, were invited to take part in the global category ceremony in London.
Having been named the regional winner for “Best Hotel Wine List in North America,” The Little Nell was invited to the awards. The Little Nell’s wine director, Chris Dunaway, attended the event and was presented with the overall award for “Best Hotel Wine List in the World,” which he accepted on behalf of the hotel.
The finalists, and ultimately the winners, of each category are determined through an intensive independent judging process involving a panel comprised of some of the world’s most respected wine experts, including masters of wine, a master sommelier, and a world champion sommelier. “What a special accolade to help celebrate the great wine legacy at The Nell,” Dunaway says. “We’ve worked tirelessly for the past 34 years to source and share some great fine and rare wine 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.”
Also in September 2023, the first edition of the Michelin Guide Colorado selection was revealed. Three regions were considered for the guide: Denver and Boulder, Vail and Beaver Creek, and Aspen and Snowmass. Among the Aspen and Snowmass winners were chef Barclay Dodge’s Bosq Aspen restaurant, which 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.
Matthew Zubrod, culinary director for The Little Nell stated, “To be acknowledged by the highest standard of culinary excellence is very flattering. We will continue to strive for a Michelin star designation and are very grateful for the recognition we have received thus far.”
Eliza Voss, vice president of destination marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association 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.”