Montecito, United States — Rosewood Miramar Beach, the Forbes Triple Five-Star luxury resort located along an exclusive stretch of California’s Central Coast, celebrates a major culinary milestone as its signature restaurant, Caruso’s, is the proud recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award, the world’s highest honor for a restaurant wine program. Caruso’s is one of just two new additions to the prestigious accolade, with only 99 restaurants worldwide receiving the recognition overall.

Awarded to restaurants that show an uncompromising devotion to the quality of their wine programs, Wine Spectator’s Grand Award is the organization’s most coveted recognition. Grand Award recipients regularly feature 1,000 or more selections, offering a profound breadth of top producers, depth of mature vintages, selections of large-format bottles, superior presentation, and harmony with the menu; Caruso’s is no exception, with over 3,500 selections from across the world, with specific emphasis on exclusive wines from the local vintners of Santa Barbara County.

Perched above the Pacific Ocean on the American Riviera, Caruso’s wine and culinary program is inspired by the diversity and character of California’s Central Coast. Led by Director of Wine Rob Smits and Head Sommelier Alfie Wang, Caruso’s beverage program features wines of the highest quality sourced from the region’s rich agricultural landscape, with an emphasis on partnerships with nearby producers. With a story focusing on local wines paired with Caruso’s sustainable,seafood-focused Coastal California cuisine, Caruso’s renowned Sense of Place wine pairing highlights five distinct subregions within Santa Barbara County: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Happy Canyon, and Ballard Canyon.Within each region, Caruso’s offers dozens of different bottles of varying vintages and price points, creating a comprehensive narrative of the Santa Barbara region for guests without having to leave the property.

“The Grand Award is the highest honor in our profession and recognizes what’s possible when a wine program is built with equal parts ambition and authenticity. We have worked to create a collection that celebrates both iconic producers from around the world and the remarkable wines of Santa Barbara, offering guests a truly distinctive wine experience. This award reflects the passion and dedication of an incredible team, and we are deeply grateful to Rick Caruso, our leadership team, and everyone who contributed to this achievement.”

Rob Smits, Director of Wine, Rosewood Miramar Beach

Caruso’s Grand Award joins additional accolades for the celebrated restaurant, including a MICHELIN Star and recognition as a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Beverage Program. As underscored by these awards, the team at Rosewood Miramar Beach continues to deliver a best-in-class experience within and beyond the Central Coast. The property has earned numerous honors across its signature amenities, including a coveted triple five-star rating on Forbes Travel Guide, a designation awarded to just 16 properties worldwide. Additional honors across the property include two PINS from the internationally recognized Pinnacle Guide and a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award Top 10 nomination for Best Hotel Bar for The Manor Bar, and AMA Sushi's inclusion on the MICHELIN Guide California "New Discoveries" list in 2022 and 2024. Sustainability is a key pillar of the Rosewood experience, and Caruso’s leads by example, as the first restaurant in North America to achieve three stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Standard. Additionally, Chef Massimo Falsini is an Ambassador for Project Zero’s Coral Collective, an organization that works to save coral reefs from extinction.

About Rosewood Miramar Beach

A Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five-Star hotel and spa, Rosewood Miramar Beach is the American Riviera estate. Nestled on the pristine shores of Montecito along California’s Central Coast, framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, this oceanfront haven offers an unparalleled connection to the sea and surrounding landscape. An homage to acclaimed architect Paul Williams, the resort features residential-style architecture and interiors, alongside a carefully curated private art collection. The 152 rooms and suites—including those with front-row views of the Pacific Ocean—capture the essence of West Coast elegance and contemporary Californian living. Days here unfold between the waves and the mountains: think surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, and discovering Santa Barbara’s most acclaimed vineyards. Dining celebrates the region’s bounty across eight distinct venues, including the Michelin-Starred Caruso’s restaurant. With the restorative Sense Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two serene pools and a curated collection of premier luxury boutiques, well-being thrives in every detail.

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About Rosewood

Rosewood is an ever-evolving global collection of hotels, resorts, and residences, born through the discovery of remarkable places. With 42 one-of-a-kind destinations, each property celebrates the culture and community that shapes it, upholding the ideal of hospitality as mutually revitalizing. Every detail is intricately woven to tell the story of the place, offering unexpected moments of discovery and connection. Rosewood Residences extends this spirit, inspiring a life where belonging and curiosity enrich every day.

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Media Contacts

For More Information About F&B Programming at Rosewood Miramar Beach, Please Contact:

Rwmiramar@baltzco.com