Wine Spectator magazine has honored The Ritz-Carlton Lodge’s signature restaurant, Georgia ’s Bistro with the coveted Award of Excellence 2009 for its wine list and wine program.

The “Award of Excellence” is for restaurants that offer a carefully-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style, with at least 100 selections on the list.

The publication judges restaurants from around the world worthy of The Award of Excellence for 2009. Wine Spectator is dedicated to rating and discussing wine, the marriage of food and wine, and current wine trends with bureaus New York City , Napa Valley, California, and Tuscany, Italy. The magazine’s editors rate more than 18,000 wines a year.

“A good wine list, I believe, is not about having a lot of labels but being able to offer guests various vintages as well as a variety of styles,” says Stephen Clark, The Ritz-Carlton Lodge’s resident wine expert. “The Bistro’s wine list is a combination of acclaimed boutique and known wines. In all, 46 wines are available by the glass, including seven champagnes/sparkling and multiple dessert varieties.”

Georgia ’s Bistro has been committed to culinary excellence and customer focus since its inception in 2002. For six years in a row the restaurant has been recognized with AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Award. The Bistro’s menu features Contemporary American cuisine with simple, clean dishes showcasing only the freshest regional produce. The restaurant is located at One Lake Oconee Trail, on the ground level of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Breakfast and dinner are served daily to locals and resort guests. The phone number is (706) 467.7135 and reservations are recommended for dinner.