2017 Award Winners WINE AWARD OF THE YEAR 2017

ely, Ely Place & IFSC, Dublin

Dedicated to providing the best possible wine experience in Ireland since the late ‘90s, these people have been through the mill in recent years, like many other businesses - and come up smiling.

Today, as always, Erik and Michelle Robson are focused on providing the very best of everything at their two magnificent Dublin venues. Their philosophy is holistic and, from the start, provenance, seasonality and sustainability of food - much of which has always come from the family’s organic West of Ireland farm - was equal to that of the wines that they so lovingly curate, along with other drinks worthy of taking a place on their lists.

These now include a growing number of the best Irish craft beers, ciders and - since acquiring a spirit licence this summer - also the best of Irish gins, vodkas and whiskeys, many of which find their way into the new ‘hand crafted’ cocktail menu.

Perhaps Ireland’s most innovative restaurateurs - they offer an unequalled range of experiences in various areas of their brace of atmospheric venues - they were pioneers in offering a wide range of wines by the glass (currently topping 100, along with 500 by the bottle, and every one a hand picked gem); each new list is carefully selected to illustrate some unique aspect of the wine lovers world - something that attracts well deserved praise from specialists, notably the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine.

And then there are the wine events, tastings and wine courses too, taught by one of Ireland’s most highly respected, Ian Brosnan…it goes on and on.

This team’s original vision, and the way that they have steadfastly developed it for the benefit of all - through the medium of Irish artisan foods and craft drinks as well as wine - is truly exceptional.