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400 5th Avenue, 2nd Level • The Langham NYC, New York City, NY 10018 • Tel:212.613.8660

Ai Fiori Recognized by Wine Spectator: A World-Class Wine List in Midtown NYC

By Aifiori
11-06-2025

Renowned for its elegant take on French and Italian Riviera cuisine, Ai Fiori has been honored with one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades: inclusion in Wine Spectator’s list of the World’s Leading Wine Lists. This distinction places Ai Fiori among the elite of Michelin-starred restaurants with exceptional wine programs and confirms its reputation as a premier destination for wine lovers in New York City.

 

A Wine List Curated for Connoisseurs

 

Ai Fiori’s Grand Award-winning wine list is a masterful composition of over 1,000 labels, spanning legendary Old World vineyards and rising star estates. Each selection is handpicked to reflect authenticity of terroir and create thoughtful harmony with the cuisine.

The program is led by Wine Director John Canvin, whose expertise shapes an experience that is both refined and welcoming. “Our goal is not only to offer variety, but to guide guests through a journey,” Canvin notes. “Every bottle on our list elevates a dish, introduces a discovery, or tells a compelling story.”

This philosophy underpins Ai Fiori’s wine program, which aligns seamlessly with Executive Chef Lauren DeSteno’s Riviera-inspired menu—creating elegant pairings that enhance both palate and place.

 

Excellence in Pairings and Personalized Hospitality

 

Rather than presenting guests with a daunting wine tome, Ai Fiori’s sommelier team offers curated guidance, tailored to both guest preferences and the evolving seasonal menu. Whether it’s a crisp Vermentino paired with the iconic Trofie Nero, or a structured Brunello complementing the roasted lamb shoulder with fig and pistou, the pairings are designed to be balanced, expressive, and deeply memorable.

“Wine is part of the creative process here,” says Chef DeSteno. “We work hand-in-hand with John’s team to ensure every pairing tells a rich, sensory story.”

 

Rare Bottles & Exclusive Tastings

 

Ai Fiori’s cellar houses some of the world’s most coveted vintages, drawing in collectors and serious oenophiles. Recent highlights include:

  • 1990 Château Margaux – a benchmark Bordeaux vintage known for structure and finesse

  • Giacomo Conterno Monfortino Barolo Riserva – a legendary Italian red with cult status

  • Salon Blanc de Blancs 2008 – a rare and exceptional Champagne with a crystalline elegance

For an elevated experience, guests can reserve private tastings in the Monterosso Wine Room, where Ai Fiori’s sommeliers guide bespoke wine journeys in an intimate setting.

 

No Corkage Mondays – Your Wine, Our Table

 

Ai Fiori extends its hospitality philosophy with No Corkage Mondays—a weekly tradition that invites guests to bring their own favorite bottles with no corkage fee. Whether it’s a sentimental vintage or a rare collector’s find, Monday evenings are the perfect time to share it alongside Ai Fiori’s award-winning cuisine. It’s an elevated yet relaxed way to start the week—perfect for wine lovers who enjoy pairing their personal cellar with world-class fare.

 

Ai Fiori: A Destination for Wine in NYC

 

Earning recognition from Wine Spectator is about more than volume—it’s about a thoughtful philosophy of curation, hospitality, and storytelling. At Ai Fiori, wine is not an accessory to the meal—it’s an integral part of the restaurant’s DNA.

With its Michelin star, Wine Spectator Grand Award, and a team dedicated to the art of pairing, Ai Fiori stands as a true haven for wine lovers in Midtown Manhattan. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an aspiring enthusiast, or a guest seeking a special evening, Ai Fiori offers a wine experience as rich and rewarding as the food on your plate.