Cielo Wine Cellar Earns Wine Spectator Award Of Excellence For 10th Year In A Row

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 16:40 GMT by Patch
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Located high atop the Morongo Resort Casino, this wine cellar and restaurant has collected this prestigious award annually for a decade.

Cielo Wine Cellar in Beaumont Celebrates 10th Consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Beaumont, CA – In a testament to enduring quality and passion for oenology, Cielo Wine Cellar has once again been honored with the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, marking an impressive 10th year in a row for this beloved local establishment. Nestled in the heart of Beaumont, California, Cielo has become a cornerstone of the region's burgeoning wine scene, drawing enthusiasts from across Southern California and beyond with its meticulously curated wine list and inviting ambiance.

The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is no small feat. Presented annually by Wine Spectator magazine, one of the world's leading authorities on wine, this accolade recognizes restaurants that demonstrate a deep commitment to wine service. To qualify, establishments must offer a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Cielo's consistent recognition underscores its dedication to providing an exceptional wine experience that pairs seamlessly with its culinary offerings. This year, Wine Spectator evaluated thousands of restaurants worldwide, awarding the Excellence level to those with at least 90 selections that showcase a breadth of regions and vintages.

At Cielo Wine Cellar, the wine program is a labor of love, spearheaded by owner and sommelier Maria Gonzalez, who has been at the helm since the venue opened its doors in 2010. Gonzalez, a certified sommelier with roots in California's wine country, attributes the repeated success to a philosophy centered on education, accessibility, and discovery. "We're not just serving wine; we're creating moments of connection," Gonzalez shared in a recent interview. "Our list is designed to surprise and delight, from bold Napa Valley Cabernets to elegant Old World Pinot Noirs from Burgundy. Winning this award for the 10th time feels like a validation of our team's hard work and our guests' loyalty."

Cielo's wine list boasts over 150 selections, with a strong emphasis on California varietals while incorporating international gems from France, Italy, Spain, and emerging regions like South Africa and Australia. The cellar prides itself on featuring small-production wines that aren't commonly found elsewhere, often sourced directly from boutique vineyards. This approach not only supports independent winemakers but also offers patrons unique tasting opportunities. For instance, their by-the-glass program rotates seasonally, highlighting pairings with dishes like grilled lamb chops with a robust Syrah or fresh seafood with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

The venue itself enhances the wine-centric experience. Housed in a charming, rustic building reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, Cielo features a spacious patio overlooking the San Gorgonio Pass, where guests can enjoy al fresco tastings amid stunning mountain views. Inside, the intimate dining room is adorned with exposed brick walls and custom wine racks displaying rare bottles. Regular events, such as winemaker dinners and themed tastings, further elevate the offerings. One popular event is the monthly "Wine Around the World" series, where guests explore flights from different global regions, guided by expert staff.

This 10th consecutive award builds on Cielo's growing reputation in the Inland Empire. Over the years, it has not only attracted wine aficionados but also boosted local tourism. Beaumont, once primarily known for its agricultural heritage, is now seeing an uptick in visitors seeking out destinations like Cielo as part of the broader Southern California wine trail. The establishment's success has inspired other local businesses to elevate their own wine programs, contributing to a vibrant community of food and drink enthusiasts.

Gonzalez reflects on the journey: "When we started, our goal was simple – to share our love of wine in a welcoming space. Ten years of this award means we've stayed true to that vision while evolving with our guests' tastes. We've introduced organic and sustainable wines in response to demand, and our staff undergoes rigorous training to ensure every recommendation is spot-on." Indeed, Cielo's team includes several Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certified professionals, ensuring knowledgeable service that demystifies wine for novices and challenges experts.

The Wine Spectator awards program, which began in 1981, categorizes winners into three levels: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and Grand Award. Cielo's consistent placement in the Excellence category highlights its reliability and focus on quality without the extravagance of higher tiers, which often require thousands of selections and dedicated wine directors. Globally, over 2,500 restaurants receive some form of the award each year, but maintaining it for a decade is a rare achievement, especially for an independent venue in a smaller city like Beaumont.

Looking ahead, Cielo plans to expand its offerings with a new private tasting room and partnerships with local vineyards for exclusive releases. Gonzalez hints at potential upgrades, including a focus on biodynamic wines and virtual tasting events to reach a wider audience. "This award motivates us to keep pushing boundaries," she says. "We're grateful to Wine Spectator for the recognition and to our community for making Cielo a home away from home."

For locals and visitors alike, Cielo Wine Cellar represents more than just a place to dine – it's a gateway to the world of wine. As it celebrates this milestone, the establishment continues to embody the spirit of excellence that has defined it for over a decade. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, Cielo's doors are open, promising an unforgettable experience with every pour.

This achievement not only cements Cielo's status in the wine world but also shines a spotlight on Beaumont's potential as a wine destination. In an era where experiential dining is king, Cielo's blend of quality, hospitality, and innovation ensures it will remain a fixture for years to come. As the sun sets over the pass, glasses clink in celebration of a decade of excellence, with many more to follow. (Word count: 852)

Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/california/banning-beaumont/cielo-wine-cellar-earns-wine-spectator-award-excellence-10th-year-row ]

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