We-Ko-Pa's Ember wins fourth consecutive industry award

For the fourth consecutive year, Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort has won Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.”

This designation recognizes wine lists that “display excellent breadth across multiple wine growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation,” according to a press release by Wine Spectator. “Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and throughout their service team.”

Ember has received the “Best of Award of Excellence” ever since the restaurant opened in October 2020 and is one of 15 restaurants in Arizona to receive the award.

Zac Gallo, executive director of food and beverage at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, says Advanced Certified Sommelier Dennis Payne has curated an elevated wine culture that has made the restaurant a “must-go-to” dining establishment.

“Ember has truly become a culinary destination for local residents as well as visitors to the area, and this success can be attributed in large part to our extensive wine and spirits library as well as our popular wine dinners and bourbon tastings,” Gallo said.

Over the past year, Payne has expanded the wine list in several areas that target collectors and also appeal to the loyal guests who dine frequently at the award-winning restaurant.

Ember has five wine dinners and two bourbon dinners slated for 2024. Upcoming five-course dinners with five wine pairings will feature Napa Valley’s Peter Franus Wines Oct. 30 with Franus as guest speaker and Spain’s Juan Gil on Dec. 4.

All events are by reservation only and begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $225 per person.

For more information on Ember, visit wekopacasinoresort.com/dining/ember .