A bistro located inside an Arizona continuing care retirement / life plan community has become the first such entity to earn a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its extensive wine list.
Dolce Vita Bistro, located on the ground floor of Mirabella at ASU in downtown Tempe, AZ, has earned the recognition for a list curated by Jody Kosterlitz, the dining room manager at the retirement community, which is adjacent to Arizona State University. The community is a partnership between the university and Pacific Retirement Services.
Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants with wine lists that feature a well-chosen assortment from quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.
Kosterlitz told McKnight’s Senior Living that although she is proud of the community’s wine list, she applied for the award on a whim. When she received an email congratulating her on the award, she said she was “shocked,” adding that only a few people knew she even had applied.
“I called my boss and said, ‘You’re not going to believe this,’” she said. “I was totally not expecting to win. I thought, ‘Let’s try and we’ll see.’”
The media brand’s restaurant awards recognize venue wine lists that have interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. The awards are the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service, according to Wine Spectator.
“The restaurant industry is growing and thriving, with restaurant openings surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time,” Wine Spectator Editor and Publisher Marvin R. Shanken said in a press release. “Restaurants that make wine a priority are what the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program is all about.”
Dolce Vita Bistro was one of 3,777 restaurants recognized for their dedication to wine, and it is the first and only senior living community ever to make the list. The bistro’s wine list features almost 200 selections from wine regions across the globe. Diners have 30 to 40 by-the-glass options, with prices per bottle ranging from $20 to more than $200.
Kosterlitz said that Mirabella’s wine list is available in all of the restaurants in the CCRC and reflects the success and worldly nature of its residents. Many residents have traveled extensively in their lives and are knowledgeable about wine, she said. Kosterlitz said she wanted to capture that fact as well as curate a wine list that matched the talent and variety of foods available from its strong culinary team.
Members of the younger generations moving into senior living are different from the generations that preceded them, Kosterlitz said. With the experiences and preferences of residents in mind, she said, curating an extensive wine list seemed like a natural fit for the CCRC — and something that could set it apart.
Kosterlitz said the community hosts events centered around wine, including monthly wine tastings that help determine new additions to the restaurant wine list. Kosterlitz added that she has learned about wines at those tastings alongside residents.
The making of an award-winning wine list
Making the Wine Spectator award even more impressive is that Kosterlitz has no background in wine and didn’t even drink wine before moving into her role as dining room manager.
She began her career as a healthcare certified dietary manager, working in a Fort Worth, TX, hospital. When the chef she was working with moved to a senior living community in the area, she followed him, working on the healthcare side of senior living. When Mirabella was under construction, the company asked her to move to Tempe, AZ, to help open the building, so in 2020, she started working in the independent living side of senior living and running the Mirabella’s restaurants.
“This wine thing is very new to me,” she said. “I really enjoyed learning it. It’s fun for the residents and for me.”
Kosterlitz said that Director of Dining Services Michael Sessler was the leader on expanding the CCRC’s wine list. He laid out a vision, and Kosterlitz said she ran with it.
“We recognized that many of our residents have sophisticated palates and a deep appreciation for fine wine,” Sessler told McKnight’s Senior Living. “We wanted to elevate their dining experience and offer a selection that matches the quality of our cuisine.”
He said he also saw an opportunity to differentiate Mirabella at ASU by providing a “truly exceptional, resort-style amenity that’s rarely found in senior living communities.”
Sessler said his goal was to create a wine program that rivaled those found in high-end restaurants. The Wine Spectator award validates that effort, he added. But more importantly, Sessler said he has seen a “tremendous positive response” from residents who enjoy exploring new wines and participating in wine-related events.
“This award demonstrates that senior living communities can offer world-class amenities and experiences,” he said. “It sets a new standard for what residents can expect, and showcases our commitment to providing an exceptional lifestyle for our residents.”
Lessons learned
For other senior living communities considering curating a wine list, Kosterlitz advised being open to suggestions from staff members and residents. If residents are bringing bottles of wine into the dining room, then pay attention to what they are drinking.
“Just pay attention,” Kosterlitz said. “In the end, it’s for the residents. We do it for them.”
Diversity is paramount, Sessler added.
“With over 300 residents, each possessing unique preferences, offering a wide range of choices is crucial,” he said. “Integrating wine and spirits into our dining program enhances the overall experience. Equally as important is a hospitality-focused team dedicated to continually enhancing dining experiences.”
Sessler said he plans to continue updating the wine list, highlighting lesser-known wines and wines from family-owned wineries to introduce residents to new wineries and varietals. The Mirabella culinary team now aspires to achieve Wine Spectator’s higher-level award, “Best of Award of Excellence,” next year.
All 2024 award winners will be featured in the Aug. 31 issue of Wine Spectator.
