ITHACA, N.Y. -- Ristorante Banfi at Cornell University's Statler Hotel has received its first- Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. The award will be listed in the Aug. 31 issue of the magazine.

"This award says that you are committed to a good wine program. For the wine aficionado, it symbolizes a place that you might like to dine," said Mike Dalton, former manager and sommelier of Ristorante Banfi, who submitted the award application. 

The award recognizes a commitment to a fine wine list, with a sufficient selection of better producers that matches the menu in both price and style. Award of Excellence wine lists typically offer at least 80 selections. Ristorante Banfi offers approximately 120 selections that are strong in Italian wines, reflecting the restaurant's Tuscan cuisine -- inspired by the Castello Banfi restaurant in Italy -- in addition to a broad range of varietals.

"Within the Italian theme we make sure to represent the Banfi portfolio, which includes many excellent wineries owned by the Mariani family that may not carry the Banfi name," explained Dalton. 

Affiliated with Cornell's School of Hotel Administration, the world's pre-eminent hotel school, Ristorante Banfi is a teaching facility and training ground for the next generation of restaurateurs. Open to the public, it offers sophisticated dining with sweeping views of the Cornell campus. The restaurant features breakfast, lunch and dinner. A special five-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing is featured each evening. 

To learn more, visit http://www.statlerhotel.cornell.edu/dining/ or call (607) 257-2500.