Eden is a real wine winner and don’t just take my word for it. The Wine Spectator has bestowed its coveted Award of Excellence on Eden Restaurant for some 20 years running. And for good reason, Eden Restaurant on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth sports a wine list featuring over 185 selections from virtually all of the major wine regions of the world as well as an impressive half bottle collection for those who perhaps want just a glass each with their dinner partner. For me, perhaps the coolest part of this year’s Wine Spectator Award is that Eden was not only recognized for the contents of its wine list, but it was also identified as selling its wine at INEXPENSIVE prices. A truly welcome change for wine-loving diners.
Something that also really impressed me about Eden’s wine list is how much thought went into creating it. For example, the wines listed for each region are offered at differing price points/quality levels, allowing guests to enjoy a value priced Pouilly-Fuisse white burgundy or a splurge white burgundy like a Premier Cru Puligny-Montrachet. This type of array is available for most of the wine major types/regions offered. So, if you are looking for just the right wine to go with the Antelope Tenderloin offered on their menu, you will have no trouble finding it at a price point that works for you. I also like the short helpful descriptions accompanying each selection. Big kudos to Eden General Manager and Wine Director, Chris Capriotti, and his team for curating a wine list that focuses on what guests want, rather than just a “show off” list that any restaurant with some resources could slap together. This is not to say that the wines on their list, especially the long list of Cabernets, do not contain the big boys in the wine world like Bond, Heitz, Caymus, Quilceda Creek, Shafer Hillside Select (offered in multiple vintages) to name a few. Yikes, my mouth is watering just listing them!
“Eden sports a wine list featuring over 185 selections from virtually all of the major wine regions of the world.”
And for those who prefer wines by the glass rather than by the bottle (or half bottle), Eden’s by the glass offerings touch all the needed bases, too. Again, they are available at various price points including a touch that is a personal favorite of mine: namely, upscale Coravin® selections.
Of course, a world class wine list calls for great cuisine and ambience, and Eden has rightfully been recognized for hitting the mark for these for decades. So, if upscale dining with a fabulous wine list is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out Eden.
Ray Kurz, also known as “Cuvée Ray,” holds certifications including Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, and is completing his WSET Diploma. He’s the creator of Vintunes® and previously owned Cuvée Ray Wine Bar and Restaurant. Ray’s passion lies in connecting wine with wine lovers.