A look at The Ritz’s wine list

With The Ritz recently being named the UK's best restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards, db looks at two of the partnerships which define the historic hotel's wine list. 'The Ritz' is a name synonymous with a particular combination of glamour and historic grandeur. The Mayfair hotel has been a bastion of luxury since 1906, and has counted countless kings, politicians and pop stars as its guests over the past century and a bit. As for the restaurant, for more than 20 years it has been under the stewardship of executive chef John Williams, overseeing a brigade of more than 60 in the kitchen. While you might be forgiven for assuming that there has been little to no innovation in such a storied establishment, The Ritz Restaurant has had something of a resurgence in 2025. In February it gained its second Michelin Star, and earlier this month it took number one spot at the National Restaurant Awards, leaping up from 13th in last year's list to topple The Ledbury, which now lies in second. Although much attention has (rightfully) been given to Williams' cooking, an acclaimed restaurant needs a wine list to match. The 60-page long tome provides plenty in the way of traditional offerings (think Bordeaux and Burgundy) as well as some trendier ones, including a few orange wines and even some English ones. One feature which typifies The Ritz's wine list is its inclusion of 'Collections' from certain prestigious producers – these partnerships with the likes of Louis Roederer, Egon Müller, Mouton-Rothschild and Masi offer rare expressions for diners to relish.

Masi

Amarone titan Masi is one of the producers to have a collection on the list. Export manager Giacomo Boscaini shares: "Our partnership with The Ritz began in 2017 if I recall correctly. It was initiated through our exclusive UK importer and distributor, Berkmann Wine Cellars. Over time, several tasting events and training sessions were organized with the staff, which allowed us to build a genuine rapport from the very beginning." "We immediately felt a great connection with the team—many of whom are Italian, true professionals in the world of luxury hospitality," he continues. "At the heart of it all were Giovanni Ferlito, who was and still is head of wine & beverage, and his deputy back then, Matteo Furlan. A memorable milestone in our collaboration was a Masi dinner hosted in one of the private dining rooms of the hotel’s restaurant. We all have fond memories of that evening. What started as a professional relationship naturally evolved into a real friendship, built on shared values and mutual respect." "Thanks to Masi’s long-standing heritage and the international reputation of our Amarone wines, we are fortunate to collaborate regularly with highly prestigious partners," says Boscaini. "That being said, working with The Ritz truly represents the icing on the cake." Wines in the Masi Collection range in age from the 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera (£170 a bottle) to the 1988 vintage of the same wine (£580). "Those truly passionate about Amarone know that 1997 and 1990 are among the greatest vintages – both offering remarkable balance and exceptional ageing potential while preserving their integrity," shares Boscaini, who suggests pairing these "iconic vintages" with The Ritz Restaurant's "legendary" beef wellington. Louis Roederer A world away from Amarone as a wine style, The Ritz also features a hefty collection from Champagne superstar Louis Roederer, with one page dedicated to Cristal and another to a library of the producer's other expressions, including its Brut Nature developed in collaboration with designer Philippe Starck (the latest vintage of which was launched last month). A spokesperson for Maisons Marques et Domaines (MMD), Louis Roederer's representation in the UK, shares that its Champagnes have been a fixture of The Ritz for "many years". "This relationship has been strengthened through exciting collaborations such as Louis Roederer Champagne dinners, the annual Champagne of the month promotional activity and participation in the Champagne Academy course," they continue. "In 2023 we worked to develop a wonderful collection of ultra-rare Louis Roederer cuvées to be highlighted within the hotel’s stellar wine list. All wines are supplied directly from the Louis Roederer cellars for hotel guests to enjoy." As for if there is a particular bottle from the extensive selection available which has proven to be a hit with guests, the spokesperson says: "The Roederer Collection Brut NV has been a great success within the property since it was first released in 2021. In fact, Ritz guests can enjoy every release since the inaugural Collection 242 when dining in the hotel." There is also demand, as is perhaps to be expected for a hotel which famously attracts the most deep-pocketed of diners, for that celebrated prestige cuvée created for Tsar Alexander II, Cristal. "Louis Roederer Cristal has always been a fixture at The Ritz. There are more than 25 different labels to choose from, stretching back 30 years," says the MMD spokesperson. 75cl bottles range in price from the £510 Cristal Blanc 2013 to, at almost six times more expensive, the £3,050 Cristal Vinothèque Rosé 2002. "For most guests, Cristal tends to be enjoyed by the glass or bottle," the spokesperson notes, "however, we have always seen a strong uptake of Louis Roederer Cristal magnums, particularly in private dining and events."