The Copper Beech Inn Receives Wine Spectator Award

August 12, 2004 --- ESSEX, CT --- The Copper Beech Inn announced today that its eponymous AAA 4-Diamond restaurant is the recipient of Wine Spectator's 2004 Award of Excellence.

The coveted award, hand-selected each year by Wine Spectator's judges, represents an exceptional selection of winemakers as well as a thematic match to the restaurant's menu in both price and style. With almost 400 selections and 5,000 bottles, The Copper Beech Inn's wine list has been hailed by the New York Times as "quite spectacular." From a delightful 2002 Hartford Pinot Noir to a 1982 Chbteau Margaux, there is a wine in the Copper Beech cellars for nearly every connoisseur's palate and purse. Other spectacular wines featured are Domaine Latour-Giraud 1999 Puligny-Montrachet - Premier Cru; Harlan Estate 1992 Meritage, (NapaValley) , and the favorite of celebrities coast-to-coast, Louis Roederer 1995 Brut Rosi, "Cristal".

Copper Beech Inn Proprietor Ian Phillips stated, "We are delighted and honored to receive this award from Wine Spectator. Sommelier Winthrop Pennock, and the rest of our outstanding staff, have worked hard to create a menu and wine list that we are proud of, and the effort has certainly been fruitful, as evidenced by accolades such as this award. Our Executive Chef team, William and Jackie Von Ahnen, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the Inn's restaurant, presided over by our superb Maitre d' Hotel, Christopher S. Sperling. They know that, at the end of the day, it is our clientele that must be pleased. We have achieved that, but we always strive for higher levels of quality and service."

The Copper Beech Inn's new owners Ian and Barbara Phillips have restored, retrofitted and transformed the Inn - from the smallest details as wine glasses and silverware, to wallpaper, dicor, and furnishings. The Inn's crowning glory is the restaurant - receiving over 15 rave reviews over the past 18 months.

Recently named by Yankee Magazine Travel Guide as an Editor's Choice, The Copper Beech Inn is a former estate home with turn of the century charm combined with modern conveniences. There are thirteen spacious guest rooms and suites with private baths in the Guest House and Carriage House, some with fireplaces and whirlpool baths.

The restaurant at The Copper Beech Inn serves dinner daily, from 5:30 PM., except Monday. The Inn can also accommodate both large and small groups for events such as weddings, holiday parties, private luncheons, board meetings or corporate retreats and events. Wine dinners, artisan food tastings and culinary events are scheduled seasonally. For further information, call toll-free (888) 809-2056 or phone (860) 767-0330. For press inquires, contact Lisa Torch at DFM Public Relations at 678-443-8502. You may also visit the Inn's website at www.CopperBeechInn.com.

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