Monarch Casino Resort Spa Recognized with Dual Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for 2025

Monarch Casino Resort Spa remains the only casino resort in Black Hawk with multiple restaurants recognized in Wine Spectator’s annual Awards of Excellence. Both the Monarch Chophouse and Bistro Mariposa have again earned Wine Spectator’s prestigious Award of Excellence for 2025. This marks the second consecutive year for Bistro Mariposa and the third year in a row that the Monarch Chophouse has been honored.

The Award of Excellence honors restaurants with wine lists that offer quality, diversity, and compatibility with their menus. Monarch Chophouse and Bistro Mariposa met and exceeded these standards, offering thoughtful, diverse wine selections that elevate the culinary experience at each of its fine dining options.

“We take great pride in developing wine programs that not only match the caliber of our menus, but also reflect the sophistication and tastes of our guests,” said Keith Cawthern, Director of Food & Beverage for Monarch Casino Resort Spa. “These awards reaffirm that our commitment to culinary and hospitality excellence is being recognized at the highest level.”

At Monarch Chophouse, guests will find 190 carefully selected bottles, with strengths in classic producers from Burgundy and Napa Valley. These domestic and global selections pair perfectly with the Chophouse’s signature offerings, such as the dry-aged prime ribeye or pan-seared halibut.

At Bistro Mariposa, the wine list brings together a vibrant collection of bottles from Latin America, California, and Spain. Thoughtfully selected to complement dishes like the all-new prime tomahawk ribeye or Colorado bison short rib, the menu emphasizes wines that amplify the bold flavors and refined spice of the restaurant’s modern Latin fare.

These recognitions follow a series of national honors for Monarch Casino Resort Spa, including Spa Monarch’s recent #2 national ranking as voted on in USA Today’s 10Best for Hotel Spa and a Top 5 finish in Newsweek’s 2025 Best Overall Casino Outside Las Vegas list. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Denver in historic Black Hawk, Monarch Casino Resort Spa offers an elevated escape with unmatched luxury, award-winning dining, and full-scale resort amenities. The destination features a 23-story hotel tower, rooftop pool and spa, 60,000 square feet of gaming space, and five distinct dining venues, including the two aforementioned Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winners. Whether guests come for the fine dining, indulgent spa treatments, or the thrill of the gaming floor, Monarch delivers an experience that’s both refined and unforgettable. For more information or to make a reservation, visit MonarchBlackHawk.com.