LAURIE SUTTON, ADVANCED SOMMELIER
AT MALIBU BEACH INN, WINS COVETED
WINE SPECTATOR 2016 “AWARD OF EXCELLENCE”

Laurie Sutton, Wine Director and Advanced Sommelier at Carbon Beach Club Restaurant at the Malibu Beach Inn has won the prestigious Wine Spectator 2016 “Award of Excellence”. This is the first Wine Spectator award for Malibu Beach Inn and for Sutton.

Sutton joined the team in Malibu in Fall 2015 and created a 180 bottle list of domestic and international fine wine selections from around the world. Hosting fine wine dinners and events at the hotel, she is contributing to transforming the restaurant into a world renowned wine and culinary destination.

“We are very proud of Laurie’s award and have enjoyed seeing the transformation of the hotel’s wine program since she came on board last year,” said Gregory Day, President of Hospitality for Mani Brothers Real Estate Group and General Manager at Malibu Beach Inn. “Our wine list is now second-to-none in the area featuring wines from across the globe, and we are grateful to Wine Spectator for acknowledging this accomplishment.”

Sutton is paving the way in a male-dominated industry, as only 19% of sommeliers in the country are women. She is currently an advanced-level sommelier and she is in the process of becoming master sommelier. To obtain the title of master sommelier, Sutton will participate in a series of trainings and exams to continue building her extensive knowledge of wine and spirits.

In addition to her sommelier work, Sutton is the Founder and Chief Wine Officer of Honey Bubbles Wine, a sparkling Moscato sourced from Italy. She has also been a judge in many wine-tasting competitions and holds a diploma with the London-based Wine and Spirits Education Trust.

Wine Spectator‘s Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants and sommeliers whose exceptional wine lists offer appropriate wine selections for their cuisine. The awards are given to sommeliers who offer interesting wines that appeal to a wide range of wine lovers and diners.  Wine lists that qualify for Wine Spectator awards must present entirely accurate and detailed information about each wine offered and winning lists feature over 90 selections.

The Wine Spectator Award applicants are judged to see how well their wine lists satisfy guests of all levels of expertise. With less than 2,500 winners, the Award of Excellence places Sutton and the Malibu Beach Inn in an elite group of restaurants across the U.S. that have been able to secure such recognition for their exceptional wine offerings.

ABOUT MALIBU BEACH INN:
Located along a strip of the California coast nicknamed “Billionaire’s Beach,” this luxury boutique hotel offers you complete relaxation. From our 45 well-appointed rooms and suites – each with its own private balcony – to the breathtaking views and magical sunsets over the sea, you will find a unique vacation experience. We encourage you to sit beachfront for a gourmet meal prepared by our executive chef or listen to the waves while pampering yourself at our tranquil on-site spa.

Within minutes of our hotel are an array of activities you can enjoy, including hikes in the rugged mountain trails, wild water sports, and high-end shopping. Conveniently located near the Los Angeles International Airport, the hotel is also just a short drive from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and other renowned Los Angeles destinations.