August 10, 2006- MADISON’S RESTAURANT AND WINE GARDEN EARNS WINE SPECTATOR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

HIGHLANDS, NC--The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is pleased to announce that its flagship restaurant, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, is the recipient of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2006. The August 31, 2006 issue of Wine Spectator included the restaurant in its annual listing of award winners.

According to the publication, restaurants chosen for Awards of Excellence are “recognized for a commitment to a fine wine program, with a sufficient selection of better producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.” The Restaurant Awards Program is now in its 24th year. The annual contest recognizes more than 3600 restaurant wine lists.

“This is a great achievement for the whole Madison’s team,” said CEO Mario Gomes. “This award reaffirms all of the hard work we have put into making the Madison’s experience one to treasure. More than just dining, a meal at Madison’s is a chance to embrace the joy that is food and wine pairing.”

Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden is located at 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828-526-5477 or 1-866-526-8008. The Old Edwards Hospitality Group, LLC, founded in 2003, includes Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm special events facility, Acorns retail shop; The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn, Old Creek Lodge, Rib Shack, The Laundry and Dry Cleaners at Old Edwards Inn and Miss Priss-Charlotte at Stonecrest.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a AAA-Four Diamond award winner; a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America and a member of Preferred Boutique. The property is a Recommended Hotel in Condé Nast Johansens 2005 and 2006 Recommended Hotels, Inns and Resorts Guide. The property was included in Travel + Leisure’s 2006 World’s Best Hotels, Resorts and Spas guide. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden is a 2005 and 2006 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner.

For more information, contact:
Elizabeth McDonald
McDonald Media
404-822-3788 or lizzie@mcdonald-media.com