2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery Earns Wine Spectator 2026 Award
this year's Best of Award of Excellence places local biz among group of regional destinations, recognized for breadth and presentation of wines
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Andrea Paulseth
From the very beginning, 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery owners the Chambers family have made it their mission to create a place where locals can travel the world without ever leaving the city – simply by enjoying a glass of wine.
In June, this budding vision was recognized by Wine Spectator, which awarded the Eau Claire wine bar and gallery with its 2026 Best of Award of Excellence.
Since 1981, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards have served to recognize restaurants and establishments with both only extraordinary wine lists and the business' roles in "contemporary culture while providing expert reviews, news and education."
Across the world, Wine Spectator recognizes these businesses across three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. According to its website, recipients are determined based on the quality, depth and presentation of their wine programs.
"It is exciting to see an internationally respected publication recognize what our guests have known for years – that extraordinary wine experiences can be found right here in Wisconsin," Sean Cmambers, owner of 2 Roots, said.
This year, the Wine Spectator recognized over 4,000 restaurants in the U.S. and around the globe – with special mention to the 42 recipients in the state of Wisconsin.
"It is exciting to see an internationally respected publication recognize what our guests have known for years – that extraordinary wine experiences can be found right here in Wisconsin." –Sean Chambers, 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery owner
Located in downtown Eau Claire (216 S Barstow St.), 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery continues to offer more than 100 wines available by-the-glass in one-ounce, three-ounce and five-ounce pours.
Most notably, the business offers over 1,200 wines by the bottle – best paired with its rich display of local and regional visual art, plus live music events held weekly within the gallery space.
"This recognition reflects years of dedication to creating a wine program that brings wines, stories, and experiences from around the globe to the Eau Claire community," Sean continued.
Building on its commitment to wine education, 2 Roots has since launched its "First Look Wine Club," a new feature designed to inform customers on new wine varieties and regions each month.
"This is your passport to the world's wine regions, picked by your neighbors who happen to be obsessed with wine," the Chambers' shared online.
Each month, First Look Wine Club membership tiers include a guide of a particular wine region and grape variety or producer; professional tasting notes; first access to limited wines and invitations to exclusive members-only tastings, among other perks.
Pricing tiers begin at $24 per month for one curated bottle, $65 per month for three curated bottles or $129 per month for six curated bottles. More information and enrollment in the First Look Wine Club can be found in person at 2 Roots or online via 2RootsGallery.com.
2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery (216 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) is open Tuesday through Thursday, 3pm-11pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm. Check out weekly events and new wine and artist announcements, online via its social media (@2_roots_gallery).
