Lula Drake wins prestigious James Beard award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

June 11, 2024

On Monday, June 10, The James Beard Foundation® officially announced the winners of the 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards presented by Capital One, honoring excellence across the culinary industry, from fine dining to casual gems in our communities, while also supporting and encouraging a more sustainable industry.

The award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program – a restaurant that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the pairing of wine and other beverages with food while contributing positively to its broader community – is Lula Drake Wine Parlour, Columbia, SC.

Pictured are Tim Gardner, Proprietor and Head Sommelier at Lula Drake Wine Parlour and his wife, Lorie Gardner.

“Tonight, we raise a glass to the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award winners for their phenomenal achievements,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “These remarkable individuals embody the very essence of our Good Food for Good ethos, showcasing exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to their craft, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the industry. With their passion, skill, and leadership, they are shaping our nation’s dining landscape and setting a new standard for culinary excellence.”

Lula Drake was also a 2023 nominee for Outstanding Hospitality.

If you would like to learn more about Tim Gardner and Lula Drake, listen to our podcast on Apple and Spotify. Just search for the WhosOnTheMove SC podcast. You can also see our video interview with Tim HERE.