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  • It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."

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Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008

Fake restaurant busts Spectator awards

The wine blogosphere has lit up today with the story about someone who created a fake restaurant in Italy, complete with a fake Web site and fake wine list (containing low-scoring wines from the Wine Spectator). This person then entered Wine Spectator's restaurant awards contest and won an award.

So apparently all it takes to win a Wine Spectator restaurant award is a fake Web site and $250.

Check out the blog of the person who pulled this over on Spectator. Be sure to read the Spectator reviews of the wines this researcher put on the bogus list.

It appears Spectator has removed the bogus award from its database, but you can see a screen cap of the award.

The effect this could have on Wine Spectator's credibility is far reaching, as many have already have written about.

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