Saratoga Wine Bar Receives Prestigious Award

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Familiar Creature, a Montreal-inspired wine bar on Phila Street, recently won a Best Short List award (a wine list with fewer than 200 listings) from the Star Wine List. 

Familiar Creature was one of only four establishments across the globe to receive the Short List honor.

“We were among some amazing wine bars from Brazil to Canada for the finals,” Familiar Creature stated in a social media announcement. “Just a little wine bar in Upstate New York that’s got a lot of heart! Just in time for our one-year anniversary.”

Star Wine List bills itself as the “Michelin guide of wine,” bestowing various honors upon restaurants and wine bars throughout the world. Familiar Creature is a “white star venue,” which means its wine offerings have been vetted and approved by Star Wine List.

Familiar Creature opened its doors in February 2025 and is owned by the team behind Hamlet & Ghost. Miles Merton is the bar’s wine director.