Dogfish Head Brewery founder Sam Calagione has won the 2017 James Beard award for "Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional."

This is the Milton-based brewer's first win after seven nominations.

A James Beard award is among the most prestigious honors in the restaurant industry. The awards are given by the James Beard Foundation, a New York City-based nonprofit that seeks to celebrate American food culture.

At the award ceremony in Chicago yesterday, Calagione shared the stage with Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurants, who won "Outstanding Restauranteur," and Greg Vernick of Vernick Food & Drink, who won "Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic." Both are based in Philadelphia.