Clearwater Beach

Ocean Seven is a genuinely great place to drink wine — the setting alone earns that — but the list is coasting on California comfort picks rather than rising to the restaurant's ambition. Send a friend here for the experience; just don't send a wine nerd expecting to be surprised.

Caretta on the Gulf is a dependable, good-looking wine program in a genuinely great setting — strong enough to satisfy the Napa loyalist at the table, just not built to excite anyone looking to explore. Send your parents here; bring your adventurous wine friends somewhere else.

Forlini's is the rare beach-destination restaurant where the wine list is a genuine reason to show up — not just a supporting act to the food. Paul and Luke Forlini have built something worth the drive, and the Best of Award of Excellence crowd is right to keep coming back.