Macon

This isn't a wine destination, and the restaurant isn't pretending it is. Order sake or beer and you'll have a better experience.

This is a chain restaurant with a chain wine list, and both are exactly what you'd expect. If you're here for the wood-fired grill and the vibe, stick with beer or a cocktail. The wine program is an afterthought.

Come for the onion volcano and knife tricks, not the wine program. If you must drink wine here, keep it simple and cheap—or better yet, order sake and call it a night.

Whitehall Tavern isn't trying to be a wine destination, and that's perfectly fine. The markups are honest, the selection is predictable but competent, and nobody's going to pretend this is anything more than solid tavern drinking. If you're in Macon and want wine with dinner without getting gouged, this is your spot.

Loom won't win awards for wine curation, but the fair pricing and solid basics make it a reliable choice when you're staying downtown or catching a business dinner. Order the Lapostolle Cab and call it a win.

Dovetail keeps it simple and does it well. You're not going to find cutting-edge bottles or steal pricing, but you'll drink California wines that actually taste good at markups that won't make you wince. A solid neighborhood spot.

The Rookery is a burger-and-beer bar with a wine list stapled on for completeness. Markups run steep (80-125% over retail), but glass pours are reasonable and the selection does its job without pretension. Come for the onion rings and Southern rock history, not the wine program.

Dovetail delivers dependable wine service that won't blow your mind or your budget. Come for the shrimp and grits, stay for a glass of Malbec, but don't expect the wine list to be the highlight of your night.