Palm Springs

SO·PA earns its Wine Spectator nod by treating California wine as a genuine focus rather than an afterthought, and the alfresco setting makes it one of the more memorable places to drink a bottle of Ridge on the West Coast. If you're in Palm Springs and want wine that matches the quality of the food, this is where you go.

Le Vallauris is a genuine Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient hiding in plain sight among Palm Springs' poolside cocktail culture — the French list is focused and well-sourced, Farouk Chaabi knows his room, and the setting alone earns the visit. Just go in knowing the markups reflect the fine dining zip code.

Zin American Bistro is the best wine surprise in Palm Springs — a Best of Award of Excellence winner that actually earned it with a California-focused list that hits above its desert-tourist-trap weight class. If you're in town and care even a little about what's in your glass, book the reservation.

Spencer's has held a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence since 2011, and the list earns it — deep California pedigree, credible Bordeaux, and enough Italian ambition to keep things interesting. The markup can sting and there's no sommelier to guide you through it, but if you know what you want, this is one of the better bottles-with-a-steak experiences the desert has to offer.