Historic Hotel Wine, Safe But Serviceable
Historic District · Savannah · American Fine Dining · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at this historic hotel dining room reads exactly like what you'd expect: safe California reds, recognizable names, and prices that lean into the out-of-town crowd. Nothing surprising, nothing offensive, nothing memorable.
The selection sticks to the greatest hits—Napa Cabs, Oregon Pinots, maybe a Châteauneuf for the adventurous. Expect producers like J Lohr, Duckhorn, and La Crema to anchor the list. There's likely a token Malbec and a Sancerre for those who want "something different." Southern producers are probably absent, which feels like a missed opportunity given Savannah's farm-to-table scene. This is a list built for hotel guests who want something familiar after a long day of touring.
The glass program likely offers 6-8 options that rotate annually, if at all. Expect the usual suspects: a Chardonnay around $14, a Pinot Grigio, a Cab, maybe a Malbec. Nothing gets poured that might confuse a convention-goer. The wines are correct but uninspired, the kind of selections that work fine with both shrimp and grits and a steak.
J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon — $48
Reliable Paso Robles Cab that drinks well with steaks and won't break the bank at hotel markup
Trimbach Riesling
If they stock it, the Alsatian Riesling cuts through rich Southern cooking better than any Chard on the list
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Marked up to $120+ for a bottle that drinks like grocery store fruit bomb—pure name recognition tax
La Crema Pinot Noir + Pan-Roasted Georgia Quail
Light-bodied Pinot won't overwhelm delicate game bird, and the fruit plays nice with any berry reduction
✔️ The Bottom Line
This is a hotel wine list doing hotel wine list things—predictable, overpriced, but functional. If you're staying at The DeSoto and want a glass with dinner, you'll survive. Just don't expect any discoveries or deals.
Downtown Savannah · Savannah · Farm to Table, Seasonal
The 1540 Room is a dependable, well-curated list in one of Savannah's most atmospheric dining rooms — you won't find anything to argue with, but you won't find anything to be shocked by either. Send your friends here when they want a great bottle with a great meal and zero drama.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Port City Southern
The Grey proves that a curated, adventurous wine list can be just as impressive as a 700-bottle cellar. James Beard Outstanding Chef Mashama Bailey's food demands a wine program that matches its ambition, and the sommelier team delivers — with indigenous varietals, natural wines, and by-the-glass pours you won't find anywhere else in the Southeast. Come for the food, stay for the wine education you didn't know you needed.
Adventurous & Curated
Worth It
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Led
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Thomas Square · Savannah · Southern
Common Thread is Savannah's rising wine sleeper. Libby Burk is building one of the most interesting sommelier-driven programs in the Southeast — indigenous varietals, natural wines, and a genuine passion for making wine accessible and fun. Not as deep as Common's 710-bottle cathedral, not as famous as The Grey's James Beard pedigree, but arguably the most exciting wine program in town for anyone who wants to learn something new every visit.
Adventurous
Fair
Proper
Sommelier Led
Wine Club & Events
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Common isn't just the best wine program in Savannah — it's one of the best in the Southeast. 710 selections including first-growth Bordeaux verticals, Grand Cru Burgundy, and Napa trophy wines, backed by a three-sommelier team. The $25 corkage fee is fair if you bring something the list doesn't cover, but good luck finding a gap. Plan a trip around this one.
Encyclopedic
Fair
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Team
Rotating
Cellar Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Come for the pirate history and the She-Crab soup, but leave wine expectations at the door. This list exists to fill a checkbox, not to enhance your meal—order a cocktail or local beer instead.
Crowd Pleasers
Gouge
Red Flag
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Historic District · Savannah · Italian Steakhouse
Pacifico won't change your wine life, but it won't ruin your dinner either. If you're here for the steaks and want a safe Italian red, you'll be fine. Just don't expect value or adventure.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Stemless Casual
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Side · Charleston · American Fine Dining
High Thyme is the best wine list in the room by a wide margin — the room being Charleston, West Virginia, but still, credit where it's due. Come on a Monday, grab the En Route Pinot at half price, and order the duck.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Crown Center · Kansas City · American Fine Dining
The American Restaurant is the real deal — a Kansas City institution with a wine program that could hold its own in any major dining city. Markups are what you'd expect at this level, but the depth of the Guigal collection alone makes it worth the trip if you care about serious Rhône.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Midtown · Detroit · American Fine Dining
The Whitney's wine list is like the building itself — impressive on the surface, with some genuine highlights underneath, but you're paying a premium for the atmosphere. Go in eyes open on the markups, stick to the better bottles, and the experience absolutely delivers.
Solid Range
Steep
Varietal Specific
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.