Napa's Greatest Hits, Served in a Suit
Downtown · Des Moines · Classic upscale steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 20, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at 801 Chophouse lands exactly how you'd expect from a white-tablecloth steakhouse with a sommelier on the floor — heavy, leather-bound, and weighted toward California Cabernet. It's a confidence play, not an adventure. If you came here to drink Napa, you're in the right room.
The list runs 200–300 bottles deep with a clear axis: Napa Valley and Sonoma on one end, classic Bordeaux and Burgundy on the other. You'll find the usual suspects — Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, Far Niente, Opus One — all present and accounted for. There's nothing here that will surprise a seasoned wine drinker, but the depth within those safe zones is real. What's missing is any serious exploration of Italy, Spain, or the Southern Hemisphere — this list isn't trying to teach you anything new.
The by-the-glass program runs 15–25 options at $14–$30 a pour, which is consistent with the room's price point but doesn't leave much room for discovery. Expect the same California-forward lineup in glass format — a solid Cab, maybe a Chardonnay like Far Niente if you're lucky. Rotation appears minimal; this is a set-it-and-forget-it glass program built for the business dinner crowd.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $50–$70 (estimated bottle range)
Jordan consistently punches above its price in a list where everything else trends toward triple-digit territory. It's the most approachable entry point into the Napa/Sonoma section without sacrificing quality — and it holds its own next to a ribeye without the Opus One price tag.
Far Niente Chardonnay
Most tables at a steakhouse default to red and ignore the Chardonnay section entirely. That's a mistake here. Far Niente is one of Napa's more serious white wine producers — rich, well-structured, and a legitimate match for the lobster tail or seafood tower. Most guests walk right past it.
Opus One
Opus One is a genuinely great wine, but at a restaurant with steep markups it will land at a price that makes your eyes water — and you're paying a significant premium for the name recognition alone. The juice in the glass isn't proportionally better than Jordan or Silver Oak at roughly half the cost. Save Opus One for a retailer.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon + USDA Prime Ribeye
Caymus is big, ripe, and plush — almost tailor-made for a well-marbled prime ribeye. The wine's dark fruit and soft tannins complement the fat in the cut without overwhelming it. It's not a subtle pairing, but subtlety isn't the point at 801 Chophouse.
✔️ The Bottom Line
801 Chophouse delivers a competent, well-staffed wine experience that does exactly what a classic steakhouse should — it just won't surprise you, and you'll pay a premium for the privilege. Send a friend here for a business dinner; save the wine exploration for somewhere else.
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One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.