Waterfront Views, Wine List Worth the Stop
Estero Bay · Fort Myers · Italian-inspired with American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 14, 2026
Wingman Metrics
You're seated overlooking Estero Bay at golden hour, and the wine list arrives thick enough to feel serious. At 80-120 bottles, this isn't a token effort — someone put real thought into building this around the Italian-leaning kitchen. The price tags, however, remind you pretty quickly that the sunset view comes with a premium.
The list leans on California and Italy, which makes sense given the steakhouse-meets-trattoria DNA of the place. Piemonte gets a proper nod — the Cascina Delle Rose Barbaresco from Rio Sordo is a legitimately exciting pick in a market where most restaurants would just throw a Banfi on and call it Italian. California representation is thoughtful too, with Lioco's Chardonnay from the actual Estero vineyard in Russian River — a local name-check that's more than just gimmicky. The gap is everywhere else: if you want Old World outside Italy or anything from the Southern Hemisphere, you're mostly out of luck.
With 12-18 pours available, the glass program is one of the stronger aspects of this list. It gives you real room to explore across the meal rather than committing to a bottle at these prices. We'd love to see more rotation and adventurous pours, but for a Gulf Coast waterfront spot, this is better than average.
Lioco Chardonnay 'Estero', Russian River, CA 2023 — null
Lioco is a producer that consistently punches above its price point — restrained, terroir-driven Chardonnay with none of the butter-bomb nonsense. The fact that it shares a name with the bay you're staring at is a bonus. Likely one of the most honest bottles on the list relative to what you're getting in the glass.
Cascina Delle Rose Barbaresco, Rio Sordo Valley, Piemonte 2020
Cascina Delle Rose is a small, family-run Piemonte estate that doesn't get nearly enough attention outside of Italy-obsessed wine circles. Their Rio Sordo Barbaresco is elegant, earthy, and needs food — which you'll have plenty of. Most tables here will reach for something familiar and blow right past this one. Don't be most tables.
Linden Vineyards Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Linden is a respected Virginia producer, and Hardscrabble is genuinely good wine — but it's a niche, higher-priced bottle from a region most diners here won't recognize, and it's likely marked up in a way that doesn't reward the curiosity. At a waterfront Florida restaurant, you're paying for context that isn't there. Save Linden for a trip to the Shenandoah.
Cascina Delle Rose Barbaresco, Rio Sordo Valley, Piemonte 2020 + Chargrilled Steak
Barbaresco and a chargrilled steak is one of those combinations that exists for a reason. The wine's Nebbiolo tannins and bright acidity cut through the fat beautifully, and the earthy, floral notes hold up against the char without getting steamrolled. Classic for a reason.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Acqua Bistecca is doing more with its wine list than you'd expect from a waterfront resort-adjacent spot in Southwest Florida — a few genuinely excellent producers make this worth exploring. Just go in with eyes open on pricing, and let the Barbaresco do its thing.
Downtown River District · Fort Myers · Japanese, Sushi
Blu Sushi Downtown isn't a wine destination, but it's a perfectly functional place to have a decent glass while eating good rolls in a fun room. Send your friend here for a night out — just tell them to skip the Rombauer.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Fort Myers / Daniels Parkway · Fort Myers · Japanese, Sushi
Mori Sushi & Grill isn't the place you go for a wine adventure, but the list is priced fairly and the Sauvignon Blancs do real work alongside the food. Grab a glass of Nobilo, order the sashimi, and don't overthink it.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Fort Myers / Daniels Parkway · Fort Myers · Italian-American, family-style
Two Meatballs isn't a wine destination, but the Italian backbone of the list is honest and the pricing is fair enough that you won't feel robbed. Order the Barbera, get the baked ziti, and let the chaos of the dining room do the rest.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Fort Myers / US-41 · Fort Myers · Wine Bar, New American
Non Chalance has all the right intentions — a chill wine bar vibe with small plates in a neighborhood that needed it — but the list leans hard on low-cost, high-markup retail staples that don't hold up under scrutiny. Come for the atmosphere, but go easy on the bottle orders.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
Downtown Fort Myers River District · Fort Myers · Rooftop Bar / Tapas & Small Plates
Beacon Social Drinkery is a genuinely fun place to watch the sun go down — just don't come here expecting the wine list to match the altitude. Order a cocktail, enjoy the view, and if you must have wine, the Crios Rosé is your move.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Fort Myers River District · Fort Myers · Upscale Contemporary Seafood and American
The Silver King won't blow your mind, but it won't embarrass you either — and for a hotel restaurant in Fort Myers, that's a genuine win. Take the Leflaive, skip the Rombauer, and enjoy the river view.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
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.