Hotel Wine List That Doesn't Phone It In
Downtown · Washington · Mediterranean · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 7, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Alhambra’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The St. Regis hotel dining room brings a 300-label list that takes itself seriously without being stuffy. This isn't a token wine program — there's a sommelier on staff and the list shows real curation, even if the prices reflect that K Street zip code.
The list splits its energy between California and Spain, which makes sense given the Mediterranean menu. You'll find Napa heavyweights like Caymus, Dunn, and Inglenook next to quality Spanish producers like Cuentaviñas from Rioja and Bodegas Emilio Moro from Ribera del Duero. The 18-22 glass pours show thoughtfulness too — Alsace Riesling and Miraval Rosé sit alongside the usual suspects. It's not the most adventurous list in town, but it covers the bases with actual depth rather than just checking boxes.
With nearly 20 options rotating through, the glass program is stronger than most hotel restaurants manage. The inclusion of Alsace Riesling shows someone's thinking beyond Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The Miraval Rosé is a crowd-pleaser that actually tastes good, not just Instagram-ready. Still, we'd love to see more rotation or seasonal programming to keep things fresh.
Cuentaviñas Rioja — Price unavailable
Classic Rioja that pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean menu without the Napa markup
Alsace Riesling
Most people skip Riesling on hotel wine lists, but this one's got the acidity to cut through rich dishes and the quality to make you remember it
Caymus Cabernet
It's everywhere for a reason, but you're paying hotel pricing on an already-premium bottle — the Spanish reds offer better bang
Bodegas Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero + Any lamb preparation
Tempranillo and lamb is one of those combinations that just works — the wine's got structure and fruit to stand up to Mediterranean spices
The Bottom Line
This is what a hotel wine list should be: professional, properly stored, fairly deep, and backed by staff who know their stuff. The markup stings, but you're paying for the St. Regis experience. If you're already dropping money on dinner here, the wine program won't let you down.
Washington · Washington · Seafood
Oceanaire is a safe, well-executed wine destination for California Chardonnay lovers who want reliable bottles with their seafood without too many surprises. Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence since 2017 is well-earned for what it is — just know this list was built for comfort, not adventure.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Proper
Georgetown · Washington · French
Lutèce is a strong place to explore French wine with a firm budget in mind. The posted list runs from a $64 Southern Rhône red to $600 Champagne, so tell Chris Ray what you want to spend and let that guide the conversation. Confirm prices and availability when you book or arrive.
Small but Thoughtful
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Washington, DC · Washington · Steakhouse
STK DC is a vibe restaurant that treats wine as an accessory, not a feature. If you're here for the scene, the cocktails will serve you better than the list ever will.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Washington · Middle Eastern / North African
Maydan's wine list is one of the most geographically coherent and genuinely adventurous in Washington, DC — it matches the kitchen's ambition and then some. If you're willing to let go of the familiar, this is one of the best by-the-glass programs in the city for opening your eyes to what the wine world looks like beyond Europe.
Surprising Depth
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Washington · Restaurant
Moon Rabbit's wine list is doing something rare: it's short enough to read in two minutes and interesting enough to talk about for twenty. If you care about well-chosen, adventurous bottles at prices that won't wreck your dinner bill, send your people here.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Washington · Washington · Spanish
Xiquet is doing something genuinely rare in D.C. — a tightly edited, Spain-first wine program inside a room that actually earns it. Four sommeliers and a Wood Spectator Award of Excellence since 2023 confirm this isn't an accident; just know you're paying for the setting as much as the bottle.
Small but Thoughtful
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
· Atlanta · Mediterranean
Kitty Dare is punching well above its weight for an Atlanta restaurant wine list — fair prices, genuinely adventurous selections, and the rare willingness to pour all of it by the glass. We don't have visibility into service or food specifics, but the list alone is worth coming for. If you want a Lebanese white from 70-year-old vines for $13/glass, this is your place.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Atlanta · Mediterranean
Fia has the bones of a genuinely good wine program — thoughtful white selections, a few hidden gems, and a Champagne section that sets a mood — but steep markups and a list that doesn't stray far from the expected hold it back from greatness. Go for the Aligoté or the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, skip the trophy bottles, and you'll drink well without feeling taken.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Monterey · Mediterranean
Dametra Cafe isn't a wine destination, but it's not trying to be one either — and that honesty is refreshing. The sparkling selection is genuinely fun, prices are fair across the board, and the few left-field picks like Chateau Musar Jeune give the list just enough personality. If you're in Monterey and want a bottle that doesn't feel like a markup shakedown, this is a safe call.
Plays It Safe
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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