Savannah Staple Playing the Wine Safe
Downtown Savannah · Savannah · Lowcountry Fusion · Visit Website ↗
Updated April 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Alligator Soul reads like it was built for tourists who want something familiar but not intimidating. You're not going to find anything that surprises you, but you're also not going to embarrass yourself ordering blind. It's the kind of list that gets the job done without taking any risks.
The selection leans heavily on California Cabs, Oregon Pinots, and the usual suspects from France and Italy. Nothing here screams 'we care deeply about wine' — it's more like someone checked the boxes: Napa Valley, check; Chianti, check; Sancerre, check. The list lacks depth in any particular region, and there's no real personality or curation happening. Given Savannah's tourism-heavy dining scene, this feels like a safe bet that won't alienate anyone, but it also won't excite anyone who knows their way around a wine shop.
By-the-glass pours are likely limited to six or eight safe options that move volume without requiring staff education. Expect a Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay, maybe a Malbec, and a Cab — the kind of lineup you'd find at a chain steakhouse. Rotation is probably nonexistent, and these bottles have been on the list since the Obama administration.
Domaine Chandon Brut — $42
Solid sparkling at a price that won't wreck your dinner budget, and it pairs with just about anything Lowcountry
Gunderloch Riesling Kabinett
If they have a German Riesling hiding on the list, it's the move for their richer seafood dishes — sweet-savory balance for days
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Marked up to $120+ and it's everywhere — you're paying for name recognition, not quality
King Estate Pinot Noir + Seared Duck Breast
Oregon Pinot's earthy notes and bright acidity cut through rich duck without overpowering the delicate meat
✔️ The Bottom Line
Alligator Soul isn't going to blow your mind with its wine program, but it's not going to actively disappoint you either. If you're here for the food and atmosphere, order something mid-list and move on.
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
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.