Augustine
Santana Row's Most Serious Wine Room
Santana Row · San Jose · Californian, Mediterranean · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 7, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list lands on the table with the kind of weight that tells you this place takes things seriously. Four hundred-plus selections across California, France, and Italy — this isn't a restaurant that added wine as an afterthought. Wine Spectator handed Augustine a Best of Award of Excellence in 2025, and a quick scan of the list tells you why.
Selection Deep Dive
California is the anchor here, and it holds strong — Kistler Chardonnay, Ridge Monte Bello, Caymus Special Selection, and Opus One all show up, covering everything from precision-driven whites to the kind of Napa Cabernet that closes deals. France gets proper attention too, with Louis Jadot Burgundy and Château Léoville-Barton flying the flag for Bordeaux. Italy earns its seat at the table with Antinori Tignanello and Gaja Barbaresco — two wines that could anchor any serious enoteca. The only gap worth noting: if you're hunting for natural wine or anything left-field, this list isn't your playground.
By the Glass
Twenty to thirty-five pours by the glass is a serious program — not just the usual Chardonnay-Cab-Pinot trio. The $12–$25 range gives you enough room to step up without committing to a bottle, which we appreciate on a weeknight. We'd love to see more rotation, but the selection depth here beats most Santana Row neighbors by a wide margin.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot — $45+
Duckhorn Merlot punches well above its category — this is the wine that made people fall back in love with Merlot post-Sideways, and at the entry point of Augustine's bottle range, it's the smart call for a table that wants something California and crowd-pleasing without blowing the budget on Opus One.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir
Everyone at this table is going to reach for the California reds or the Burgundy by reflex, which means Domaine Drouhin Oregon almost always gets skipped. That's a mistake — it's a Burgundian producer making Oregon Pinot with serious intention, and it tends to be priced more modestly than the French stuff it quietly outperforms.
Opus One
It's a landmark wine and there's nothing wrong with it — but Opus One is one of the most marked-up bottles in America, and you're paying a significant premium for the name recognition. The Ridge Monte Bello will give you a more interesting drinking experience at a lower price, full stop.
Antinori Tignanello + Braised Short Rib
Tignanello is a Sangiovese-Cabernet blend built for exactly this kind of situation — the acidity cuts through the richness of braised short rib while the dark fruit and structure match the depth of the dish. It's a classic pairing that works because both the wine and the food are operating at the same level.
🔥 The Bottom Line
Augustine is the real deal for San Jose — a deep, credentialed list with two sommeliers on staff and the bones to back up its Best of Award of Excellence. Markups aren't shy, but if you're coming here for a special occasion, the quality justifies the spend.
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