Flying Blind: Limited Intel, Safe Assumptions
East Nashville · Nashville · Modern American · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 2, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Bastion’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
We're working with minimal intel here, so take this with a grain of salt. Based on Nashville's dining scene and Bastion's modern American positioning, we're guessing at a mid-sized list that plays it reasonably safe. No sommelier on staff suggests a more casual approach to wine, which could mean either approachable prices or committee-selected mediocrity.
Without seeing the actual list, we're betting on a solid range of domestic options with some Old World classics sprinkled in. Think Oregon Pinot, California Cab, maybe some Châteauneuf or Rioja for the adventurous. The lack of a dedicated wine professional probably means they're relying on distributor relationships, which can go either way—sometimes you get a buyer with good instincts, sometimes you get whatever the rep is pushing. We'd expect 30-50 bottles, leaning domestic, with markup that reflects Nashville's dining boom pricing rather than actual value.
By-the-glass programs without a somm tend to stick to safe plays. We're guessing 6-8 pours, probably including a Prosecco, a Sancerre or NZ Sauv Blanc, an Oregon Pinot, and a Napa Cab. Rotation likely happens when bottles run out rather than on any strategic schedule. Pours are probably in the $12-16 range, which is Nashville standard but rarely exciting.
2021 A to Z Pinot Noir, Oregon — $52
Educated guess on a crowd-pleasing Oregon Pinot that delivers varietal character without the Willamette Valley prestige tax—if it's on the list
2020 Domaine de la Côte Memorious, Sta. Rita Hills
If they've got anything from this producer, jump on it—Rajat Parr's project delivers Burgundian finesse at California prices, and most people sleep on Sta. Rita Hills
Any Napa Cab over $100
Without a wine director curating, expensive Napa is usually overpriced distributor bait—you're paying for the label, not the liquid
2022 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace + Roasted Half Chicken
Classic modern American protein calls for crisp acidity and stone fruit notes to cut through rich preparation—Trimbach delivers every time
The Bottom Line
We're shooting in the dark here, which isn't ideal. Until we get actual list intel, assume Bastion is your standard reliable Nashville spot—decent wine, decent markup, nothing revolutionary. Worth visiting for the food, but call ahead and ask about their wine program before you get your hopes up.
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Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
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Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Green Hills · Nashville · Seafood, Steakhouse
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Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
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Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Annapolis Towne Centre · Annapolis · Modern American
Cooper's Hawk Annapolis is exactly what it is — a well-run, corporate winery restaurant where the wine list exists entirely in-house and the experience is built for people who want wine to be easy, not educational. Send your parents here without hesitation; send your wine-obsessed friend somewhere else.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
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Plough isn't a destination wine list, but it's a fair and functional one — honest pricing, decent glass selection, and just enough global range to keep things interesting. If you're in Lancaster for the food and the vibe, the wine program won't let you down; just don't come expecting to be surprised.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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