West Coast whites done right in horse country
Downtown Ocala · Ocala · New American
Reviewed April 18, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Bistro Three Six reads like a confident West Coast greatest hits — familiar names, approachable price points, and a clear sense that someone actually thought about this. For downtown Ocala, that's not nothing. It's not going to make a wine nerd's heart race, but it's also not going to embarrass anyone.
The list leans hard into California and Pacific Northwest whites, with recognizable producers like Stags Leap, Eroica, and Neyers anchoring the upper end while crowd-pleasers like Butter Chardonnay and Seaglass Riesling handle the accessible middle ground. There's a decent showing from Washington State — Mark Ryan shows up twice, which signals at least some editorial intention. Reds appear to exist, though the research data doesn't give us much to work with there. Gaps are real: Italy gets token representation via Saracco Moscato, and if you're hunting Burgundy, Rhône, or anything south of the equator, you're out of luck.
Twelve to sixteen by-the-glass options is a generous pour program for a bistro this size, and the white selection especially holds up — you've got range from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to rich Chardonnay to aromatic Viognier without having to commit to a bottle. Rotation appears limited; this list feels more curated-and-locked than dynamic. Still, having Eroica and Hyland Estates Old Vine Riesling available by the glass is a quiet flex.
Hyland Estates Old Vine Riesling — $N/A
Old vine Riesling from the McMinnville AVA doesn't show up on many Florida bistro lists at any price. If this is poured by the glass, you're getting serious wine at what's likely a reasonable ask — grab it before someone figures out how good it is.
Mark Ryan Viognier
Washington State Viognier is a niche within a niche, and most diners are going to walk right past it for the Chardonnay. That's their loss. Mark Ryan makes an aromatic, stone-fruit-forward Viognier that's worth the detour — especially if you're eating anything with a cream sauce or white meat.
Butter Chardonnay
It's fine. It's also the wine equivalent of ordering a Caesar salad — technically food, but you're not really here for that, are you? There are at least four more interesting Chardonnays on this list alone. Move on.
Eroica Riesling + Pan-Seared Fish
Eroica's Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen collaboration brings bright acidity and restrained sweetness that cuts through any richness in a seared fish preparation. It's a classic match, and one of the few on this list where the wine actively elevates the plate rather than just accompanying it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Bistro Three Six is doing more with wine than most of downtown Ocala probably demands, and the Pacific Northwest selections give it a personality beyond the usual Florida restaurant list. Send a friend here for dinner — just steer them away from the Butter.
SR 200 / Southwest Ocala · Ocala · Thai
Royal Orchid makes solid Thai food, and you should absolutely go — just order a Thai iced tea or a beer and pretend the wine list doesn't exist. If someone at your table insists on wine, point them to the Riesling and move on.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
SR 200 / Southwest Ocala · Ocala · Italian
Carrabba's Ocala isn't a wine destination and doesn't pretend to be — but Wine Wednesday (call ahead to confirm it's still running at this location) can turn a steep markup into a reasonable deal. Come for the Chicken Bryan, drink the Riesling, skip the Caymus.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Downtown Ocala · Ocala · Charcuterie and Tapas
The Keep is doing something genuinely different for downtown Ocala — a rotating mead program, thoughtful wine picks, and markups that actually respect the customer. If you're in the area and care about what's in your glass, this is the move.
Small but Thoughtful
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
South Ocala · Ocala · American Steakhouse
Texas Roadhouse is a great place to eat a steak and throw peanut shells on the floor — we respect the chaos. But the wine list is purely functional at best and an afterthought at worst, so come here for the food and the fun, not the Cabernet.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
World Equestrian Center · Ocala · Seafood
Juno & The Peacock shouldn't be this interesting, and that's the whole point — a seafood restaurant inside an Ocala equestrian complex with Chacra Patagonian Chardonnay and Eyrie Pinot Blanc is a genuine surprise. Markups lean steep and the format feels set-it-and-forget-it, but the underlying list has real taste behind it.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
World Equestrian Center · Ocala · American
The Polo Pony is a reliable pour for the horse show crowd — familiar bottles, fair enough execution, and enough range to keep a table happy. We wouldn't drive to Ocala for the wine list, but if you're already at the World Equestrian Center, you'll drink just fine.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown / Creekside · New Braunfels · New American
Cody's is exactly what New Braunfels needs in a downtown wine list — honest, approachable, and priced without attitude. Don't come here chasing discovery, but absolutely come here for a cold rosé and a good time on the patio.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South End / The Breakers · West Palm Beach · New American
HMF is the rare hotel bar that could embarrass a dedicated wine bar on both depth and pricing — the by-the-glass program alone is worth the trip. If you're in Palm Beach and you care about what's in your glass, this is the most obvious call on the island.
Deep & Eclectic
Steal
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Downtown Columbia · Columbia · New American
Sycamore is doing something genuinely unusual in Columbia: running a tight, thoughtful wine list with real producers and fair prices, backed by someone on staff who knows what they're talking about. Come on a Wednesday and it's a no-brainer.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.