Northwoods Steakhouse That Takes Wine Seriously
Tomahawk · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 1, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed Bootleggers Lodge’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
You're on the shores of Lake Nokomis in the Wisconsin Northwoods — the last thing you expect is a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list. But here we are, and the list lands with more confidence than the setting might suggest. It's California-forward and crowd-friendly, which fits the prime rib and filet crowd just fine.
The list runs 80 to 120 bottles and leans hard into California, which is exactly what Wine Spectator flagged as their strength. You'll find the classics: Caymus Cabernet, Jordan Cab, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, and Duckhorn Merlot — reliable names that steak-eaters know and trust. Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay adds a touch of terroir-awareness on the white side, while Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay anchors the approachable end. Don't come looking for Burgundy or Barolo — this list isn't chasing adventure, it's serving the room, and it does that well.
With 10 to 16 pours available by the glass, there's enough range to navigate a full dinner without committing to a bottle. The selection mirrors the bottle list — California-centric and familiar — so expect Chardonnay and Cabernet to dominate the pour options. Rotation appears limited, but for a lakeside lodge in Tomahawk, having this many glass options at all is a win.
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay — $50
Russian River Ranches is genuinely good Chardonnay — cooler-climate, more restrained than the buttery stuff — and at lodge pricing in northern Wisconsin, it likely lands at a fair markup. A real wine for the price.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Most people at this table are going to order Caymus on autopilot. Stag's Leap is the better wine — more structured, more interesting — and probably gets overlooked because it doesn't have the same brand recognition with casual drinkers. Order it instead.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
KJ Vintner's Reserve is a $15 grocery store bottle. Whatever they're charging for it here, you can do better on this list. It's a placeholder, not a choice.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon + Prime Rib
Jordan Cab is silky, structured, and built for red meat. Prime rib is the signature dish here — slow-roasted, fatty, deeply savory. The wine's fruit and fine tannins cut right through it without overwhelming the beef. Classic call, executed well.
The Bottom Line
For a fine dining lodge tucked into the Wisconsin Northwoods, Bootleggers punches above its weight with a California-focused list that earned its Wine Spectator nod fair and square. It's not going to surprise you, but it will absolutely take care of you — and that's exactly what a night on Lake Nokomis calls for.
Downtown Roswell · Roswell · American
Canton St. Social is a solid neighborhood restaurant in historic downtown Roswell, and the wine program appears to be built for exactly that — supporting a good night out without overcomplicating things. We don't have enough sourced wine data to tell you what to order, which means your best move is to ask your server what's pouring well that night and go from there. Worth a visit for the food and atmosphere; the wine list is a work in progress as far as our research goes.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Worcester · American
The Boynton is a great neighborhood spot for a cold beer, a burger, and a game — and that's exactly what it should be. The wine program is along for the ride, not driving the car. If wine matters to you tonight, this isn't your destination; if you're here for the food and the vibe, order a beer and enjoy it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Atlanta · Atlanta · American
Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta's wine list is a Lazy List by every measure — grocery store brands, steep markups, no specials, and a rotating staff with little incentive to know what's in the glass. If you're here for the memorabilia and the atmosphere, lean into a cocktail or a beer. If wine is non-negotiable, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling or Columbia Crest Cab will get you through the night without regret.
Grocery Store
Steep
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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