Great Whiskey, Forgotten Wine List
Main Street · Columbia · Cajun-Creole · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · July 3, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Bourbon’s wine list and gave it The Lazy List — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
Walk into Bourbon on Main Street and the message is clear: this place is about whiskey, cocktails, and good times — the wine list is an afterthought stapled to the back of a great bar program. The list is short, predictable, and reads like the backup plan for whoever at the table doesn't drink bourbon. That's fine, honestly, as long as you know going in.
Fifteen to thirty labels, almost entirely California and Pacific Northwest, and the producers tell the whole story: Meiomi, Apothic, Kim Crawford, Kendall-Jackson. These are grocery store regulars, not restaurant discoveries. There's no old-world representation to speak of, no natural wine curiosity, no local producers getting a nod — just the greatest hits of mass-market American wine retail. If you came here hoping to find a sleeper Willamette Valley Pinot or a funky Rhône blend tucked in the corner, keep moving.
Six to ten options by the glass at $8–$13, which is at least priced fairly for what's being poured. The rotation doesn't appear to change much — this is a set-and-forget program that probably hasn't been updated since the menu was designed. If you're staying for a second glass, just order the same thing; variety isn't the point here.
Meiomi Pinot Noir — $13/glass
It's the most food-friendly wine on the list and holds up well against the spice-forward Cajun cooking. Not a serious bottle, but honest and approachable at a fair price.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Nobody comes to a whiskey bar in South Carolina ordering Sauvignon Blanc, but they should — it's crisp, citrusy, and the right call next to anything briny or buttery on this menu.
Apothic Red Blend
Sweet, jammy, and designed to appeal to everyone, which usually means it satisfies no one. With bold Creole flavors on the plate, this blend just gets lost — or worse, clashes. Reach for the Meiomi instead.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc + Shrimp & Grits
The bright acidity and green herb notes in the Kim Crawford cut right through the richness of the grits and play nicely off the shrimp. It's a better call than you'd expect from a list this basic.
The Bottom Line
Bourbon is a legitimately fun place to eat and drink in Columbia — just drink the bourbon. The wine list exists, it's fairly priced, and it won't embarrass you, but it's clearly not where this restaurant's energy goes.
· Columbia · New American / Southern
Terra keeps it simple with an all-by-the-glass format, fair pricing, and a few genuinely interesting picks tucked inside a short list. It won't satisfy anyone looking for a deep cellar dive, but it absolutely does the job for a New American dinner in Columbia.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown · Columbia · Wine Bar
Vino Sabor is betting that Downtown Columbia is ready for a real wine bar, not just wine at a bar — and based on the vibe, they might be right. We'd go back with a curiosity about Italian wine and an open mind; just don't come expecting a deep cellar or a Burgundy nerd behind the counter.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Columbia · Spanish-inspired / tapas
This is a wine list built for people who aren't really thinking about wine, and honestly that might be the point. If you're serious about drinking well with your tapas, order a cocktail and revisit the wine program if they ever add a Txakoli or a Garnacha.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Forest Acres · Columbia · Contemporary American Bistro with Southern Influences
Tombo Grille isn't going to win any points for boldness, but it delivers exactly what Forest Acres wants: familiar wines, fair-enough execution, and a menu worth eating. Send a friend here for a reliable dinner out — just temper expectations if they're hoping to discover something new.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Irmo / Northwest Columbia · Columbia · Contemporary American-Italian
Travinia is a reliable neighborhood wine bar that gets the basics right — solid selection, good by-the-glass volume, food-friendly pours — without ever swinging for the fences. Send your friends here for a comfortable bottle with dinner, not for a wine discovery experience.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Sandhill · Columbia · Contemporary American-Italian
Travinia Sandhill is a reliable wine bar in a market that doesn't have many — not adventurous, not cheap, but consistent enough that you won't regret the reservation. Just steer clear of the obvious traps and you'll have a decent night.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
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.
List Variety
Markup
Glassware
Staff
Specials & Deals
Storage & Temp
