Beer bar with a wine list that holds its own
Hilldale · Madison · Belgian-Inspired Gastropub · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 28, 2026
Wingman Metrics
You're here for the moules frites and a Belgian tripel, and that's completely fine — but the wine list doesn't embarrass itself either. At 15 bottles topping out at $48, this is a list priced for real people, not expense accounts. It's short, approachable, and makes no apologies for what it is.
The list covers the greatest hits of the crowd-pleaser playbook: Whitehaven Sauv Blanc from New Zealand, Altos Malbec from Mendoza, Muriel Reserva from Rioja, Cline Cab from California. Nothing here is going to make a wine nerd's heart race, but nothing is an outright embarrassment either. Spain and Italy get token representation, France shows up in the bubbles department with Gratien & Meyer Crémant, and Luxembourg sneaks in via Domaine Vinsmoselle Rosé — which is either the most random or most Belgian-appropriate call on the whole list. There are real gaps: no Pinot Noir of consequence, no Rhône, no serious Italian reds — but for a gastropub where beer is the main event, this does its job.
All 15 bottles are available by the glass, ranging from $9 to $12 — which is genuinely reasonable for Madison in 2024. The glass program is the whole program; there's no reserve list lurking behind the scenes. Rotation appears nonexistent, but at these prices, you're not paying to be surprised.
Muriel Reserva Rioja — $12/glass, ~$44/bottle
Rioja Reserva at this price point is hard to beat anywhere. Tempranillo with actual oak aging for under $45 a bottle is the move, especially next to a charcuterie board.
Domaine Vinsmoselle Rosé
Luxembourg rosé on a Wisconsin gastropub list is genuinely bizarre — and that's exactly why you should order it. Most people will reach for the Whitehaven without a second thought; this is the more interesting pour and fits the Belgian-inspired spirit of the place.
JP Chenet Brut
JP Chenet is the house party sparkling wine of France — widely available, mass-produced, and not something you'd brag about. With Gratien & Meyer Crémant on the same list, there's a better bubble within arm's reach.
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier + Moules Frites
The bright acidity and slight floral lift of the Chenin-Viognier blend cuts right through a bowl of steamed mussels. It's the closest thing on this list to a classic Belgian table white, and it works.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Café Hollander Madison is a beer destination that happens to have a wine list — and that list is fair, affordable, and more than good enough for a casual night out. Don't come here to geek out on wine; do come here knowing you won't be stuck drinking something you'll regret.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.