California classics meet Nashville prime cuts
Green Hills · Nashville · Seafood, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed April 24, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed Char Restaurant’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Char reads exactly like you'd expect from a polished Southern steakhouse with a piano bar in the background — California heavy, brand-name forward, and built to impress a client dinner rather than surprise a wine geek. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but walk in knowing what you're getting.
The list runs 150-250 bottles and leans hard into California's greatest hits: Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, Stag's Leap, Far Niente, Opus One — the roll call of wines that sell themselves at steakhouses coast to coast. Wine Spectator has recognized this program since 2019 with an Award of Excellence, and the California focus is clearly where the energy goes. What's missing is any meaningful detour into Burgundy, Barolo, Rioja, or anywhere that might add dimension — if you're hoping for an Etna Rosso or a grower Champagne, adjust expectations now. The list does what it does well; it just doesn't do much else.
With 12-20 options by the glass, there's enough range to work with across a meal — you're not stuck choosing between one red and one white. Expect the usual California suspects to dominate the pours, which tracks with the bottle program. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here; this feels like a list that's been relatively stable for a while.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $50-$80
Jordan consistently over-delivers for its price point in a steakhouse context — it's polished, food-friendly, and won't make your wallet cry the way Opus One will. In a lineup of California Cabs with aggressive markups, this is where to anchor.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone's reaching for the Cabernet at a steakhouse, which means the Duckhorn Merlot gets overlooked constantly. That's a mistake — Duckhorn basically rebuilt Merlot's reputation after Sideways torched it, and their Napa bottling has the structure and depth to hold its own against a prime ribeye.
Opus One
Opus One is a legitimately great wine, but in a steakhouse setting it's almost always marked up to a number that makes no sense relative to what you're getting — you're paying for the label as much as the juice. Save Opus One for a bottle shop occasion; there are better-value options on this very list.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + USDA Prime Ribeye
Stag's Leap has an elegant, structured quality that complements the fat and char on a prime ribeye without overwhelming it — it's a classic pairing that actually earns that word. The dark fruit and firm tannins cut through the richness in a way that makes both the wine and the steak taste better.
The Bottom Line
Char is a dependable, well-executed steakhouse wine list that's built for crowd-pleasing, not adventuring — if California Cabernet is your comfort zone, you'll be happy here. Send a friend who wants a reliable pour with a prime cut; don't send the friend who just got back from a natural wine bar in Copenhagen.
· Nashville · Restaurant
The Palm Nashville's wine list is six bottles long and somehow more interesting than lists ten times its size at comparable restaurants. The Sancerre alone is worth the visit if it's still priced at $23. Just know what you're walking into: this is a focused, opinionated micro-list, not a deep cellar — and by-the-glass options remain a mystery until you ask.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Nashville · Nashville · Steakhouse
STK Nashville is a nightclub that serves steaks and has a wine list to match the energy — loud, familiar, and not particularly interested in your education. Come for the scene, order the bottle that sounds good to you, and don't expect the list to surprise you.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Nashville · American Grille
Del Frisco's Grille Nashville is coasting hard on brand recognition with a wine list that a decent gastropub would be embarrassed by. Swing by for happy hour, grab a $10 pour, and don't expect anyone to help you think about what you're drinking.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
Downtown Nashville · Nashville · American, French
Gannons is a reliable, well-curated wine destination dressed in hotel restaurant clothing — the sommelier team knows the list, the glass pour selection is strong, and the Italian and French highlights give it more personality than the Napa-heavy surface suggests. The markups lean steep, but the execution earns its Wine Spectator badge. We'd send a friend here.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Nashville · Nashville · Southern American, Steakhouse
Deacon's won't expand your wine horizons, but if California Cabernet with your steak is the plan — and in Nashville, it often is — Andrew Lizardo's program delivers with confidence. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is earned, even if the list plays it safe.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West End · Nashville · Seafood
Halls Catch is the right call for a Nashville seafood dinner when you want a wine list that won't embarrass you — just don't come looking for adventure outside the California zip codes. Send a friend here if they love Napa and know what they're ordering; send them somewhere else if they want to explore.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Georgetown · Washington · Seafood, Steakhouse
An unpriced list that is easier to read for what it offers than for what it costs. If you want Bordeaux, ask for the 2020 Margaux de Brane Cantenac, or look at the Brunello di Montalcino in Sommelier's Selections, and get the price before you commit. This unrated guide covers the posted Beverage Menu, not service, storage or markups.
Back Bay · Boston · Seafood, Steakhouse
A beverage book that covers a lot more than California: 19 glass pours up front, then Napa, Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône and Piedmont behind them. If you are spending, look at the Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay at $175; if you are not, the Zlatan Otok Plavac Mali is the lowest-priced full bottle at $39. This unrated guide covers the posted drinks list, not service, storage or markups.
Bend · Bend · Seafood, Steakhouse
Brickhouse posts a steakhouse list with a long Washington Cabernet section and 6 oz glass pours from $12. Start with the $12 Green Wing Cabernet by the glass, or step up to the Eyrie Estate Pinot Noir at 85 for a bottle; if you are spending, the Quilceda Creek Cabernets in the Washington section run 425 to 475. Confirm today's availability and prices; this unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
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