Christy Hill
Lake views, Armenian Areni, and zero apologies
Tahoe City · Reno · Modern American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 15, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
You're sitting above Lake Tahoe with a view that could sell anything, but the wine list doesn't coast on the scenery — it actually tries. One hundred and fifty labels, a sommelier on staff, and wines from Armenia and the Canary Islands on the same page as Billecart-Salmon? This isn't a tourist trap list.
Selection Deep Dive
The French backbone is serious — Domaine Huet Chenin Blanc, Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape, multiple Bandol producers including Terrebrune and Chateau Pradeaux, and a deep Palette section with both Chateau Simone and Chateau Cremade. California holds its own with Kistler, Flowers, ROAR, and Turley's Bechtold Vineyard Cinsault showing up alongside genuinely nerdy picks like Navarro Gewurztraminer and Stirm Cabernet Pfeffer. The wild card stuff — Yacoubian-Hobbs Areni from Armenia, Atlante Listan Blanco from the Canary Islands, Gaillot/Thalvin Syrocco from Morocco — signals a buyer with actual curiosity. Gaps are few; this list earns its length.
By the Glass
The by-the-glass program runs 10–16 options and from what's on offer, it's clearly not just the usual Chardonnay-Cab-Sauvignon Blanc trio. Rotating in wines from this kind of cellar depth suggests glasses get refreshed with intention. We'd push the staff to walk you through what's pouring that night — the answer will tell you a lot.
2022 Gamay, Piron Morgon, Cote du Py, Beaujolais — null
Morgon Cote du Py is the serious, terroir-driven end of Beaujolais — firm, dark-fruited, ages like a Burgundy at a fraction of the price. At a fine dining restaurant in Tahoe, this is almost certainly the most underpriced bottle relative to its quality on the list.
2018 Areni, Yacoubian-Hobbs, Vayots Dzor, Armenia
Co-produced by winemaking legend Paul Hobbs from one of the world's oldest grape varieties in one of the world's oldest wine regions. Almost nobody at the table will know what it is, which means almost nobody will order it — their loss. It's age-worthy, complex, and a genuine conversation starter.
N.V. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, Champagne
Billecart is a beautiful house but it's also the most recognized label on this list, which means the markup will reflect it. At a $$$$-range restaurant with a lake view, you're paying for the occasion more than the wine. The 2018 Gusbourne English Rosé sitting nearby is a far more interesting pour for almost certainly less.
2021 Rosé, Domaine De Terrebrune, Bandol + Scallops
Bandol Rosé from Terrebrune is Mourvèdre-dominant, structured, and carries a saline, garrigue-laced character that cuts through richness without being aggressive. Against seared scallops with the backdrop of a mountain lake, it's as close to a no-brainer as this list offers.
🎲 The Bottom Line
Christy Hill is doing something genuinely unusual — a fine dining wine list in a scenic destination town that actually takes risks and earns them. The markups sting at the top end, but the depth and range here are worth seeking out; send your most adventurous drinking friends.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.