Savannah's Mystery List — Proceed with Caution
Historic District · Savannah · American · Visit Website ↗
Updated March 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into Circa 1875, we're met with a classic Savannah charm and a wine list that feels like an afterthought. It's the kind of setup where wine exists because restaurants are supposed to have it, not because anyone's particularly excited about it.
The list leans heavily on safe California Cabs and crowd-favorite Pinots, with a token Malbec and maybe a Chianti thrown in for variety. We're guessing on depth here since intel is thin, but this has all the hallmarks of a distributor's greatest-hits package. No deep cuts, no regional exploration, nothing that makes you want to linger over the wine page. It's functional but forgettable—the kind of list assembled by someone checking a box rather than building an experience.
By-the-glass pours are likely limited to four or five standards: your Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, your 14 Hands Cab, maybe a Whispering Angel if they're feeling fancy. Rotation seems nonexistent—these bottles probably sit open for days. Safe for the risk-averse, boring for everyone else.
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir — $48
Solid producer, decent vintage drinking window, and probably the most interesting thing under $50 on this list
Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva
If it's on the list, it's being ignored for flashier Napa bottles—but Tuscan structure at this price point outperforms California fruit bombs
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Marked up to $120+ for a wine you can find retail for $80—pure name recognition tax
Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc + Shrimp & Grits
Bright citrus cuts through butter and cream, while the wine's weight matches the richness of lowcountry cooking
✔️ The Bottom Line
With zero intel on the actual program, we're flying blind here—but the patterns suggest a reliable neighborhood spot where wine isn't the star. Come for the Savannah atmosphere, order a cocktail, and if you must have wine, stick to the safe middle ground.
Downtown Savannah · Savannah · Farm to Table, Seasonal
The 1540 Room is a dependable, well-curated list in one of Savannah's most atmospheric dining rooms — you won't find anything to argue with, but you won't find anything to be shocked by either. Send your friends here when they want a great bottle with a great meal and zero drama.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Port City Southern
The Grey proves that a curated, adventurous wine list can be just as impressive as a 700-bottle cellar. James Beard Outstanding Chef Mashama Bailey's food demands a wine program that matches its ambition, and the sommelier team delivers — with indigenous varietals, natural wines, and by-the-glass pours you won't find anywhere else in the Southeast. Come for the food, stay for the wine education you didn't know you needed.
Adventurous & Curated
Worth It
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Led
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Thomas Square · Savannah · Southern
Common Thread is Savannah's rising wine sleeper. Libby Burk is building one of the most interesting sommelier-driven programs in the Southeast — indigenous varietals, natural wines, and a genuine passion for making wine accessible and fun. Not as deep as Common's 710-bottle cathedral, not as famous as The Grey's James Beard pedigree, but arguably the most exciting wine program in town for anyone who wants to learn something new every visit.
Adventurous
Fair
Proper
Sommelier Led
Wine Club & Events
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Common isn't just the best wine program in Savannah — it's one of the best in the Southeast. 710 selections including first-growth Bordeaux verticals, Grand Cru Burgundy, and Napa trophy wines, backed by a three-sommelier team. The $25 corkage fee is fair if you bring something the list doesn't cover, but good luck finding a gap. Plan a trip around this one.
Encyclopedic
Fair
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Team
Rotating
Cellar Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Come for the pirate history and the She-Crab soup, but leave wine expectations at the door. This list exists to fill a checkbox, not to enhance your meal—order a cocktail or local beer instead.
Crowd Pleasers
Gouge
Red Flag
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Historic District · Savannah · Italian Steakhouse
Pacifico won't change your wine life, but it won't ruin your dinner either. If you're here for the steaks and want a safe Italian red, you'll be fine. Just don't expect value or adventure.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Stemless Casual
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Southwest / Time Corners · Fort Wayne · American
Catablu is exactly what it needs to be for its neighborhood — a reliable, thoughtfully maintained list that won't embarrass you on a date night or bore you entirely. It's not a destination wine list, but it's a solid supporting act for a kitchen that clearly takes food seriously.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Otay Ranch Town Center · Chula Vista · American
BJ's is a fine place to drink a craft beer and eat a Pizookie. It is not a place to drink wine. Order a Brewhouse Blonde, skip the wine list entirely, and save your wine night for somewhere that cares.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
SanTan Village · Gilbert · American
The Cheesecake Factory is a perfectly fine place to eat — the wine list just isn't a reason to go. Order a cocktail, split a bottle of Santa Margherita if you must, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that earned it.
Crowd Pleasers
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.