California Classics Meet Southern Comfort Done Right
Franklin · Franklin · Southern American, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 24, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Cork & Cow reads like a Greatest Hits of California — Caymus, Silver Oak, Far Niente, Cakebread — all the names your uncle drops at Thanksgiving. It's a well-curated comfort zone, and in a steakhouse on Franklin's main drag, that's not a knock. The list holds an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, earned consistently since 2013, which tells you they're taking this seriously even if they're not swinging for the fences.
With 150-250 bottles on the list, there's real depth here — it just happens to live almost entirely in California. Stag's Leap, Jordan, Duckhorn, Silver Oak Alexander Valley — the heavy hitters are all present and accounted for. What you won't find is much Old World representation, any natural wine rabbit holes, or regional curiosities to chase. This is a list built to satisfy a steakhouse crowd, and it does exactly that without surprising anyone.
Twenty to thirty-five pours by the glass is genuinely generous — that's enough range to drink well from start to finish without committing to a bottle. Glass prices run $12–$22, which is fair for the caliber of wines being poured. We'd like to see the selection rotate more aggressively, but what's there is solid.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $40–$60 range (bottle)
Jordan sits in a sweet spot on this list — it's recognizable enough to feel safe but actually delivers serious Alexander Valley Cab at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage. It's the bottle we'd order without hesitation for a table-wide pour.
Duckhorn Merlot
Everyone at a steakhouse reaches for Cabernet, which means Duckhorn's Merlot gets overlooked. That's a mistake. It's richer and more supple than the varietal's reputation suggests, and it's easier on the wallet than most of the Cabs on this list.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere — on every steakhouse list in America — and it's marked up accordingly. The wine is fine, but you're paying a premium for the name recognition, not the glass. There are better Cabs on this list at a lower price point.
Far Niente Chardonnay + Lobster Mac and Cheese
Far Niente's Chardonnay brings enough richness and oak-kissed weight to match the butter-forward decadence of the lobster mac without getting lost. It's an indulgent call, but you're already at a steakhouse — lean into it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Cork & Cow won't blow your mind, but it earns its Wine Spectator credentials with a dependable, California-forward list that fits the room perfectly. Send your steak-loving friends here with confidence — just steer them away from the Caymus.
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