Counter-
When the Wine List Is an Afterthought
Charlotte · Charlotte · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 3, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Counter- hands you a wine list that feels like it was assembled from a grocery store end-cap in 2015 and hasn't been touched since. The selection screams "we know people expect wine, so here's wine" without any conviction or care behind it.
Selection Deep Dive
This is a paint-by-numbers list heavy on commercial labels you'd find at Total Wine with hefty restaurant markups slapped on top. The California section leans on workhorses like Caymus and La Crema, while the imports list barely ventures beyond entry-level Chianti and mass-market Malbec. There's no regional depth, no interesting producers, and zero indication anyone here cares about wine as anything more than a liquor license checkbox. The whole thing reads like it was ordered from a distributor's "safe picks" catalogue and left to gather dust.
By the Glass
The glass pour program is minimal and predictable—maybe six options that rotate never. Expect the usual suspects: a generic Pinot Grigio, an oaky Chardonnay, basic Cabernet, and a Malbec that's been on the list since opening day. Pours come in whatever glass is clean, with zero attention to varietal or temperature.
J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon — $48
At 3x retail it's hardly a steal, but it's drinkable and won't hurt as much as the $90 Caymus
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
If they actually have it, it's the only thing on the list with any food-friendliness and restraint
Meiomi Pinot Noir
Marked up to $52 for a bottle you can grab at Trader Joe's for $19—pure robbery
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc + House salad
Both are safe, forgettable, and get the job done without demanding attention
❌ The Bottom Line
Counter- treats wine like an obligation, not an opportunity. Skip the bottles, order a beer, and save your wine budget for a restaurant that actually cares.
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