Honest pours for honest people
Spokane Valley · Spokane · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 10, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Dave's is about as long as a post-it note, and nobody here is pretending otherwise. This is a neighborhood bar and grill — kids welcome, burgers on the menu — and the wine program reflects exactly that. No illusions, no pretense, just a handful of pours to keep the non-beer drinkers happy.
Four producers, five pours, and one region worth talking about. The lineup is anchored almost entirely by Copper Ridge, a bulk California brand you'll find at grocery stores for $8 a bottle — Chardonnay, Merlot, and White Zinfandel cover the safe-bet bases. The one bright spot is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, which actually nods to Washington's strongest suit and gives the list a tiny bit of local credibility. Don't come here hunting for Walla Walla Syrah or anything from the Rocks District — this list wasn't built for that conversation.
All five options are available by the glass at a flat $7, which is either refreshing simplicity or a sign that nobody thought too hard about this — probably both. Rotation appears nonexistent; what's on the list is what's on the list, full stop. At least the price is right.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling — $7
Retails around $10 and Dave's is pouring it for less than that per glass. It's the only wine here with actual regional character, and at this price you're essentially drinking it for free relative to what you'd pay anywhere with a real wine program.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Most people at a bar and grill are going to reach for the Merlot or skip wine entirely. The Ste. Michelle Riesling is the sleeper — Washington Riesling punches well above its price, and this one is no exception.
Copper Ridge White Zinfandel
It's $7, sure, but White Zinfandel from a bulk California brand isn't a wine choice — it's a habit. The Riesling is right there and it's the same price.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling + Halibut & Chips
Riesling's bright acidity and slight sweetness cut through fried fish better than almost anything else on this list. It's not a complicated equation, but it works.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Dave's isn't a wine destination and it never claimed to be — but the pricing is genuinely hard to argue with, and the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling earns its spot on any list. Order the Riesling, eat the halibut, and leave the wine snobbery at home.
Kendall Yards · Spokane · Winery and craft distillery tasting room with small bites
Browne Family's Spokane room is a confident single-producer tasting experience done right — fair prices, knowledgeable pours, and a genuine case for why Washington State deserves your attention. Send a friend here if they think Washington wine is just an also-ran.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Downtown / Riverside · Spokane · Barbecue / American Tavern
The Blackbird is a genuinely good barbecue tavern that simply doesn't care about wine, and the steep markups on uninspired bottles make that indifference expensive. Come for the smoked meats and a cold beer — if you insist on wine, grab the Milbrandt and move on.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Fondue / Upscale Casual
The Melting Pot Spokane isn't a wine destination, and it's not trying to be — but the Washington State anchors on this list are genuinely good, and if you stick to those, you'll drink well enough for the occasion. Come for the fondue experience, order the Ste. Michelle, and save the serious wine night for somewhere else.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel cocktail bar and lounge with small plates
1919 won't blow any minds, but for a hotel bar in downtown Spokane it earns genuine respect for keeping Washington State producers front and center. Come for the room, stay for the Beresan — just don't expect any surprises in the pricing.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel Rooftop/Terrace Bar
The Grand Terrace Bar is a great place to drink wine in Spokane — just not necessarily great wine. Come for the skyline, order the Riesling, and save the serious bottle hunting for elsewhere.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Wine Bar
Barrister is a genuine Wild Card: a serious urban winery tucked into Spokane's rail district that most wine travelers blow past on their way to Walla Walla. If you're in eastern Washington and you haven't stopped here, you owe yourself a visit.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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.