Old Portland Charm With a Serious Wine Spine
Monument Square · Portland · New American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into David's at Monument Square, you get the immediate sense this place has been doing things right for a long time. The wine list reflects that same quiet confidence — no gimmicks, no trendy natural wine posturing, just a thoughtful selection that covers serious ground across France, Germany, and California. It's not flashy, but it earns your attention.
The list leans heavily Old World with good reason — there's Gonet Medeville Premier Cru Champagne for bubbles lovers who know their grower producers, Dr. Thanisch Riesling out of the Mosel for anyone who understands that Germany is wildly underrated at the dinner table, and Louis Latour Marsannay anchoring the Burgundy side without requiring a second mortgage. California shows up with Ramey Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, which is about as serious as domestic Chardonnay gets. The Famille Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape rounds out the Rhone corner nicely, and the inclusion of Chateau Rieussec Sauternes signals that someone here actually thought about a complete meal from start to finish. Gaps exist — South America and natural wine are essentially absent — but for a long-standing New American spot, this list punches above its weight.
By-the-glass specifics are harder to pin down from the current list, but the presence of approachable bottles like the Roshambo Pinot Noir and EOS Estate Merlot suggests the glass program leans accessible and crowd-friendly. We'd love to see the Riesling or Marsannay make it to the by-the-glass lineup — that would elevate the whole program considerably.
EOS Estate Merlot, Paso Robles — $10.50
At a 13% markup over retail, this is practically cost pricing. Paso Robles Merlot at this price point in a full-service restaurant is almost unheard of — order a second glass and don't feel weird about it.
Dr. Thanisch Riesling, Mosel
Most people at David's are reaching for the Chardonnay or the Pinot, and they're leaving this Mosel Riesling completely alone. That's a mistake. Thanisch is a historic estate and this wine will cut through any richness on the plate with surgical precision — especially against anything cream-based.
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes
We love that it's on the list — it shows real intention. But unless you're splitting a half-bottle specifically for dessert, the price-to-occasion ratio rarely works out at a weeknight dinner in Portland. Save it for a special moment and don't impulse order it.
Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River Valley + Open Faced Lobster Ravioli
Russian River Chardonnay has the weight and texture to stand up to rich lobster and pasta without steamrolling it. Ramey specifically keeps the oak restrained enough that the wine works with the dish rather than competing against it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
David's is the kind of place where the wine list quietly overdelivers — serious producers, genuinely fair markups, and a range that respects the food it's meant to accompany. If you're eating in Portland and want a bottle that actually matches the ambition of the kitchen, this is a reliable bet.
East End · Portland · Sushi / Japanese
Mr. Tuna isn't a wine destination — it's a great sushi spot that happens to have two sensible, well-chosen bottles and a local can that makes the experience feel intentional. Come for the hand rolls, drink the Vinho Verde, and don't overthink it.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Bayside · Portland · Seafood
A fast-casual raw bar with a wine list that punches well above its category — the French-only focus is a feature, not a limitation. If you're eating oysters in Portland, this is where you want to be drinking.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Deer Isle · Portland · Seafood Fine Dining
Aragosta is the rare case where the wine program matches the remoteness of the drive — you come all the way out here and find a 3,475-bottle cellar waiting for you. Yes, send your friends. Send everyone.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Old Port · Portland · Seafood, American
Scales is playing a different game than the tourist-trap seafood spots on either side of it — the wine list is genuinely Old World-focused and well-matched to the food, which is rare and worth noting. If you're eating clams and mussels on the Portland waterfront, this is where you want to be doing it with a glass in hand.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Arts District · Portland · Seafood, Californian, Contemporary Mexican
Regards isn't trying to be a wine bar, but whoever built this list understands exactly what the food needs and went hunting for it. If you're in Portland and want a bottle that actually earns its place on the table, this is the move.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West End · Portland · French and Spanish
Chaval is punching above its weight class for a neighborhood brasserie in Portland — the list is small but curated by someone who actually cares, with pricing that doesn't punish curiosity. If you're open to going off the beaten path (xarel-lo, South African grenache blanc), this is a genuinely rewarding room to drink in.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown / Creekside · New Braunfels · New American
Cody's is exactly what New Braunfels needs in a downtown wine list — honest, approachable, and priced without attitude. Don't come here chasing discovery, but absolutely come here for a cold rosé and a good time on the patio.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South End / The Breakers · West Palm Beach · New American
HMF is the rare hotel bar that could embarrass a dedicated wine bar on both depth and pricing — the by-the-glass program alone is worth the trip. If you're in Palm Beach and you care about what's in your glass, this is the most obvious call on the island.
Deep & Eclectic
Steal
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Downtown Columbia · Columbia · New American
Sycamore is doing something genuinely unusual in Columbia: running a tight, thoughtful wine list with real producers and fair prices, backed by someone on staff who knows what they're talking about. Come on a Wednesday and it's a no-brainer.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.