Two wines and a prayer, Spokane.
West Spokane · Spokane · Modern American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 10, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Downriver Grill’s wine list and gave it The Lazy List — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
You flip open the menu at Downriver Grill hoping a neighborhood gem has done something interesting with Washington wine country, and instead you find two options. Two. A Chardonnay and a house red — and that's the program.
The list is anchored entirely in Washington state, which sounds like a noble local-focus story until you realize it's just two wines. The Townsend Chardonnay and the house DRG Relentless Red cover exactly zero ground for anyone with even mild preferences. There's no Cab Franc, no Syrah from the Columbia Valley, no Riesling from Yakima — regions that are practically in the restaurant's backyard. For a casual fine dining spot that's been around twenty-plus years in this city, that's a missed opportunity of staggering proportions.
Two pours by the glass, both priced between $7.50 and $8 — which is genuinely fair and nearly the only thing to praise here. There is no rotation, no seasonal add, no guest pour keeping things interesting. What you see today is what you saw last year.
DRG Relentless Red — $8/glass, $30/bottle
At $8 a glass it's not going to blow your mind, but the markup against a $20 retail bottle is about as restrained as you'll find anywhere in Spokane. If you're having a burger and just want something easy and red, this is the move.
Townsend Chardonnay
At $7.50 a glass against a $12 retail price, the margin is thin and the pour is honest. Washington Chardonnay doesn't always get its due, and if you're getting the salmon, this is the only logical call on the menu.
DRG Relentless Red (bottle)
The $30 bottle price against a $20 retail tag is a 50% markup — not egregious, but for a house blend with zero pedigree information on the menu, committing to a full bottle feels like a gamble that costs more than it should.
Townsend Chardonnay + Salmon
Washington Chardonnay and Pacific salmon is a regional handshake that makes obvious sense. The Chardonnay has enough weight to stand up to the fish without steamrolling it, and at $7.50 a glass you're not sweating the bill.
The Bottom Line
Downriver Grill has clearly earned its neighborhood loyalty over two decades — just not on the strength of its wine program. Come for the steak, drink whatever lands in front of you, and manage your expectations accordingly.
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
· Round Rock · Modern American
Grey Orchard isn't trying to be a wine destination, but the list punches above its 18-label weight class — fair prices, smart glass pour access, and the RARA bottles keeping things interesting. If you're in Round Rock and want a thoughtful glass over dinner without a lot of drama, this works.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Overland Park · Modern American
Silo Modern Farmhouse punches above its suburban weight class with a white-focused list that shows genuine curation and pricing that won't insult you. It's not a destination wine list, but it's exactly the kind of reliable program that makes a neighborhood restaurant worth coming back to.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Naperville · Modern American
Entourage earns its stripes as a genuinely thoughtful suburban wine list — fair pricing, more depth than the address suggests, and a by-the-glass program that actually tries. We'd send a friend here without hesitation, especially if they're willing to wander past the Chardonnay section.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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