Two wines and a prayer, Spokane.
West Spokane · Spokane · Modern American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 10, 2026
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
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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
West Chandler · Chandler · Modern American
Cooper's Hawk Chandler is what it is: a reliable, brand-controlled wine experience that prioritizes accessibility over adventure. If you're with a group that just wants good glasses of wine without a homework assignment, this works — just don't come expecting to discover anything new.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
College Hill · Wichita · Modern American
The Belmont is a perfectly fine place to drink wine in Wichita — the Tuesday half-price bottle deal legitimately rescues the steep markups and makes it worth a visit. Just arrive with low expectations for discovery and high expectations for a good time.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
Downtown · Cheyenne · Modern American
The Met is exactly what it needs to be for downtown Cheyenne — a polished, dependable wine program built around names people trust. Don't come looking for discovery; come knowing you'll drink well enough with dinner, especially if you steer clear of the obvious picks.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
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.