Santa Barbara's Backyard, Poured Into a Glass
Downtown · Santa Barbara · New American / California Cuisine · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · July 11, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Finch & Fork’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Finch & Fork reads like a love letter to Santa Barbara County — and honestly, that's not a bad thing. You're in wine country, and the list knows it, leaning hard into Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, Central Coast Pinot Noir, and local Syrah from producers who actually know this terroir. It's polished without being pretentious, which suits the Kimpton hotel vibe just fine.
The list runs 50 to 80 bottles deep, with the real strength in its regional focus — Foxen, Brewer-Clifton, Tyler, Au Bon Climat, and Margerum all show up, which is basically an all-star lineup for Santa Barbara wine. You're not finding much outside California here, so if you came in wanting a Burgundy or a Barolo, adjust expectations now. The Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay section is the most interesting corner of the list, where the local terroir actually earns its price of admission. Gaps exist in the sparkling and rosé categories, and there's little for the Old World crowd, but for a California-centric hotel restaurant, the depth within its lane is commendable.
The by-the-glass program runs 12 to 18 options, anchored by familiar names like Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir and Tyler Chardonnay — both solid, recognizable pours that don't embarrass anyone. The range feels curated rather than sprawling, which we respect, though the glass prices trend toward the upper end for what you're getting. No aggressive rotation or chalkboard specials here — this is a set-it-and-refresh-it program, not a dynamic one.
Foxen Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley — $72
At roughly 80% over retail, the Foxen is the closest thing to a fair deal on this bottle list. Santa Maria Valley Pinot at this quality level from a producer with Foxen's track record typically runs much steeper at a restaurant. If you're splitting a bottle, this is where to land.
Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills
Most tables will default to the Tyler by the glass and never look further, but the Brewer-Clifton bottle is a step up in complexity that most diners overlook. Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay from this producer has the acid structure and mineral edge to actually hold up through a full meal — not just an opener.
Margerum M5 Red Blend Santa Barbara County
At $68 a bottle on a wine that retails around $28, this is the list's worst markup at nearly 143% over retail. The M5 is a perfectly pleasant everyday red, but 'perfectly pleasant everyday red' should not cost you $68 at a restaurant table. Pass.
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County + Seasonal Fish Entrée
Au Bon Climat's Pinot is lighter-bodied, with enough red fruit and restrained earthiness that it doesn't bulldoze delicate fish preparations. It's one of the rare reds that actually works with the rotating seafood — and at $18 a glass, it's the right call if you don't want to commit to a white all night.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Finch & Fork is a reliable pour in a great wine region — the list champions its Santa Barbara backyard with real conviction, even if the markups occasionally make you wince. Send a friend here if they want to drink local and drink well; just steer them toward the Foxen and away from the M5.
Montecito · Santa Barbara · Italian
Tre Lune isn't trying to reinvent anything — it's a well-loved Montecito Italian with a wine list that earns its Wine Spectator nod and leans intelligently on Margerum's local chops. Send a friend here knowing the wine will be fairly priced and thoughtfully chosen, even if the excitement ceiling is comfortable rather than thrilling.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown · Santa Barbara · Italian Pizzeria
Ca' Dario Pizzeria isn't a wine destination, but it's not trying to be — the list does its job, the prices are fair, and the Santa Barbara rosé alone justifies looking past the cocktail menu. Send a friend here if they want solid Italian wine with their pizza and zero fuss.
Plays It Safe
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Waterfront / Cabrillo Blvd · Santa Barbara · Italian Steakhouse
Ca' Dario Steakhouse is a reliable wine destination for anyone who wants serious Italian bottles with their steak without having to navigate a 300-label monster list. The markups trend steep, especially on the celebrity bottles, but the Santa Barbara Syrah and Sicilian options give value-hunters a legitimate path.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Waterfront / East Beach · Santa Barbara · Contemporary Oaxacan and Mexican
Flor De Maiz isn't a wine destination, but it's a Wild Card in the best sense — a waterfront Oaxacan spot that took the time to build a small, thoughtful list with local producers and a genuine Mexican anchor. Come for the mole, stay for the Barden Brut Rosé.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Public Market / Downtown · Santa Barbara · Thai and Taiwanese-inspired noodle bar
Empty Bowl is a genuinely excellent noodle bar that deserves a better wine program than this — come for the Khao Soi, grab a sake, and don't let the wine list talk you into a $36 Chardonnay. The kitchen is working hard; the wine list is not.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Presidio/Arts District · Santa Barbara · Italian deli, market, and casual eatery
Olio Bottega punches well above its weight class for what it is — a casual Italian market with counter service and a focused, honest wine list. If you're in Santa Barbara and want a low-key lunch with a genuinely interesting glass of wine, this is an easy yes.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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