Big Meat Energy, Surprisingly Serious Wine List
Huntington Beach · Brazilian Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 10, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Fogo de Chão’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
You're here for the endless parade of meat, but the wine list earns a second look. It's tight, recognizable, and leans hard into the South American angle — which makes sense given the concept. Nothing weird, nothing adventurous, but the hits are there.
The list runs 150-plus bottles and stays firmly planted in California, Argentina, and Chile — the three pillars called out in their Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, earned in 2024. Argentina is the star: Catena Zapata's Adrianna Vineyard, Achaval Ferrer, Clos de los Siete, and Zuccardi Valle de Uco all make appearances, giving the Malbec section real credibility. Chile punches above its weight with Concha y Toro Don Melchor and Almaviva in the lineup, which is genuinely impressive for a chain restaurant. California is the crowd-pleaser column — Jordan, Silver Oak, Caymus, Duckhorn — familiar names that sell themselves and rarely require explanation.
The glass program runs 12-20 options at $12-$18, which is a reasonable spread for a Brazilian steakhouse in coastal SoCal. Don't expect anything left-field; these are safe, red-dominant pours designed to move alongside the Picanha and Fraldinha. Rotation appears minimal — this looks like a set-it-and-forget-it program rather than something actively curated.
Achaval Ferrer Malbec (Argentina) — $40s
Achaval Ferrer consistently overdelivers for the price — dense, structured Malbec that holds its own against the Picanha without asking you to spend Silver Oak money. In a list that trends steep, this is where the value lives.
Zuccardi Valle de Uco Malbec (Argentina)
Most tables here will order the California Cabs out of habit, which means the Zuccardi Valle de Uco gets overlooked. That's a mistake — Valle de Uco Malbec has altitude-driven acidity and complexity that most people associate with much pricier bottles. Worth the detour.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Caymus is everywhere, costs plenty, and the restaurant markup doesn't do you any favors. You're paying for the label more than the wine at this point. The Argentinian options at lower price points outperform it at the table.
Clos de los Siete (Argentina) + Picanha (signature top sirloin)
Clos de los Siete is a Michel Rolland project built for exactly this situation — rich, meaty, structured enough to stand up to the fat-forward char on a Picanha without steamrolling it. It's the move.
The Bottom Line
Fogo de Chão Huntington Beach isn't a destination wine list, but it's more thoughtful than you'd expect from a national chain — especially in the Argentine and Chilean sections. Send your steak-loving friend here, point them toward the South American reds, and let the meat do the rest.
Huntington Beach · Huntington Beach · American, French
Henry's is a reliable, well-tended California wine program with a genuine expert behind it — not flashy, but consistently good. If you're eating on PCH and want a bottle that was actually chosen with care, this is your spot.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Huntington Beach · Huntington Beach · American
Watertable is a reliable, well-staffed wine program that leans on California's biggest names and does so without apology. Send a friend here who wants a great glass of Silver Oak with a prime ribeye — just remind them to skip the Opus One and let the sommelier steer them toward the Drouhin.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
· Boston · Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão is here to sell you a meat experience, and the wine list is an afterthought that exists to support that mission — not elevate it. Stick to the Zuccardi Malbec or the Garzón Albariño and spend your energy on the food.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Paramus · Brazilian Steakhouse
The food at Fogo de Chão does the heavy lifting here, because the wine list is not trying. Five bottles at $6 each is a convenience tray, not a wine program — come for the meat, order the Malbec, and don't expect anything more.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Charlotte · Brazilian Steakhouse
Chima is clearly a steakhouse that sells meat and uses wine as an afterthought. Order the beef, have a caipirinha, and save your wine enthusiasm for somewhere that returns the favor.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
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