Grace
Fine Dining Ambition Meets Familiar Favorites
State College · State College · European · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 23, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into Grace at Carnegie House, the wine list arrives with the same polished confidence as the room itself — white tablecloths, warm lighting, the whole nine. The list skews heavily California and France, which tracks with Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence recognition since 2024. It's a focused, crowd-pleasing collection that knows its audience in central Pennsylvania.
Selection Deep Dive
The 150-250 bottle list hits the expected classics with conviction: Caymus and Jordan anchor the California Cab side, Joseph Phelps Insignia shows up for the splurge-worthy crowd, and Chateau Margaux is there if you want to blow the budget. France gets some respect via Louis Jadot Burgundy, and Domaine Drouhin Oregon sneaks in as the lone interesting crossover pick. What's missing is any real depth in smaller producers, natural wine, or alternative regions — this list is built for people who recognize names, not for people hunting discovery. It does what it does well, but don't come looking for surprises.
By the Glass
Twelve to twenty pours by the glass is a solid count for a restaurant of this size, running $10–$18 a pour. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling likely earns its spot at the approachable end, offering real QPR in a format most diners won't overthink. There's no evidence of a frequent rotation program, so don't expect the list to look different in March than it does in October.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling — $10
At the lower end of the by-the-glass range, this is consistently one of the best value pours in American fine dining — bright, food-flexible, and criminally underordered. Order it before someone else at the table talks you out of it.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir
In a list dominated by California heavyweights and French classics, this Oregon Pinot from a house with genuine Burgundian roots is the quiet overachiever. Most diners will scroll right past it toward the Caymus, which is exactly why you shouldn't.
Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is fine wine — but it's also one of the most marked-up bottles in American restaurant dining. You're paying a premium for a label that's on every list from here to Scottsdale. The Jordan next to it drinks nearly as well and almost certainly costs less.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon + Prime cuts
Jordan's Cab is built for exactly this moment — it's structured enough to stand up to a serious steak but polished enough not to overwhelm the table. Classic pairing, executed well, no drama required.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Grace is doing honest, well-executed fine dining wine service in a college town — and that counts for more than it sounds. It's not a destination wine list, but with Wine Spectator recognition and a cellar that includes Insignia and Margaux alongside accessible pours, it's a reliable anchor for a special night out in State College.
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