California classics done right, no surprises
Summerlin · Las Vegas · American Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 17, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Hawthorn Grill’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Hawthorn Grill reads like a greatest hits album of California Cabernet — Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, all present and accounted for. It's a confident, polished steakhouse list that knows exactly what it is and makes no apologies for it. If you came here hoping for discovery, adjust expectations; if you came here to drink well with a prime rib, you're in the right place.
The 150-250 bottle list leans hard into California, which tracks for a steakhouse that wants to move Cabernet with every entree. Stag's Leap, Duckhorn, Jordan, and Far Niente give the list credibility — these aren't just big brand names dropped for recognition, they're genuinely well-made wines. The Chardonnay bench with Cakebread and Far Niente is solid for guests who want something white before the red parade begins. What's missing is any real reach outside California — no Barolo, no aged Rioja, no Willamette Valley Pinot to break up the monotony — which is a choice, but a limiting one.
With 12-20 by-the-glass options, there's enough breadth to get through a full meal without committing to a bottle — a real plus for solo diners or mixed tables. The program leans toward the same California-forward anchors as the bottle list, so don't expect anything that'll make you put your fork down in surprise. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here; what you see is what you get, week to week.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $40
Jordan punches above its price point consistently, and in a steakhouse environment where the temptation is to reach for the Caymus at twice the price, this is the smart call — structured, food-friendly, and approachable without being boring.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at a steakhouse orders Cab, which means the Duckhorn Merlot gets overlooked almost every time. That's a mistake — this is a serious, age-worthy wine that holds its own against any cut of beef on the menu and often represents better value than the obvious Cab picks.
Opus One
Opus One is a genuinely great wine, but in a steakhouse setting with steep markups, you're paying a significant premium over retail for the brand recognition. The gap between what you pay and what's in your glass doesn't justify it when Jordan and Stag's Leap are sitting right there.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Prime Rib
Stag's Leap brings enough structure and dark fruit to stand up to a slow-roasted prime rib without overwhelming the beef's natural richness — it's the kind of pairing that makes the whole table go quiet for a second.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Hawthorn Grill is a dependable, handsome steakhouse wine list that earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence without reinventing the wheel. Send a friend here if they want a great glass of California Cab with a serious piece of beef — just tell them to stick to the mid-range bottles and skip the trophy wines.
Las Vegas Strip · Las Vegas · American, Italian
Alexxa's is a Strip restaurant doing Strip things — great location, recognizable bottles, pricing that reflects the real estate. If you're here for fountain views and a glass of Cakebread, you'll be genuinely happy; if you're hunting for value or adventure, look elsewhere.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Las Vegas Strip · Las Vegas · French, Mediterranean
LPM is a legitimate wine destination by Las Vegas Strip standards — the Burgundy-forward list has real bones, sommelier Karla Poeschel keeps it credible, and a newly minted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence confirms this isn't just hotel filler. Markups are what they are in this zip code, but the quality is there if you spend wisely.
Solid Range
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Las Vegas · Las Vegas · Italian
La Strega is doing something genuinely unusual for a Las Vegas neighborhood Italian: serving serious wine at prices that don't require an expense account, backed by a sommelier who knows what she's doing. Tuesday half-price wine night is not a gimmick — it's a reason to rearrange your week.
Solid Range
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Proper
Las Vegas Strip · Las Vegas · Italian
Caramella is a better wine stop than its lounge-y Strip pedigree would suggest — the Italian selections alone make it worth a serious look. The Thursday half-price night is the real unlock; that's when this list goes from steep to genuinely exciting.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
The Strip · Las Vegas · Spanish
é is a Wild Card in the most literal sense — a nine-seat secret room inside a casino that takes Spanish wine more seriously than most dedicated wine bars. If you're eating here, you're already spending money; lean into the list and let Chris So point you somewhere unexpected.
Small but Thoughtful
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
The Strip · Las Vegas · Japanese
Wakuda isn't a wine destination in the way a dedicated wine bar is, but it's doing something genuinely interesting — pairing a focused, high-quality California-and-Burgundy list with Japanese cuisine that actually rewards that combination. If you're eating here, drink the wine; Luis Guillen knows what he's doing.
Solid Range
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
North Carson · Carson City · American Steakhouse
Glen Eagles is a comfortable, classic Carson City steakhouse with a wine list that's essentially coasting — one strong Port section surrounded by a whole lot of nothing. Come for the prime rib, order a Port after, and don't expect much more from the wine side of the menu.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
San Marcos · San Marcos · American Steakhouse
Outback San Marcos won't embarrass you if you order a glass with dinner, but you're not here for the wine list and nobody pretends otherwise. Stick to the Riesling or the Malbec and spend your energy on the steak.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Side · Green Bay · American Steakhouse
LongHorn is a perfectly fine place to eat a steak in Green Bay — just don't expect the wine list to keep up with the kitchen. Order a cocktail, split a bottle of the Malbec if you must, and save the serious wine drinking for somewhere that cares.
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.