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 · Restaurant
Lamaii is the rare Las Vegas restaurant where the wine list reflects a genuine point of view — the grower Champagne program alone is worth the visit. Send a friend here and tell them to order a Spécial Club.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Las Vegas Strip · Las Vegas · Steakhouse
STK Las Vegas is a bottle-list business masquerading as a wine program — three by-the-glass pours, a roster of safe California hits, and Vegas markups that'll make your eyes water. Order the Whispering Angel at happy hour, grab a bottle of Belle Glos if you're feeling generous, and save the real wine exploration for somewhere that cares.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Las Vegas · Restaurant
Diner Ross is doing something genuinely weird and kind of wonderful — a Champagne-forward list inside a Vegas diner is a wild card move that mostly works. Just don't show up expecting range beyond bubbles, and go for the growers before you default to the celebrity bottles.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Las Vegas · Steakhouse
The Palm Las Vegas is an unlikely wine discovery — a six-bottle natural and old-world-leaning list tucked inside a steakhouse institution, priced like someone forgot they're on the Strip. Don't sleep on it.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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
· Fort Worth · American Steakhouse
Del Frisco's Grille Fort Worth has a wine list the same way an airport newsstand has a wine section — technically true, practically limiting. Order the Tokaji for dessert, drink cocktails with dinner, and don't expect anyone to help you navigate the difference.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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