California classics done right, no surprises
Summerlin · Las Vegas · American Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed April 17, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed Hawthorn Grill’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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.
The Strip · Las Vegas · Japanese
Order the $21 glass of Kirinzan Junmai Ginjo, or the $50 Signature Flight if you want three saké side by side. If you prefer wine, the Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin at $62 by the Coravin glass is the pour to look for. Confirm availability and prices, since the list is undated. This unrated guide covers the posted drinks list, not service, storage or markups.
The Strip · Las Vegas · Steakhouse
Try the $60 half bottle of Cristom Pinot Noir or ask about the $60 Kerner, the lowest full-bottle price, or order the Azelia Barolo at $270 with the Dry Aged New York. Confirm vintages and prices, since the list is undated. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or retail markups.
West Las Vegas · Las Vegas · Italian
Order the Franco Serra Barbera d'Asti at $11 a glass or the Murgo Etna Rosso at $14, and ask about the Sommelier Selections flight if you want to taste three wines. Confirm today's list and prices. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or retail markups.
The Strip · Las Vegas · Steakhouse & Seafood
Joe's backs a 24-wine glass list with a bottle list that reaches collector Bordeaux and Burgundy. Order the $12 Zuccardi Serie A Malbec by the glass, or the $55 Cahors by the bottle with the 16 oz Rib Eye, and try the $100 A.F. Gros Moulin-à-Vent if you want a lighter red. The list's pages are dated 9/25/2026 and 10/2/2026, so confirm availability. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
The Strip · Las Vegas · Japanese
Start with the $17 Vouvray Chenin Blanc by the glass, or spend $40 on the Faiveley Mercurey with the Duck on the Rock. Prices come from the Wine Book dated 6.20.2026 and a dinner menu dated 11.26.2025, so confirm what is available. This unrated guide covers the posted wine book, not service, storage or retail markups.
Las Vegas Strip · Las Vegas · American, European
This list leans on California Cabernet, with a few exits. Order the Justin Cabernet at $19.95 a glass if you want a California Cabernet without the 44.95/62.95 Caymus glass price, or take the Ontañón Rioja at 91 a bottle if you want a break from California. If you are doing the tasting menu, the restaurant pairs its Beef Wellington with Caymus Cabernet. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups, and the linked beverage PDF is labeled Winter 2025, so confirm availability and prices.
East Village · New York · American Steakhouse
A compact glass list at a beef-focused restaurant: 11 pours from $19 to $39 across France, Italy, Germany and California. Start with the $24 Domaine Perraud Chardonnay, or the $30 Signorello 'Edge' Cabernet if you're ordering steak, and confirm current pours because the page isn't dated. This unrated guide covers the posted glass list, not service, storage or markups.
Midtown · New York · American Steakhouse
A 37-wine glass list, with Napa Cabernet and red blends at the top of the Sommelier Selections. Start with the Terrazas Malbec (6 oz. $16) or the Musar "Jeune Rouge" (6 oz. $18), and pour the Shafer "TD-9" with your steak. The page shows no bottle list and no date, so confirm what is available. This unrated guide covers the posted glass list, not service, storage or markups.
Magnificent Mile · Chicago · American Steakhouse
A long list with a lot of price headroom: bottles run from $50 to $8,000, so set your ceiling before you open it. For a glass, start with the Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon at 26/120 or the Reverdy Sancerre at 25/118, and for a cheaper bottle go to the $50 Cune Crianza. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
List Variety
Markup
Glassware
Staff
Specials & Deals
Storage & Temp