Savannah Standard with Safe Bets All Around
Historic District · Savannah · American
Reviewed February 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
We walked in hoping for a wine list that matched Savannah's charm, but what we got was more predictable than exciting. The list reads like it was assembled from a distributor's greatest hits catalog—safe, familiar, and priced for tourists who won't ask questions.
The selection leans heavily on California Cabs and Chardonnays you'd find at any chain restaurant across America. There's a token Malbec from Argentina, a Pinot Grigio from Italy, and maybe a Sancerre if you're lucky, but nothing that suggests anyone spent real time curating this list. The Old World representation is thin, with France getting one or two Bordeaux entries and Spain showing up as a single Rioja. No natural wines, no orange wines, no adventure—just the kind of list designed not to offend anyone, which also means it won't thrill anyone.
The glass pour program is functional but uninspired, likely featuring six to eight options that rotate seasonally at best. Expect the usual suspects: a California Chardonnay around $12-14, a Pinot Noir in the mid-teens, and a Prosecco to start. Nothing wrong with these picks, but nothing memorable either. The pours are generous enough, which softens the blow of markup that probably hovers around 3.5x retail.
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir — $48
Reliable producer, decent fruit, and while the markup stings, it's drinkable and won't embarrass you at the table
Trimbach Riesling
If they have it, this Alsatian classic is crisp, food-friendly, and often overlooked by Chardonnay lovers—grab it
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Marked up to $110+ for a $60 retail bottle that's more brand recognition than substance—total tourist trap
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc + Shrimp and Grits
The bright acidity cuts through butter and cream while the citrus notes play nicely with Old Bay seasoning
✔️ The Bottom Line
Henrys does the job if you're already there for the food and need something wet in your glass. But we're not sending anyone here specifically for the wine—there's no passion in this program, just inventory management.
Downtown Savannah · Savannah · Farm to Table, Seasonal
The 1540 Room is a dependable, well-curated list in one of Savannah's most atmospheric dining rooms — you won't find anything to argue with, but you won't find anything to be shocked by either. Send your friends here when they want a great bottle with a great meal and zero drama.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Port City Southern
The Grey proves that a curated, adventurous wine list can be just as impressive as a 700-bottle cellar. James Beard Outstanding Chef Mashama Bailey's food demands a wine program that matches its ambition, and the sommelier team delivers — with indigenous varietals, natural wines, and by-the-glass pours you won't find anywhere else in the Southeast. Come for the food, stay for the wine education you didn't know you needed.
Adventurous & Curated
Worth It
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Led
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Thomas Square · Savannah · Southern
Common Thread is Savannah's rising wine sleeper. Libby Burk is building one of the most interesting sommelier-driven programs in the Southeast — indigenous varietals, natural wines, and a genuine passion for making wine accessible and fun. Not as deep as Common's 710-bottle cathedral, not as famous as The Grey's James Beard pedigree, but arguably the most exciting wine program in town for anyone who wants to learn something new every visit.
Adventurous
Fair
Proper
Sommelier Led
Wine Club & Events
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Common isn't just the best wine program in Savannah — it's one of the best in the Southeast. 710 selections including first-growth Bordeaux verticals, Grand Cru Burgundy, and Napa trophy wines, backed by a three-sommelier team. The $25 corkage fee is fair if you bring something the list doesn't cover, but good luck finding a gap. Plan a trip around this one.
Encyclopedic
Fair
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Team
Rotating
Cellar Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Come for the pirate history and the She-Crab soup, but leave wine expectations at the door. This list exists to fill a checkbox, not to enhance your meal—order a cocktail or local beer instead.
Crowd Pleasers
Gouge
Red Flag
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Historic District · Savannah · Italian Steakhouse
Pacifico won't change your wine life, but it won't ruin your dinner either. If you're here for the steaks and want a safe Italian red, you'll be fine. Just don't expect value or adventure.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Stemless Casual
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Southwest / Time Corners · Fort Wayne · American
Catablu is exactly what it needs to be for its neighborhood — a reliable, thoughtfully maintained list that won't embarrass you on a date night or bore you entirely. It's not a destination wine list, but it's a solid supporting act for a kitchen that clearly takes food seriously.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Otay Ranch Town Center · Chula Vista · American
BJ's is a fine place to drink a craft beer and eat a Pizookie. It is not a place to drink wine. Order a Brewhouse Blonde, skip the wine list entirely, and save your wine night for somewhere that cares.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
SanTan Village · Gilbert · American
The Cheesecake Factory is a perfectly fine place to eat — the wine list just isn't a reason to go. Order a cocktail, split a bottle of Santa Margherita if you must, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that earned it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.