Josephine
Nashville Staple Where Wine Takes the Backseat
Nashville · Nashville · American
Reviewed March 2, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Josephine's wine list reads like an afterthought — the kind of list assembled from a distributor's safe-bet catalog rather than anyone's passion project. It's functional, not memorable, with the usual suspects lined up in predictable formation.
Selection Deep Dive
The selection leans heavily on crowd-pleasers: California Cabs, predictable Pinot Grigios, and a token Malbec. There's minimal regional exploration beyond the greatest hits, and the pricing reflects the Nashville dining scene's ongoing markup creep. We're guessing you'll find a Josh Cellars, maybe a Bread & Butter Chardonnay, and if you're lucky, a respectably priced Côtes du Rhône hiding in the reds. Nothing offensively bad, but nothing that makes you want to order a second bottle either.
By the Glass
By-the-glass pours likely stick to the safety zone — a house white, a house red, maybe four to six total options that rotate about as often as the restaurant changes its oil. Expect standard 6-ounce pours in all-purpose stems or stemless tumblers, competently served but without much ceremony or knowledge behind the pour.
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône — $42
If they've got this workhorse red on the list, it's your safest bet — crowd-pleasing Grenache blend that won't break the bank
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
Most Nashville diners overlook Beaujolais, but if it's hiding on this list, it's your fruit-forward, food-friendly escape from overpriced Cabs
Any California Pinot Noir over $60
Unless it's from a specific producer you recognize, you're paying Nashville markup on wholesale mediocrity
Domaine Chandon Brut + Fried Chicken (if available)
Sparkling wine cuts through fried food like nothing else, and Chandon offers Champagne's refreshment at California's price point
✔️ The Bottom Line
Josephine is the kind of place where you're better off ordering a cocktail or a beer unless you spot something specific you know and trust. Not broken, just uninspired.
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