Nashville Staple Where Wine Takes the Backseat
Nashville · American
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 2, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Josephine’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
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.
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 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.
· Nashville · American Grille
Del Frisco's Grille Nashville is coasting hard on brand recognition with a wine list that a decent gastropub would be embarrassed by. Swing by for happy hour, grab a $10 pour, and don't expect anyone to help you think about what you're drinking.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
Downtown Nashville · Nashville · American, French
Gannons is a reliable, well-curated wine destination dressed in hotel restaurant clothing — the sommelier team knows the list, the glass pour selection is strong, and the Italian and French highlights give it more personality than the Napa-heavy surface suggests. The markups lean steep, but the execution earns its Wine Spectator badge. We'd send a friend here.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Nashville · Nashville · Southern American, Steakhouse
Deacon's won't expand your wine horizons, but if California Cabernet with your steak is the plan — and in Nashville, it often is — Andrew Lizardo's program delivers with confidence. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is earned, even if the list plays it safe.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West End · Nashville · Seafood
Halls Catch is the right call for a Nashville seafood dinner when you want a wine list that won't embarrass you — just don't come looking for adventure outside the California zip codes. Send a friend here if they love Napa and know what they're ordering; send them somewhere else if they want to explore.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Green Hills · Nashville · Seafood, Steakhouse
Char is a dependable, well-executed steakhouse wine list that's built for crowd-pleasing, not adventuring — if California Cabernet is your comfort zone, you'll be happy here. Send a friend who wants a reliable pour with a prime cut; don't send the friend who just got back from a natural wine bar in Copenhagen.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Nashville · Nashville · Italian
Yolan is the best wine program in Nashville and it's not particularly close — the depth, the producers, the staff, and the setting all show up at the same time. Yes, the markups sting, but you're not here to find a bargain; you're here to drink Barolo properly.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Eagle Ranch · Vail · American
The Wild Sage is your dependable neighborhood spot in Eagle Ranch — the wine list won't blow your mind, but it won't embarrass you at dinner either. Watch the markups on the top-shelf Napa bottles and stick to the mid-range, and you'll be fine.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Waterfront · Traverse City · American
Warehouse Kitchen + Cork won't win any awards for depth or ambition, but it plays its hand honestly — fair prices, solid local representation, and a full by-the-glass program that respects your wallet. If you're in Traverse City and want a glass of something local with a water view, this works.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Truckee · Truckee · American
Sunnyside is a casual lodge restaurant wearing a serious wine list under its flannel — the markup is steep and it won't win any awards for staff expertise, but the producer lineup is legitimately impressive for where you're sitting. If you're already at the lake, this is absolutely worth ordering a real bottle.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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