Lauria's Italian Bar & Bistro
Gulf Coast Italian with Safe Wine Choices
Gulf Shores · Gulf Shores · Italian
Reviewed March 1, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Lauria's plays it safe for the Gulf Shores tourist crowd. It's the kind of Italian restaurant list where you'll find the usual suspects doing their job without making waves. Nothing here screams ambition, but nothing screams disaster either.
Selection Deep Dive
The Italian section leans heavily on the big commercial names — expect Ruffino, Santa Margherita, maybe a Banfi Brunello at the top end. The list likely runs 30-40 bottles with predictable California backup: a Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, a Meiomi Pinot, the standards. Regional Italian diversity seems minimal — you're getting Tuscany and Piedmont's greatest hits, not deep cuts from Campania or Sicily. For a beach town bistro, it's assembled to reassure, not challenge.
By the Glass
By-the-glass options probably number 6-8 pours, anchored by Pinot Grigio and Chianti. The rotation appears static — these are set-it-and-forget-it selections designed to move volume during high season. Temperature control is hit-or-miss in a beach climate, so stick to reds that can handle a bit of warmth.
Antinori Santa Cristina Sangiovese — $32
Reliable Tuscan red that handles red sauce and doesn't break the bank with coastal markup
Allegrini Palazzo della Torre
If they stock this Veronese blend, it's got the ripasso richness to stand up to hearty Italian-American portions without the Amarone price tag
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Marked up to $50+ for a wine that retails for $22 — pure brand tax on the Gulf Coast
Piccini Chianti Classico + Spaghetti Bolognese
Classic pairing that lets the wine's acidity cut through rich tomato and meat sauce without overpowering the dish
✔️ The Bottom Line
Lauria's offers a functional wine list for tourists who want recognizable labels with their chicken parm. It gets the job done, but you're paying beach-town markup for grocery-store familiarity.
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.