Bold Asian flavors, wine list plays it safe
Jefferson Pointe / West Fort Wayne · Fort Wayne · Asian Fusion
Reviewed June 26, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Nawa reads like a greatest hits album from Total Wine — familiar labels, bankable producers, nothing that'll make you lean forward in your chair. For a stylish Asian fusion spot tucked into a shopping center, it gets the job done without asking too much of anyone. Safe? Yes. Boring? Mostly.
About 29 labels span California, Argentina, Italy, France, Spain, and Germany, which sounds diverse until you realize the California contingent is basically a Duckhorn/Decoy/Caymus/Rombauer parade. There's a nod to Italy with the Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino and a legitimately interesting Manara 'Postera' Amarone lurking near the bottom — two wines that actually have some soul. The Campo Viejo Tempranillo and Perrin 'Le Sinards' Châteauneuf-du-Pape add minor Old World credibility, but the list leans hard on recognizable names over anything adventurous. No domestic producers from Indiana, no natural wine curiosity, no half bottles — just the reliable crowd pleasers doing their reliable crowd-pleasing thing.
By-the-glass specifics aren't confirmed, but a list this size at a casual fusion concept almost certainly pours a handful of the usual suspects — Kim Crawford, Meiomi, maybe the Miraval rosé. We'd guess five to eight options, though whether they rotate or just sit there collecting dust is unclear. If you're going glass-by-glass, ask what's been open longest and push toward something more interesting.
Trapiche Broquel Malbec — null
Trapiche's Broquel tier consistently overdelivers — it's a step above the Oak Cask entry-level, with actual depth and dark fruit structure that holds its own against the bold, umami-forward flavors on a pan-Asian menu. If pricing is anywhere close to fair, this is the bottle to order.
Manara 'Postera' Amarone della Valpolicella
Almost nobody at a shopping-center Asian fusion spot is going to order an Amarone, which is exactly why you should. Rich, dried-fruit intensity and savory depth that can stand up to duck, short rib, or anything with a lacquer-style glaze. It sticks out on this list in the best possible way.
The Prisoner Pinot Noir
The Prisoner brand has coasted on its reputation for years while the price keeps climbing and the actual wine stays resolutely grocery-store-level. You're paying for the label. The Belle Glos or the Goldeneye will drink better for the same category.
Perrin 'Le Sinards' Châteauneuf-du-Pape + Duck or Five-Spice Short Rib (or equivalent rich protein dish)
Le Sinards brings Grenache-driven red fruit, garrigue, and enough body to match anything with a savory, spiced crust or rich braising sauce. It's the kind of wine that makes bold Asian flavors sing rather than fight.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Nawa is a fine place to eat; the wine list won't embarrass anyone, but it won't excite them either. Grab the Amarone or the Broquel Malbec, ignore the celebrity bottles, and let the food do the heavy lifting.
Downtown-adjacent / Near West · Fort Wayne · Italian market and deli
Antonuccio's isn't a restaurant wine program — it's something more interesting: a genuine Italian market where you can eat well and leave with better bottles than most Fort Wayne restaurants will ever pour you. Come for lunch, leave with a Chianti, zero regrets.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Northwest (Jefferson Pointe / Illinois Rd corridor) · Fort Wayne · Upscale American Steakhouse
Eddie Merlot's Fort Wayne is a reliably well-run steakhouse wine program — proper storage, real glassware, a sommelier on the floor, and enough pours by the glass to satisfy a full table. The list won't challenge you, and the markups will sting, but if you want a classic California Cab with your prime beef and you want it done right, this place delivers.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Jefferson Pointe · Fort Wayne · American – Gourmet Burgers & Pub Fare
BRU Burger Bar is genuinely great at what it does — burgers, fries, a cold beer. The wine list exists as an afterthought for guests who don't drink beer, and it should be treated accordingly. Order a craft draft, save the wine for somewhere that cares.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown / West Central · Fort Wayne · American Tavern / Bar Food
Henry's is a bar that happens to take its wine list seriously enough to matter, and the Wednesday half-price deal is the kind of thing you should have already texted your friends about. Don't overthink it — show up, order the Belleruche, and feel good about your Wednesday.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
Southwest Fort Wayne · Fort Wayne · Winery with American Grill / Bistro Fare
Vinland Reserve is the rare Indiana winery that earns a second look — barrel-aged hybrids, honest Bordeaux imports, and some of the most approachable pricing in the region. Wine Wednesday alone makes this worth adding to the rotation.
Surprising Depth
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
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
La Sierra / Tyler Mall · Riverside · Asian Fusion
PF Chang's Tyler Street isn't a wine destination, but it's not trying to be — and within those limits, it mostly delivers. Bring someone who wants a solid glass with dinner, not someone who wants to geek out over a list.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Riverside Plaza · Riverside · Asian Fusion
PF Chang's Riverside is a perfectly fine place to eat Chang's Lettuce Wraps, but the wine program is a chain-standard, margin-first operation that nobody should come here specifically for. Order the Riesling, enjoy the Mongolian Beef, and keep your expectations low.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown/Shoreline Village · Long Beach · Asian Fusion
PF Chang's wine list exists because restaurants have to have one, not because anyone particularly cared about building it. Grab the Riesling, enjoy your lettuce wraps, and don't expect the wine to be the reason you came.
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.