Endless Breadsticks, Finite Wine Ambition
Bakersfield · Bakersfield · Italian-American
Reviewed June 23, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list arrives laminated, sandwiched between the Never Ending Pasta Bowl insert and a dessert photo spread. It's exactly what you expect: a corporate-approved greatest hits of grocery store staples dressed up with Italian restaurant legitimacy. No surprises here, and that's the whole problem.
Twenty-something wines, all of them names you've seen at a Kroger endcap — Meiomi, Ecco Domani, Santa Margherita, Riunite. The Italy focus is thin at best: a couple of northern Italian Pinot Grigios and a Lambrusco that peaked in the 1980s don't constitute a regional program. California representation leans entirely on nationally distributed brands with zero local or indie producers in sight. There are no real regions to speak of — just a collection of safe, recognizable labels that require zero staff knowledge to sell.
Eight to twelve pours in the $8–$14 range, which sounds accessible until you remember these are bottles retailing for $10–$15 at Total Wine. The glass program functions more as an upsell mechanism than a curated experience — you're paying restaurant markup on wines that require no curation to source. Rotation appears to be nonexistent; this list has looked the same since the Obama administration.
Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio — $8
At the low end of the glass range, this is the least painful option on the list — light, inoffensive, and at least in the right ZIP code for an Italian-American dinner. Not exciting, but it won't ruin your night.
Castello del Poggio Moscato
Nobody orders this because it feels unsophisticated, but with a table full of breadsticks and a sweet tooth, a lightly sparkling Moscato actually makes sense. It's not a serious wine but it's honest about what it is, which is more than we can say for the rest of the list.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
A $20 retail bottle likely hitting $14 a glass here, and Santa Margherita has been coasting on its 1970s reputation for decades. There's nothing wrong with it, but you're paying a premium for a brand, not a wine. Skip it.
Meiomi Pinot Noir + Chicken Parmigiana
Meiomi is soft, slightly sweet, and low on tannin — which actually plays well against the acidic tomato sauce and fried chicken in the Chicken Parm. It's the most food-friendly red on this list, and that counts for something in a room full of Alfredo sauce.
❌ The Bottom Line
Olive Garden's wine list is a corporate afterthought designed to generate margin, not pleasure — and the Bakersfield location is no exception. Order the cocktails, enjoy the breadsticks, and save the wine conversation for a different night.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.