California classics done right on the coast
Pawleys Island · Pawleys Island · Farm to Table, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 23, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Perrone's reads like a greatest hits of California — familiar, comfortable, and built for a crowd that knows what it likes. It's the kind of list where you scan the page and immediately see old friends: Caymus, Jordan, Silver Oak. No surprises, which is either reassuring or a little boring depending on your mood.
This is a California-forward list through and through, and it earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence by doing that one thing consistently well. Napa and Sonoma dominate: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Silver Oak Alexander Valley anchor the Cabernets, Duckhorn covers the Merlot-curious, and Rombauer and Cakebread lead the Chardonnay charge. What's missing is any real venture outside the Golden State — if you want Burgundy, Barolo, or even a Willamette Pinot, you're largely out of luck. At 100-150 bottles, there's size without much range.
The by-the-glass program runs 10-16 options and tops out around $18, which keeps things accessible for a beachside steakhouse crowd. Expect the usual suspects — Sonoma-Cutrer for white drinkers, probably a Cabernet or two for the red side. Rotation appears minimal; this list isn't being refreshed weekly.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $35–$150 range
Jordan consistently overdelivers for the price in restaurant settings. It's a polished, food-friendly Cabernet that holds its own against bottles costing twice as much, and it won't require a second mortgage when the check arrives.
Duckhorn Merlot
Everyone walks past Merlot on a steakhouse list and grabs a Cab. Don't. Duckhorn's Merlot is one of the most consistently excellent wines in California and it's criminally overlooked by people who've seen Sideways too many times. With the Prime Filet, it's a better move than you'd expect.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and restaurant markup on a wine this ubiquitous is rarely kind. You're paying for the name recognition, and you can do better for your dollar elsewhere on this list.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + USDA Prime Filet Mignon
Stag's Leap brings enough structure and dark fruit to stand up to a prime cut without bullying it — it's the rare Napa Cab that has some elegance to go with the muscle. The filet deserves it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Perrone's is a dependable coastal steakhouse with a wine list that knows its lane and stays in it. If you love California reds and aren't hunting for adventure, you'll be well taken care of — just don't expect the list to surprise you.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.