Asheville Staple with Modest Wine Ambitions
Downtown Asheville · Asheville · Contemporary American · Visit Website ↗
Updated March 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Posana's wine list doesn't try to compete with Asheville's wine bar scene, and that's probably smart. This is a food-first spot where wine plays supporting actor — functional but not particularly inspired. The list reads like it was built once and touched up seasonally, with safe regional choices that won't offend anyone or excite wine nerds.
The selection leans predictable: California Chardonnay and Pinot, a token Rioja, some Pacific Northwest options that nod to the regional progressive vibe. You'll find about 30-40 bottles total, with a West Coast bias that makes sense for the cuisine style but leaves Old World fans wanting. There's minimal depth in any single region — more like a greatest-hits sampler than a curated collection. The list feels designed to pair safely with a broad menu rather than showcase any winemaking philosophy or take risks on lesser-known producers.
By-the-glass options number around 8-10, hitting the usual suspects: a Sauvignon Blanc, a buttery Chardonnay, a crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir, maybe a Malbec for red meat fans. Pours are standard 6oz, priced in the $10-14 range, which isn't outrageous but isn't a steal either given the selections. The glass list rarely rotates — these are workhorses chosen for broad appeal and consistency, not exploration.
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (House Selection) — $48
Oregon Pinot at this price point usually delivers earthy complexity that plays well with their seasonal vegetable plates without breaking the bank
Albariño from Rías Baixas
Most people default to the Chardonnay, but this Spanish white brings saline minerality and citrus that cuts through richer preparations better than butter-bombs
California Cabernet Sauvignon ($75+)
Marked up 3.5x for a mass-market producer you can find at Total Wine for $22 — not worth it when better values exist elsewhere on the list
French Rosé (Provence) + Pan-Roasted Carolina Trout
The crisp acidity and red berry notes complement delicate fish preparations without overwhelming them, especially if they're serving it with summer vegetables
✔️ The Bottom Line
Posana won't blow your mind on wine, but it won't ruin your dinner either. If you're here for the food and want something reliable to drink, you'll be fine — just don't expect discovery or exceptional value.
Downtown Asheville · Asheville · Farm to Table
The Blackbird is doing wine right in a town that's more known for craft beer — there's a real sommelier (Sarah Reder) behind this list and it shows. Send your wine-curious friends here without hesitation.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Asheville · Asheville · American
Vue 1913 is a reliable wine destination for guests who know what they like and want to drink it with a jaw-dropping view — just don't expect the list to push you anywhere new. Send your California Cab-loving friends here without hesitation; send your natural wine friends somewhere else.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Grove Park · Asheville · Regional
Sunset Terrace isn't a wine destination — it's a destination where wine happens to be available and handled competently. Come for the mountains and the steak, order the Ridge or the Sonoma-Cutrer, and enjoy the fact that at least nobody's pouring you something terrible.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
West Asheville · Asheville · American, Farm to Table
Jargon is doing something real with wine in a neighborhood that doesn't demand it, and that's exactly why it deserves your attention. Send a friend here — just tell them to skip the Napa Cab and ask about the Minervois.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Asheville · Asheville · American
The Dining Room is genuinely worth the trip, and not just because of the mansion backdrop — the sommelier team is real, the cellar is serious, and Wednesday half-price wine night turns a splurge into a steal. Markups on the prestige bottles are steep, but the overall program earns its Best of Award of Excellence.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Asheville · Asheville · Middle Eastern
Jerusalem Garden Cafe does Middle Eastern food well, but the wine program is non-existent. Stick to the Turkish coffee or mint tea and save your wine budget for literally anywhere else in Asheville.
Grocery Store
Gouge
Red Flag
MIA
Set & Forget
Hot Mess
· Atlanta · Contemporary American
By George is a fine place to drink wine if you know what you're walking into — a curated-but-safe list built for a stylish crowd that wants rosé and bubbles without friction. Come for the Crémant and the Tavel; don't expect to find anything that'll make you rethink your relationship with wine.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
La Jolla · Chula Vista · Contemporary American
Nine-Ten is a genuinely good restaurant with a competent wine program — the sommelier is present, the list is legitimate, and the setting earns the price of admission. But the markups are aggressive enough that you'll want to be selective, because this list can eat your wallet if you reach for the obvious names.
Solid Range
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Downtown · Winston Salem · Contemporary American
Sir Winston is the rare hotel restaurant that makes a real effort on wine, and for Winston-Salem, that counts for a lot. Pricing runs steep enough that you'll feel it by the second bottle, but the selection earns at least one visit from anyone who takes wine seriously.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.