Solid Mountain Town Wine Program, Nothing Fancy
Downtown Asheville · Asheville · American · Visit Website ↗
Updated September 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed Red Stag Grill’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Red Stag Grill feels like what you'd expect from an established Asheville spot: dependable without trying to reinvent the wheel. It's the kind of list where you won't find much to complain about, but you also won't be texting your wine-nerd friends about hidden gems.
The selection leans heavily on West Coast staples—think California Cabs and Washington State reds that appeal to tourists looking for something familiar after a day hiking the Blue Ridge. There's a respectable showing of French standards, probably a Côtes du Rhône and a Burgundy or two in the mid-range, but nothing that suggests a buyer with strong opinions. The list plays it safe with recognizable labels, which isn't a crime in a town where visitors outnumber locals on most nights. We'd guess around 40-50 bottles total, skewing toward reds that pair well with steaks and game.
By-the-glass pours appear to be straightforward crowd-pleasers—maybe 8-10 options covering the basics. You'll find your Pinot Grigio, your Malbec, possibly a domestic Chardonnay that's been on the list since 2019. Rotation seems slow, with bottles sticking around until they're empty rather than swapping seasonally.
J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon — $42
Reliable Paso Robles Cab that drinks well above its weight class and pairs with everything on a grill-focused menu
Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône
If they've got this Southern Rhône on the list, it's criminally underordered—rich, spicy, and built for mountain weather
Any house Chardonnay over $40
These tend to be marked up aggressively for tourists who think price equals quality
Benton-Lane Pinot Noir + Grilled elk medallions or venison
Oregon Pinot has the earthiness and bright fruit to stand up to game meat without overwhelming delicate flavors
The Bottom Line
Red Stag Grill isn't going to blow your mind, but it's not trying to. If you're in Asheville for the mountains and want a decent bottle with dinner, you'll do just fine here—just don't expect adventure.
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
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
Downtown · Asheville · Southern
Husk isn't trying to be a wine destination, and that's fine—it's a solid supporting cast to excellent Southern cooking. The list is fair, approachable, and won't leave you feeling gouged or bored.
Solid Range
Fair
Stemless Casual
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Downtown Roswell · Roswell · American
Canton St. Social is a solid neighborhood restaurant in historic downtown Roswell, and the wine program appears to be built for exactly that — supporting a good night out without overcomplicating things. We don't have enough sourced wine data to tell you what to order, which means your best move is to ask your server what's pouring well that night and go from there. Worth a visit for the food and atmosphere; the wine list is a work in progress as far as our research goes.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Worcester · American
The Boynton is a great neighborhood spot for a cold beer, a burger, and a game — and that's exactly what it should be. The wine program is along for the ride, not driving the car. If wine matters to you tonight, this isn't your destination; if you're here for the food and the vibe, order a beer and enjoy it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Atlanta · Atlanta · American
Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta's wine list is a Lazy List by every measure — grocery store brands, steep markups, no specials, and a rotating staff with little incentive to know what's in the glass. If you're here for the memorabilia and the atmosphere, lean into a cocktail or a beer. If wine is non-negotiable, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling or Columbia Crest Cab will get you through the night without regret.
Grocery Store
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.
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