California Comfort in a Hotel Wrapper
West Lansing · Lansing · Hotel Restaurant · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed July 7, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Kindred Table doesn't try to be anything it's not — 15 labels, mostly California, no surprises. It reads like someone made a thoughtful Costco run and stopped there. That's not a knock; it's honestly refreshing compared to hotel lists that charge $80 for a Meiomi.
California dominates here, and the producers are recognizable without being embarrassing — J. Lohr, La Crema, Rodney Strong, and a Conundrum by Caymus all make appearances. There's a token nod to Italy with a Placido Pinot Grigio from Tuscany and New Zealand gets a seat at the table via Matua's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Don't come looking for Burgundy or anything with age on it — this list lives in the approachable, food-friendly lane and parks there comfortably. The gaps are real: no rosé listed, no Oregon Pinot, nothing from Spain or South America.
The entire 15-bottle list appears to be available by the glass, which is either generous or a sign they move through inventory fast enough not to worry about oxidation. Pours come in a 6oz or 9oz option with glass prices topping out at $21, which is reasonable for a hotel setting. No rotating guests or seasonal additions visible — what you see is what you get.
J. Lohr Bay Mist Riesling Monterey California — $38
J. Lohr's Bay Mist consistently punches above its price tag — it's off-dry, food-friendly, and works with everything from a burger to a piece of salmon. At $38 on a hotel list, that's not a markup to complain about.
Prati by Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma California
Louis M. Martini is a serious name in California Cab with decades of winemaking credibility, and most hotel guests are going to walk right past it for the Liberty School. Don't. The Sonoma provenance matters here, and $50 on-list is a fair ask for what's in the bottle.
Matua Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand
Matua is a perfectly fine grocery store Sauvignon Blanc, but at $50 a bottle you're paying hotel rent on a $12 retail wine. Order it by the glass if you want it, but don't commit to a full bottle at that price.
Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County California + Grilled Salmon
Charlotte's Home is textured enough to stand up to a piece of fish with some char on it, and the citrus and herb notes in a Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc do the heavy lifting where a sauce might not. It's the obvious call that actually delivers.
✔️ The Bottom Line
If you're staying at the Crowne Plaza or just need a reliable glass of wine before a meeting in Lansing, Kindred Table won't let you down — prices are fair, the producers are legitimate, and nobody's trying to fleece you. Just don't come expecting discovery.
East Lansing · Lansing · Mexican
El Azteco is a beloved college-town institution, and the wine list knows its place — it's there so you can technically order wine, not because anyone thought hard about it. Stick to the margaritas; they're the real program here.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Lansing · Lansing · American, Brew Pub, Bar
Beggar's Banquet is a beloved East Lansing institution and the wine list reflects that — it's comfortable, familiar, and a little overpriced. Come on a Wednesday when half-price bottles make the steep markups survivable, order the bubbles, and remember that the beer list is probably the real reason everyone keeps coming back.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
East Lansing · Lansing · American bar & grill
Peanut Barrel is a beloved East Lansing institution and a genuinely great place to grab a burger and a beer — emphasis on the beer. The wine list is a placeholder, not a program, and no one at the table or behind the bar is pretending otherwise.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Old Town Lansing · Lansing · Gastropub
Zoobie's isn't where you go to geek out on wine, but if you're meeting friends for dinner in Old Town and someone at the table insists on a glass, you won't be stuck with regret. Grab the Malbec or the Mawby rosé, let everyone else argue about the beer list.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Okemos · Lansing · Seafood and American
Real Seafood Company Okemos is a dependable neighborhood anchor where the wine list won't embarrass you or excite you — fair prices and familiar faces make it easy, just don't come expecting discovery. Order the La Marca with the oysters and leave the wine nerd hat at home.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Lansing · Lansing · Casual American / Tex-Mex
Chili's is a perfectly good place to eat a burger and drink a margarita — we mean that sincerely. But if wine is your thing, this list will let you down every single time, and you deserve better than a $8 Barefoot pour.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown · Eugene · Hotel Restaurant
Two50 is a dependable wine stop if you're already staying at the Graduate and don't want to venture out — but it's not a destination. Lean into the local Oregon pours, skip the marked-up commodity bottles, and you'll have a perfectly fine evening.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Airport / East Columbus · Columbus · Hotel Restaurant
If you're stuck at the DoubleTree and the flight is delayed, Houlihan's will keep you fed and adequately watered — but don't mistake that for a wine program worth seeking out. Order the Etude Pinot or the Malbec, skip the sangria, and manage your expectations accordingly.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.