Roost Modern Italian

The wine list at Roost signals that someone here actually cares — this isn't a laminated afterthought tucked behind the bread basket. Italian regions anchor the program, which makes sense given the kitchen's direction, and the presence of names like Antinori and Banfi tells you the list has real ambition. That said, ambition and accessibility don't always travel together, and the pricing here leans toward the former.

The list runs Italian-first and largely delivers on that promise — Tuscany and Piedmont get the most floor space, with Gavi di Gavi representing the white side of northern Italy and heavier hitters like the Banfi Brunello di Montalcino anchoring the reds. Antinori's Tignanello showing up is a flex; it's a benchmark Super Tuscan and its presence suggests the list isn't just hitting the easy Chianti notes. Pinot Grigio delle Venezie options round out the lighter end for guests who want something approachable without going full grocery store. New World additions are on the list but feel like they're there to pacify, not to excite — the Italian spine is where this program lives.

The by-the-glass program runs an estimated 10–20 options, which is a healthy spread for a restaurant this size in Dayton's dining scene. We'd expect the Pinot Grigio and at least one Tuscan red to anchor the pour list, though rotation appears minimal — this feels like a program that's set and holding rather than one that refreshes with the seasons. If you're hoping to taste your way through the list on a weeknight, it's doable, but don't expect to find something new every visit.