Corporate Steakhouse Plays the Hits Safely
Charlotte · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Updated April 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 3, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Ruth's Chris Steak House’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
The wine list lands with all the predictability of a chain steakhouse playbook: California Cabs, safe Napa names, a token French section. Nothing here will surprise you, but that's kind of the point—this is corporate comfort food for wine.
The list skews heavily toward big American reds that can stand up to butter-drenched beef: Jordan, Silver Oak, Caymus showing up like clockwork in the $80-120 range. You'll find a Bordeaux section that feels obligatory rather than curated, and a Burgundy presence that's thin on the ground. The California Chardonnay selection is deeper than their red Burgundy, which tells you everything about the clientele. Champagne means Moët, maybe a Veuve, and you're paying for the privilege.
Glass pours stick to the script: a buttery Napa Chardonnay, a Malbec, probably a Pinot from Oregon or Russian River. Ruth's Chris rotates these about as often as they change the menu—which is to say, almost never. Expect 8-12 options that lean safe and corporate-approved, priced at $14-20 per pour.
Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder — $68
Structured mountain Cab that holds its own against the markup—better bones than the tourist bottles
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Grand Veneur
If they stock it, this Rhône red brings actual Old World soul to a New World list—spice and earth with your ribeye
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
At $140+, you're paying double for name recognition on a wine that drinks like fruit concentrate—there's better QPR three bottles down
Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast + Filet Mignon with Roasted Garlic
Silky Pinot cuts through the butter without competing with the beef—elegance meeting decadence
The Bottom Line
Ruth's Chris does exactly what you expect: safe, predictable selections at steakhouse markups. You won't find adventure here, but you won't get burned either—just order the Cab and move on.
· Charlotte · Brazilian Steakhouse
Chima is clearly a steakhouse that sells meat and uses wine as an afterthought. Order the beef, have a caipirinha, and save your wine enthusiasm for somewhere that returns the favor.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
· Charlotte · Steakhouse
STK Charlotte is a party venue with a wine list to match — familiar, expensive, and built for people who order by brand recognition. If you're serious about what's in your glass, you'll be working against the room all night.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Ballantyne · Charlotte · American, Californian
Juniper Grill is a reliable, California-focused wine list that earns its Wine Spectator nod — just don't come looking for adventure. If you want a great Napa Cab with your short ribs in a comfortable room, this is your spot.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Charlotte · Charlotte · American
Caroline's isn't trying to be a wine destination — it's an oyster bar with California ambitions and prices that don't punish you for ordering well. Wednesday half-price wine night alone is worth putting in your rotation.
Plays It Safe
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Plaza Midwood · Charlotte · Southern American, Steakhouse
Supperland is a genuinely wild place to drink wine — stained glass overhead, a cast iron skillet on the table, and a bottle of Tignanello on the list. The markups aren't generous and no sommelier is guiding you, but if you know what you're looking for, this Wine Spectator-recognized list delivers for a Southern steakhouse in a church.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
South End · Charlotte · Italian, Steakhouse
Dean's is a dependable upscale steakhouse wine list that does exactly what it promises — California and Italy, done well, at prices that sting a little but don't embarrass anyone. Send a friend here if they want a proper Barolo with their ribeye; skip it if they're hunting for value or adventure.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
· Plano · Steakhouse
Steve Fields clearly puts its energy into the kitchen, not the cellar — and at these price points, that imbalance is hard to ignore. Order the Evesham Wood if it's still there, and otherwise come for the steak, not the wine list.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· San Diego · Steakhouse
Greystone is a reliable, if predictable, steakhouse wine list — the kind where you can always find something decent but you'll rarely be surprised. Skip the Opus splurge, order the Paradigm, and you'll walk out satisfied.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· San Diego · Steakhouse
Morton's San Diego is spending more energy on the wedge salad than the wine list, and it shows. Come for the steak, order carefully, and don't expect much beyond the obvious.
Crowd Pleasers
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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