Ruth's Chris Steak House
Big Steaks, Bigger Markups, Boring Pours
Norfolk · Norfolk · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 24, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Ruth's Chris Norfolk reads like it was assembled by someone who Googled 'popular wines' and called it a day. You'll recognize every label — which is either comforting or damning, depending on your expectations. Spoiler: at these prices, it's the latter.
Selection Deep Dive
The list touches California, France, Italy, New Zealand, Oregon, Argentina, Spain, and even Virginia, so on paper it looks like a world tour. In practice, it's a greatest hits compilation of the most recognizable brand names in each category — Whispering Angel, Decoy, Sonoma-Cutrer, Belle Glos. There's a lone local nod with the Williamsburg Winery Albariño, which deserves better company. Adventurous drinkers will run out of road fast; this list is built for guests who want to see a name they already trust.
By the Glass
Eighteen-plus by-the-glass options sounds generous until you realize most of them are chain-restaurant staples priced between $12 and $24 for a 6oz pour. There's no visible rotation or seasonal curation — this feels like a static program that hasn't been questioned in years. If you're drinking by the glass, you're essentially paying bottle prices one pour at a time.
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Russian River Ranches 2021 — $60
At roughly 100% markup over retail, this is the least punishing bottle on the list. Russian River Ranches is a legit wine — structured, cool-climate Chardonnay with real texture — and $60 is still not cheap, but it's the closest thing to a fair deal Ruth's Chris is offering tonight.
Williamsburg Winery Albariño Wessex Hundred VA 2023
Most tables at a steakhouse will walk right past a Virginia Albariño without a second glance, and that's a mistake. Williamsburg Winery makes a genuinely solid, food-friendly white that holds its own, and it's a rare chance to drink local at a national chain. Order it before the ribeye lands.
Marenco Moscato d'Asti Strev 2022
Sixty dollars for a $18 retail Moscato d'Asti is a 233% markup on a wine that's inherently light, sweet, and low-alcohol. This isn't a cellar gem — it's a dessert wine afterthought with an unconscionable price tag. Pass.
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Santa Lucia Highlands 2021 + Ribeye
Belle Glos Las Alturas is a bigger, darker Pinot than most — ripe fruit, good structure, enough body to hold up against the char and fat of Ruth's Chris's signature sizzling ribeye without getting bulldozed. It's the rare red on this list that earns its place at a serious steak dinner.
❌ The Bottom Line
Ruth's Chris Norfolk is where wine goes to be recognized and overcharged. The food may deliver, but the wine list is a franchise template with franchise markups — come for the steak, order the Sonoma-Cutrer if you must, and don't expect anyone to surprise you.
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