Seasons 52

The wine list at Seasons 52 reads like it was designed by committee — which, given the chain pedigree, it probably was. You get the usual suspects arranged by varietal with corporate-safe descriptions, but there's enough depth here that someone at headquarters actually cares. It's not exciting, but it won't embarrass you on a business dinner.

The list skews heavily toward California and approachable Old World names — think Napa Cabs, Russian River Chardonnays, and a few Tuscan reds for the Chianti crowd. You'll find recognizable producers like La Crema, J Lohr, and maybe a Meiomi if they're feeling adventurous. The international section exists but plays it painfully safe: a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, an Argentine Malbec, possibly a Rioja Crianza. There's little adventure here, no natural wine, no orange wine, no small producers taking risks. It's the vinous equivalent of beige walls — inoffensive and forgettable.

The glass pour program leans on crowd-pleasing varietals with decent rotation for a chain. You'll get your Pinot Grigio, your Chardonnay, a Cabernet, maybe a Malbec. Pours are standard restaurant sizing, nothing generous but not stingy. The list changes seasonally, which shows someone's paying attention, but don't expect cutting-edge selections or small producers — this is built for the guest who orders "a Chardonnay" without asking which one.