Sign In

or

No password needed โ€” we'll email you a sign-in link.

๐ŸŽฒThe Wild Card

Stella's

Greek Soul Food With a Surprisingly Fair Pour

Unknown ยท Richmond ยท Greek ยท Visit Website โ†—

casual-vibeshidden-gemold-world-focusdate-night

Reviewed March 16, 2026

Wingman Metrics

List VarietySmall but Thoughtful
MarkupSteal
GlasswareBasic Stemmed
StaffWilling but Green
Specials & DealsSet & Forget
Storage & TempAcceptable

First Impression

Stella's is the kind of place where the wine list exists to serve the food, not the other way around โ€” and honestly, that's fine. The list is short, but a quick scan turns up something you don't see often: actual Greek wine sitting next to the usual California suspects, and at prices that won't make you wince.

Selection Deep Dive

The list leans predictably toward crowd-pleasing California reds โ€” DAOU and Juggernaut Cab, J Vineyards and Juggernaut Pinot โ€” but the real story is that Foundi Xinomavro from Naoussa, a northern Greek red that actually belongs on a menu like this. It's not a deep cellar by any stretch, and there are obvious gaps in white wine and anything from the broader Mediterranean, which feels like a missed opportunity given the kitchen's Greek roots. Still, the selections that are here reflect at least some intention. It's a short list that knows what it is.

By the Glass

The by-the-glass program appears to mirror the bottle list closely, with the California pours and the Xinomavro all available at very approachable price points. We'd love to see a Greek white โ€” an Assyrtiko, a Moschofilero โ€” join the rotation, but for now you work with what's there. The Xinomavro by the glass at $10 is genuinely one of the better deals we've seen in Richmond.

๐Ÿ’ฐBest Value

Foundi Xinomavro Agios Nikolaos Naoussa โ€” $10

At $10 a glass, you're getting a real wine with terroir and personality โ€” Xinomavro is the Nebbiolo of Greece, structured and savory, and it belongs here. Retail is $15 and restaurant pours at $10 is frankly unusual.

๐Ÿ’ŽHidden Gem

Foundi Xinomavro Agios Nikolaos Naoussa

Most tables are going to default to the DAOU Cab and that's a shame. Xinomavro is tannic, earthy, and built for lamb โ€” exactly what this kitchen does best. Most people will scroll past it and miss the whole point.

โ›”Skip This

Juggernaut Pinot Noir

Juggernaut is a perfectly decent grocery store Pinot, but at $16 a glass in a Greek restaurant there are better moves on this very same list. Save it for a steakhouse.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธPerfect Pairing

Foundi Xinomavro Agios Nikolaos Naoussa + Lamb Chops

Xinomavro has the tannin and acid structure to cut through the richness of grilled lamb, and the earthy, dried-herb character mirrors the herbs on the chops. This is the pairing the list was quietly built around.

๐ŸŽฒ The Bottom Line

Stella's isn't a wine destination, but the Xinomavro alone makes it worth skipping the cocktail menu. Order the lamb, pour the Greek wine, and let this Richmond institution do what it's been doing for decades.

Comments

Cmd+Enter to post
Loading comments...

Sign In

or

No password needed โ€” we'll email you a sign-in link.

Get the Weekly Wingman

One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.