Stella's
Greek Soul Food With a Surprisingly Fair Pour
Unknown ยท Richmond ยท Greek ยท Visit Website โ
Reviewed March 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
๐ฒ 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
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.