California classics done right, no surprises
Westwood · Los Angeles · American, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 10, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at STK Los Angeles reads like a greatest hits of California Cabernet — Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, all the usual suspects lined up in a row. It's confident, it's consistent, and it knows exactly who it's selling to. If you came here hoping to discover something off the beaten path, you might want to recalibrate.
This is a California-forward list built squarely around Napa and Sonoma power players — Stag's Leap, Jordan, Duckhorn, Far Niente, Cakebread — with little appetite for detours into Burgundy, Rhône, or anywhere that requires explanation. The depth within its lane is real: you can climb from an approachable Jordan Cabernet up to Opus One depending on how the evening is going. What's missing is any sense of adventure — no natural wines, no left-field Spanish or Italian picks to break the monotony. Wine Spectator has recognized this list since 2021 with an Award of Excellence, which tracks: it does what it does with genuine competence.
With 20-35 options by the glass in the $14-$22 range, there's enough here to drink well without committing to a bottle. The Cakebread Chardonnay by the glass is a reliable anchor for white drinkers, and Cabernet by the glass options give the table flexibility. Don't expect anything rotating or experimental — this is a set-it-and-forget-it program.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $12–$250 range
Jordan punches well above what most steakhouses charge for it — consistently one of the better QPR Cabs on a list like this, and it actually fits the food.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at the table is ordering Cab, and they're missing the point. Duckhorn Merlot is serious, structured, and almost always underordered on steakhouse lists — which means the kitchen doesn't get to show it off nearly enough.
Opus One
The prestige markup on Opus One at a restaurant like STK is brutal. You're paying for the label in a room full of people doing the same thing — and the wine doesn't taste any better here than it would at retail.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Dry-aged bone-in ribeye
Stag's Leap has the structure to stand up to a dry-aged ribeye without overwhelming it — that classic Napa profile of dark fruit and firm tannins is exactly what you want when there's real beef fat in the equation.
✔️ The Bottom Line
STK Los Angeles is a dependable California wine list for people who already know what they like — it's not going to surprise you, but it won't let you down either. Send a friend here if they love Napa Cab and a good steak; steer them elsewhere if they want to explore.
Downtown Los Angeles · Los Angeles · French-inspired, New American
Perch is a place people go for the view, the scene, and the Instagram moment — the wine list knows this and doesn't try very hard. Order something simple, enjoy the skyline, and save your serious wine drinking for a restaurant that wants to earn it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Hollywood · Los Angeles · Upscale Italian, Seafood
Marino is a reliable, well-curated Italian wine list that earns its stripes on selection and staff knowledge, even if the pricing makes you wince on the everyday bottles. Send a friend here for the Guidalberto and the Franciacorta — just steer them away from anything under $60.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Hollywood · Los Angeles · Neapolitan Italian, Pizza
Da Michele's wine list is narrow by design and better for it — a focused, fairly priced tour through Southern Italy that most pizza spots in LA wouldn't dare attempt. If you're even mildly curious about Campanian wine, this is one of the better excuses in the city to start learning.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Los Angeles · Los Angeles · Seafood
Water Grill is a reliable choice for serious wine with serious seafood — the list is deep enough to reward exploration, and the sommelier presence means you can actually ask for help. The markups sting, but this is Downtown LA and you knew that walking in.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Bel-Air · Los Angeles · Modern Californian with European/Mediterranean influences
This is a serious wine list dressed in a garden party — the depth is real, the sommelier is engaged, and if you're willing to pay the Bel-Air premium, the experience delivers. Just go in knowing the bill will reflect the hedge-lined address.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Beverly Grove / West Hollywood · Los Angeles · Greek / Mediterranean
Kassi Club is a party restaurant with a wine list that punches above its vibe — if you ignore the markup and order Greek, you're going to drink well. Send a friend here specifically to work through the indigenous varietals; just tell them to skip the Chablis.
Small but Thoughtful
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Denver · Denver · American, Steakhouse
Range is a confident, well-kept steakhouse list that won't surprise you but absolutely won't let you down — especially if California Cabs are your language. Just come in with your eyes open on pricing, and let Dan steer you toward the Jordan.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Geneva · Geneva · American, Steakhouse
The James is a dependable California-focused steakhouse list that earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for doing one thing consistently well. If you're there for the beef and the big reds, you'll leave satisfied — just go in with your eyes open on the markups.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Sauk City · Sauk City · American, Steakhouse
A Wisconsin supper club earning a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is genuinely surprising, and Green Acres earns it by stocking a focused, California-forward list that's built for exactly the kind of food it serves. It won't impress the natural wine crowd, but it'll take great care of anyone who wants a proper bottle with a proper steak in a historic room off the highway.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.