Charlotte's Unknown Quantity Needs a Visit
Charlotte · Contemporary American · Visit Website ↗
Updated July 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 3, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Stoke’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
Stoke's wine program is a bit of a mystery from the outside—minimal online intel means you're walking in blind. The list appears to cover the bases without trying to reinvent the wheel, which in Charlotte's evolving wine scene can be either reassuring or boring depending on your mood.
We're reading between the lines here, but the vibe suggests a curated-but-safe approach: likely French and California heavy, with a nod to Italy and maybe Spain. Don't expect deep vertical Burgundy or esoteric natural wine—this feels like a list built for a broad crowd that wants recognizable names without getting homework. The range probably hovers in the 30-50 bottle zone, enough to give options without overwhelming the kitchen-focused operation. Gaps likely include anything too funky, older vintages, or serious cellar depth.
Glass pours are probably the standard 6-8 lineup: a Prosecco, a Sancerre or similar, a California Chardonnay, a Pinot, a Cab or Malbec, maybe a domestic rosé. Rotation feels seasonal at best—spring might bring something lighter, fall might add a GSM blend. Nothing revolutionary, but if they're pouring proper 5-6oz measures and keeping bottles fresh, it gets the job done for casual sippers.
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Reserve — $42
Reliable Southern Rhône that drinks above its price point—peppery, fruit-forward, works with everything
Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec
If they stock this, it's the sleeper—honeyed Chenin with enough acidity to cut through richer dishes, and nobody orders it
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay
Restaurant markup on grocery store staples never makes sense—buy this at Harris Teeter for $12 instead of $38 here
Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir + Wood-fired seasonal vegetables
Oregon Pinot's earthy elegance plays beautifully with char and smoke from the grill
The Bottom Line
Stoke needs to show its cards online—wine drinkers want to know what they're getting into before committing to a reservation. Until then, it's a coin flip whether you'll find something exciting or just reach for a cocktail.
· Charlotte · Brazilian Steakhouse
Chima is clearly a steakhouse that sells meat and uses wine as an afterthought. Order the beef, have a caipirinha, and save your wine enthusiasm for somewhere that returns the favor.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
· Charlotte · Steakhouse
STK Charlotte is a party venue with a wine list to match — familiar, expensive, and built for people who order by brand recognition. If you're serious about what's in your glass, you'll be working against the room all night.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Ballantyne · Charlotte · American, Californian
Juniper Grill is a reliable, California-focused wine list that earns its Wine Spectator nod — just don't come looking for adventure. If you want a great Napa Cab with your short ribs in a comfortable room, this is your spot.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Charlotte · Charlotte · American
Caroline's isn't trying to be a wine destination — it's an oyster bar with California ambitions and prices that don't punish you for ordering well. Wednesday half-price wine night alone is worth putting in your rotation.
Plays It Safe
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Plaza Midwood · Charlotte · Southern American, Steakhouse
Supperland is a genuinely wild place to drink wine — stained glass overhead, a cast iron skillet on the table, and a bottle of Tignanello on the list. The markups aren't generous and no sommelier is guiding you, but if you know what you're looking for, this Wine Spectator-recognized list delivers for a Southern steakhouse in a church.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
South End · Charlotte · Italian, Steakhouse
Dean's is a dependable upscale steakhouse wine list that does exactly what it promises — California and Italy, done well, at prices that sting a little but don't embarrass anyone. Send a friend here if they want a proper Barolo with their ribeye; skip it if they're hunting for value or adventure.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Beaver Creek Plaza · Vail · Contemporary American
Golden Eagle Inn is the kind of reliable mountain wine list that won't embarrass you on a date or a client dinner, but it'll charge you for the altitude at every turn. The Brunello and the Bouchard Beaune are genuine bright spots — find those, skip the Veuve, and you'll have a good night.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Vail Village · Vail · Contemporary American
Sweet Basil is the best wine list in Vail by a wide margin — 400 bottles, a real Cruvinet program, and a sommelier who put actual thought into the selections. The markups sting, but that's mountain dining; the quality justifies the trip.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Sedona · Sedona · Contemporary American
The Hudson isn't going to make any wine lists for its wine list, but it's a solid, competent program for what this place is — a lively upscale-casual spot where the views are doing a lot of the work. Send your friends here for dinner and tell them to stick to the bottles under $70.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
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.
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