Gaja in Milwaukee? Yeah, We're Serious.
Story Hill · Milwaukee · American, Regional · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 1, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into a charming neighborhood spot on Bluemound Road and finding Gaja Barbaresco on the list is the kind of pleasant shock that makes this job worth doing. Story Hill BKC doesn't look like a serious wine destination — and that's exactly what makes it one. The casual, locally-sourced vibe masks a list that would turn heads in a much fancier zip code.
The list runs 150-250 bottles with a clear gravitational pull toward California and Italy — the two regions Story Hill does best and, not coincidentally, the two that earned them a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025. California heavyweights like Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Kistler Vineyards Chardonnay, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, and Jordan Winery Cabernet give the West Coast contingent serious credibility. Italy holds its own with Antinori Tignanello, Gaja Barbaresco, and Marchesi di Barolo anchoring a Super Tuscan and Piedmont presence that most Milwaukee restaurants wouldn't dare attempt. The list doesn't wander much beyond those two regions, so if you're hunting for Burgundy or Rhône, you may be disappointed — but within its lane, it delivers.
With 20-35 options by the glass priced $12-$18, the BTG program is genuinely one of the strongest reasons to visit. That range suggests a rotating, thoughtful selection rather than the usual four-bottle afterthought. For a neighborhood American spot, having this many pours available means you can actually drink well without committing to a full bottle over shakshouka.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $40–$60 (bottle range)
Jordan is a crowd-pleasing California Cab that typically retails around $35-$40, so catching it at the lower end of Story Hill's bottle range means you're not getting gouged. It's approachable, well-made, and drinks above its price point — exactly what you want at a neighborhood spot.
Marchesi di Barolo
Everyone eyeballs the Gaja and Tignanello, but Marchesi di Barolo is the sleeper pick. A classic, traditional Barolo producer that often gets overshadowed by flashier labels — at Story Hill's pricing it's likely the most underpriced bottle of Nebbiolo you'll find in the city.
Kistler Vineyards Chardonnay
Kistler is a great wine, no argument there — but it's highly allocated, widely coveted, and tends to get marked up aggressively wherever it appears. Unless Story Hill is pricing it at retail (unlikely), you're probably paying a premium for a bottle you could track down yourself. Save the budget for the Italian side of the list.
Antinori Tignanello + Meatbread
Tignanello — a Sangiovese-Cabernet blend from Tuscany — has the structure and dark fruit to stand up to a rich, meaty dish without overwhelming it. The acidity in the wine cuts through fat in a way that a heavier California Cab wouldn't, and it makes the whole thing feel like an accidental stroke of genius at a place serving bread stuffed with meat.
🎲 The Bottom Line
Story Hill BKC is the rare neighborhood restaurant where the wine list is genuinely worth your attention — Gaja and Tignanello sitting next to back bacon and baked eggs is the kind of delightful absurdity we fully endorse. Send your wine-curious friends here and let them be surprised.
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