The Asbury
Charlotte's neighborhood standby needs a wine upgrade
Charlotte · Charlotte · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 3, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The Asbury's wine list reads like it was assembled from a distributor's safe-bet catalog and hasn't been touched since. It's the kind of list where you know what you're getting before you even open it—Caymus, Kim Crawford, maybe a Meiomi if we're lucky.
Selection Deep Dive
The selection leans heavily on commercial crowd-pleasers without much personality or regional exploration. California dominates the reds with predictable Napa Cabs and Sonoma Pinots, while whites stick to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and entry-level Italian Pinot Grigio. There's minimal Old World presence beyond a token Chianti and maybe a Spanish Rioja. The list feels like it was designed to offend no one, which means it excites no one either.
By the Glass
By-the-glass pours appear limited to the usual suspects—likely 6-8 options that rotate annually, if at all. Expect to see standards like Decoy Cabernet, La Crema Chardonnay, and Whispering Angel rosé. The pours are restaurant-sized (5-6oz) and priced at the higher end of Charlotte's casual dining spectrum without offering anything unique to justify the cost.
2020 Château Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling — $32
If they've got this on the list, it's your safest bet—off-dry enough to handle spice, acid to cut through richness, and priced reasonably for once
2019 Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Reserve
Most people skip French reds they can't pronounce, but this Grenache-Syrah blend delivers serious value and actually pairs with food instead of fighting it
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet
Marked up to $120+ for a $50 retail bottle that tastes like jammy oak syrup—order a cocktail instead
2021 Trimbach Pinot Blanc Alsace + Roasted Chicken
If they're doing any kind of simple roasted protein, this bright, clean Alsatian white has the weight to match without overwhelming the dish
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Asbury is fine if you're here for the food and atmosphere, but the wine program feels like an afterthought. Stick to beer or cocktails unless you spot something unexpected.
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