The Black Olive
All-Greek, All-In, Surprisingly Deep
Fells Point · Baltimore · Greek Seafood · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 26, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
You open the wine list at The Black Olive and realize quickly that this isn't a standard restaurant wine program — it's a love letter to Greece, written in 200+ bottles. No French hedges, no California safety nets, just the full breadth of Greek viticulture laid out with real conviction. It's rare and a little thrilling.
Selection Deep Dive
The entire list is Greek, and that's not a gimmick — it's a genuine deep dive into one of the world's most underrated wine countries. Assyrtiko from Santorini anchors the whites, bringing that volcanic minerality and salinity that makes it one of the most food-friendly whites on the planet. On the red side, Xinomavro from Naoussa shows up as the serious option — grippy, structured, with a Barolo-esque personality that most Baltimore diners have never encountered. The list reportedly clears 200 labels, which means there's real range across regions, grapes, and producers beyond the headline names.
By the Glass
By-the-glass specifics weren't available during our visit, which is a gap worth noting for anyone who wants to explore without committing to a bottle. Given the depth of the bottle list and the restaurant's wine club program, we'd expect a rotating selection of Greek whites and reds, but confirm with your server before assuming variety. If Assyrtiko is poured by the glass on any given night, order it immediately.
Xinomavro, Naoussa — null
Xinomavro from Naoussa is the sleeper pick on this list — structured, age-worthy reds that would easily run $80-100+ if they carried a Burgundy or Barolo label. Greece doesn't command that premium yet, which means you drink up while the rest of the world catches on. Specific pricing wasn't confirmed, but relative to what this grape delivers, it's the move.
Assyrtiko, Santorini
Most diners see 'Greek white' and think simple and forgettable. Santorini Assyrtiko is neither — it's volcanic, tensely mineral, and has enough structure to age. Next to a plate of whole fish or grilled octopus at this restaurant, it's a near-perfect match that most tables will completely overlook in favor of Chardonnay they can't even find on this list.
Champagne Theinot Brut
It's the one non-Greek outlier we spotted, and it feels like an afterthought — a token Champagne for guests who panic at a fully Greek list. If you're here, commit to the concept. The Greek sparkling and white options will serve you better and cost less for what you get.
Assyrtiko, Santorini + Whole fish prepared to order
Santorini Assyrtiko has the salinity and citrus tension to cut through rich, simply prepared fish without overpowering it. The volcanic minerality in the wine mirrors the clean, oceanic quality of a market-fresh whole fish — this is a pairing that exists for a reason, and this restaurant is one of the few places in Baltimore where you can actually experience it properly.
🎲 The Bottom Line
The Black Olive has committed fully to an all-Greek wine program in a city that mostly plays it safe, and that alone earns serious respect. The pricing skews steep for the neighborhood, but the depth and specificity of the list make it worth the trip for anyone who wants to drink something they genuinely can't find anywhere else in Baltimore.
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