Great Views, Mixed Signals on Value
Rocketts Landing · Richmond · American, Steakhouse, Seafood, Contemporary · Visit Website ↗
Updated April 2026
Reviewed March 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
You're sitting on the James River with the Richmond skyline behind you and a wine list in your hand — the setting is doing a lot of heavy lifting. The list reads like a greatest hits of California and France with a few international picks scattered in, which feels appropriate for a waterfront steakhouse but won't surprise anyone. It's functional, approachable, and pretty safe.
The list leans heavily on California and Pacific Northwest workhorses — think Cakebread Chardonnay and Silver Oak Cab, the kind of names that sell themselves on a waterfront patio without much persuasion. There's a France presence and a few international options like the Bodegas Ostatu Rioja and Juve & Camps Cava, but the depth feels curated for comfort rather than discovery. At an estimated 60–100 selections, it covers enough ground to satisfy most tables, but adventurous drinkers will hit the ceiling fast. No sommelier on staff, and the list reflects that — it's crowd-friendly, not wine-forward.
The by-the-glass program runs an estimated 10–16 options, which is a respectable range for a restaurant at this price point. The real draw is the weekday happy hour from 4–6pm where all glass pours go half price — that changes the math considerably on what's worth ordering. Outside of happy hour, glass prices reflect the same steep markup pattern we see on the bottle list.
Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa — $60
Only a 50% markup over retail, which by restaurant standards is almost refreshing. For a name-brand Napa Chardonnay that reliably delivers, this is where the list treats you most fairly.
Guarini Gran Cuvee Brut
At $30 with a 50% markup, this is the sparkling option most tables will scroll past in favor of the Prosecco — but it's better value and more interesting in the glass. Order this before someone at the next table beats you to it.
Ruffino Prosecco DOC Italy
A 180% markup on a $15 retail bottle is hard to justify anywhere, let alone at a restaurant with better sparkling options on the same list. The Guarini Brut is sitting right there for less money and a fairer price.
Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Crianza + Broiled Seafood Platter
The Rioja's bright red fruit and gentle oak are light enough not to steamroll the seafood but have enough structure to stand up to buttery, broiled preparations. It's a slightly unexpected move that works better than the obvious Chardonnay reach.
Weekdays — Half price wines by the glass during Happy Hour, 4–6pm weekdays
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Boathouse is a reliable choice if you time it right — hit that 4–6pm happy hour and suddenly the steep markups become a non-issue. Outside of that window, you're paying a premium for the view as much as the wine, which is fine as long as you go in knowing that.
Scott's Addition · Richmond · American, Seafood
Lillian is the rare spot where the wine list is more ambitious than the address suggests — a focused, France-and-Italy-forward program with legit producers, a knowledgeable floor lead, and bottle prices that don't feel punitive. Send a friend here, tell them to sit at the counter, order oysters, and ask PJ what's open.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Carytown · Richmond · American, Seasonal
Shagbark is the real deal — a legitimately serious wine program attached to a kitchen that can back it up, priced fairly enough that you'll actually want to explore. If you're in Richmond and you care about what's in your glass, this is the room you should be in.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Richmond · Richmond · Indian, Vegetarian
Lehja is doing something genuinely unusual — building a serious, award-winning wine program inside a spice-forward Indian restaurant in suburban Virginia — and pulling it off. Send your wine-curious friends here and watch them recalibrate their expectations.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Museum District · Richmond · Cafe, American
Garnett's is a neighborhood sandwich shop with zero pretension and a wine program that quietly overachieves — especially if you lean into the Date Night Special. Send your friends here when they say they can't afford a nice dinner.
Small but Thoughtful
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
Boulevard · Richmond · Market & Wine Bar
Stella's is the Wild Card Richmond didn't know it needed — a market concept with a wine list that has actual taste and fair prices to match. Send a friend here on a weeknight and tell them to order the Crozes-Hermitage.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Oregon Hill · Richmond · Contemporary American
L'Opossum is a Wild Card in the best possible sense — an eccentric, theatrical restaurant with a wine list that earns genuine respect for its Virginia picks and glass program depth, even if the markups on some bottles cross the line from ambitious into annoying. Come for the experience, drink strategically, and let someone else order the Orban.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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