Big Napa energy, steakhouse prices to match
Downtown · Cincinnati · Steakhouse
Updated October 2026
Reviewed June 5, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed The Capital Grille Cincinnati’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The Capital Grille wine list arrives like a power move — 350-plus bottles, leather-bound, heavy in the hand. It's clearly a program that takes itself seriously, even if the hits are exactly what you'd expect from a national steakhouse chain. There's nothing surprising here, but there's also nothing embarrassing.
Napa Cabernet is the undisputed star of the show, with Caymus, Silver Oak, Stags' Leap, and Jordan all making appearances — which reads more like a Greatest Hits album than a curated list. Burgundy and Bordeaux add some old-world credibility, and Tuscany gets a seat at the table too. What you won't find is much adventure: no natural wine, no obscure regions, no producer taking chances. The list is deep in the way a Greatest Hits album is deep — comfortable, reliable, and a little predictable.
The by-the-glass program runs 20-30 options, which is genuinely solid for a steakhouse format, and bottles like Rombauer Chardonnay and Duckhorn Merlot make regular appearances in the pour lineup. Glasses run $14-$30, which is fair for what you're getting. Rotation is minimal — this isn't a list that surprises you with a new producer every month.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley — $90–$120
Jordan consistently delivers at a price point that, relative to the rest of this list, feels almost reasonable. It's the classic California Cab that doesn't try too hard — structured enough for a dry-aged steak, smooth enough that the whole table is happy.
Stags' Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Everyone grabs for Caymus or Silver Oak on a list like this, but Stags' Leap is the quieter, more elegant option that actually rewards attention. Less fruit bomb, more finesse — and usually priced a touch under the flashier names.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Caymus is fine. It's also everywhere, marked up aggressively, and has become the steakhouse wine equivalent of ordering a Heineken at a craft beer bar. You're paying for the name recognition more than what's in the glass.
Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa Valley + Lobster mac and cheese
Far Niente's Chardonnay has enough richness and oak to stand up to the butter-forward lobster mac without getting lost in it. It's a big white wine for a big, indulgent dish — and on a steakhouse menu where everything else is red, this is the move.
The Bottom Line
The Capital Grille Cincinnati delivers exactly what it promises: a deep, Napa-heavy list in a formal setting with staff who actually know what they're pouring. Just know you're paying steakhouse markup on wines you could find cheaper down the street — come in with eyes open and you'll drink well.
· Cincinnati · Contemporary American Steakhouse
Eddie Merlot's is a reliable performer in a genre that doesn't reward risk-taking — you'll eat well, drink acceptably, and pay steakhouse prices for both. If you're after a wine list that surprises or challenges you, this isn't your room. But if you need somewhere that delivers a respectable bottle alongside a serious filet, this gets the job done without embarrassing you at the table.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Montgomery · Cincinnati · American
A winery-restaurant list where nearly every wine is posted with a glass and a bottle price, from $9.50 to $25.00 a glass. Start with the Cooper's Hawk Lux Cabernet Sauvignon, which the menu lists beside the red wine braised short ribs, or the Cooper's Hawk Red at $10.75 a glass, and try the CHMX from Baja, Mexico on a weekday at the $8 Wine O'Clock price. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups, so confirm availability.
Covington · Cincinnati · Farm-to-Table Bistro
A bistro wine list with a compact glass tab and a regional bottle tab that runs from 42 to 310. Start with the Conquilla cava or the Voliero sangiovese by the glass, or the Thymiopoulos xinomavro at $50 if you want a bottle, and confirm prices because the menu is undated. This unrated guide covers the posted drinks list, not service, storage or markups.
Downtown · Cincinnati · Wood-Fired American
A French-led bottle list with a glass page that starts at $17 and a Coravin page for smaller pours. Order the Domaine Brun-Avril Côtes-du-Rhône at $20 a glass, or try the Château de Plaisance Anjou Blanc by the pour, and confirm vintages since the book says they are subject to change. This unrated guide covers the posted drinks selection, not service, storage or markups.
Newport · Cincinnati · Farm-to-table (Italian, French, American)
A tasting-menu room with a wine book that runs from Burgundy to Tuscany and a short, specific beverage sheet. Start with the $15 Delalle sparkling Chenin Blanc, or look at the $48 Rocca del Principe Fiano if you want a bottle, and confirm what is available since neither list is dated. This unrated guide covers the posted drinks lists, not service, storage or markups.
Lytle Park · Cincinnati · Italian
A broad Italian-and-Napa list, with every glass pour labeled by size. Start with the Santa Cristina Cabernet Sauvignon (6oz 12) or the Ohio-made Carlotta red blend (43), and confirm what is pouring, since the list carries no date. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
· Hoschton · Steakhouse
Jacks is a genuinely fun neighborhood hang with solid food, but the wine program doesn't match the ambition of the kitchen. If wine is your thing, call ahead or bring your own if corkage is an option — otherwise, lean into the cocktails and enjoy the patio. We'd love to revisit this rating if they ever put some real thought into the list.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Point · Atlanta · Steakhouse
Malone's earns its loyal following on the strength of its pork chops and tenderloin, not its wine list. If wine matters to your meal, you may want to call ahead and ask what's available — or just lean into a cocktail and let the steak do the heavy lifting. This one's a food-first destination.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Acworth · Steakhouse
AG Steakhouse earns its reputation as a go-to for celebrations and big nights out on Lake Acworth — but the wine program appears to be in service of the experience rather than a destination in itself. If you're splurging on the filet or the Oscar-style halibut, budget accordingly for the bottle too, and don't expect the list to surprise you. A solid place to drink wine; not a reason to come specifically for wine.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
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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