The Capital Grille
Bold Reds, Big Checks, Few Surprises
Scottsdale · Scottsdale · Upscale Steakhouse
Reviewed March 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The Capital Grille arrives with the confidence of a restaurant that has won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and knows it. The list is thick, organized, and serious — this is not a place that phoned it in. But flip past the prestige labels and the prices start doing things to your blood pressure.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans hard into California — bold Cabs, power Chardonnays, and cult-adjacent names like Orin Swift, Caymus, and The Prisoner front and center. There's legitimate international coverage spanning France, Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Argentina, and Spain, so it's not a one-trick pony, but the soul of this list is unmistakably American red. Old World depth is present but feels more like window dressing than a real commitment. If you came for Burgundy or Barolo rabbit holes, you're at the wrong restaurant.
By the Glass
Twenty-five by-the-glass options is a serious number for a steakhouse, running from $13 up to $42 a pour. The range hits sparkling, white, and red with recognizable names like Schramsberg Mirabelle, Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay, and Orin Swift Palermo Cab doing the heavy lifting. Rotation appears minimal — this list is built for consistency, not discovery.
Schramsberg Mirabelle Blanc de Blancs NV — $75
At 88% over retail, this is the least punishing markup on the list — and Schramsberg Mirabelle is genuinely good sparkling wine. Order it before the dry-aged porterhouse arrives and feel fancy without getting completely robbed.
Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay
In a room full of people ordering Caymus, the unoaked Mer Soleil Silver is the understated move. It's clean, bright, and won't compete with the kitchen — most guests walk right past it for something bolder and miss out.
Riondo Spumante Prosecco Extra Dry NV
A $15 bottle of grocery-tier Prosecco hitting the menu at $55 is a 267% markup on a wine that has no business being in this price neighborhood. If you want bubbles, spend the extra $20 and get the Schramsberg.
Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon + Dry-Aged Porterhouse
Palermo is big, dark-fruited, and built for exactly this moment. The fat and char on a dry-aged porterhouse need a wine with enough structure and fruit density to stand up — Palermo doesn't flinch.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Capital Grille Scottsdale is a reliable, well-run wine program that earns its Award of Excellence and then charges you generously for it. Send your friend here if they want a polished experience and aren't watching the bill too closely — just steer them away from the Prosecco.
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