Cab Country, Where the Elk Roam
North Jackson · Jackson Hole · Steakhouse, Wild Game · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walk into the Gun Barrel and you're greeted by taxidermy on every wall and a wine list that leans hard into Napa Cab — which, honestly, makes a certain amount of sense when your menu is built around buffalo prime rib and elk medallions. It's a curated list for a very specific purpose, and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. What you see is what you get: big, bold reds built for big, bold meat.
The 80-to-120 bottle list is a Pacific Coast greatest hits package — Napa, Sonoma, and a nod to the Pacific Northwest round out most of the geography. The heavy hitters are all here: Caymus, Jordan, and Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon anchor the red selections and signal exactly who this list is talking to. Don't come looking for Burgundy, Barolo, or anything with a cork wrapped in controversy — the Gun Barrel isn't interested in that conversation. If you love California Cabernet with your game meat, you'll be fine; if you want regional depth or old-world exploration, you'll hit a wall fast.
With 10 to 16 pours on offer, the by-the-glass program is decent for a mountain steakhouse. Expect the usual suspects — a Cab, maybe a Merlot, a Chardonnay for the table holdout — but don't expect much rotation or surprise. It gets the job done, especially if you're not sharing a bottle.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $90
Jordan is one of the most food-friendly Cabs in California — less extracted than Caymus, more structured, and a natural fit for elk or bison. If the price is even close to retail, it's the smartest bottle on the table.
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Most people reach for Caymus on name recognition alone, but the Silver Oak Alexander Valley is the sleeper here — softer tannins, more complexity, and it actually lets the game meat flavors speak instead of steamrolling them.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and restaurants mark it up accordingly. You're paying a premium for a label everyone recognizes, and in a room full of better-value Cabs, it's the obvious choice that costs you the most for the least surprise.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon + Buffalo Prime Rib
Jordan's bright acidity and measured tannin structure cut through the richness of the prime rib without fighting it — the fruit-forward profile complements the slightly sweeter, leaner character of buffalo compared to beef.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Gun Barrel is a reliable wine stop if you love California Cabernet and want a bottle that can hold its own against a serious slab of Wyoming game meat. Just know what you're signing up for — this is not a list that challenges you, and the pricing reflects a captive tourist market more than a competitive wine program.
Jackson Town · Jackson Hole · Barbecue
Bubba's doesn't pretend to be a wine destination, and we respect the honesty — but the list is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it. Order a beer, enjoy the ribs, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that reciprocates.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Teton Village · Jackson Hole · Outdoor Bar
The Handle Bar is the kind of wine program that does exactly what it needs to do for its setting — no more, no less. You'll drink well here if you pick smart, but this isn't a destination for wine people so much as a very competent resort bar that happens to have Opus One on the list.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Downtown Jackson · Jackson Hole · Cafe / Bakery
Persephone isn't a wine destination, but it absolutely punches above its weight for what it is — a bakery-café with a genuinely thoughtful short list of natural pours at fair prices. If you're in Jackson and want a glass of something interesting without the steakhouse markup, this is your move.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Town of Jackson · Jackson Hole · French-Inspired Bistro
The Bistro earns its stripes as a reliable wine destination in Jackson Hole — the sommelier influence is visible, the European focus is coherent, and the list has depth worth exploring. Just go in knowing the markups are hotel-resort territory, and steer toward the Old World bottles where the curation is strongest.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
East of Jackson · Jackson Hole · Steakhouse / Grill
The Grill at Spring Creek Ranch delivers a competent, crowd-pleasing wine list that matches the lodge aesthetic perfectly — reliable, a little expensive, and zero risk. If you're here for the views and the bison, you'll drink well enough; just don't come expecting the list to match the drama outside the window.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Town Square · Jackson Hole · Tapas / Wine Bar
Bin22 is the wine bar that has no business being this good in the middle of Wyoming ski country, and that's exactly why we're sending people here. If you're in Jackson Hole and you care about what's in your glass, this is the only address that matters.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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