California Hits, Patio Vibes, Zero Pretense
DC Ranch · Scottsdale · American, Small Plates · Visit Website ↗
Updated September 2026
Reviewed April 13, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed The Living Room’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at The Living Room reads like a greatest hits of California — and honestly, in North Scottsdale, that's exactly what the room wants. It's a curated, confident list without pretension, and with a proper sommelier in Robert Ofstedahl on staff, you're not navigating this alone. The setting — misters, patio, that lounge-y indoor-outdoor flow — makes you want to open something good.
The list runs 150-250 bottles deep with a clear California-first identity: Opus One, Silver Oak, Stag's Leap, Far Niente, Duckhorn — the heavy hitters are all present and accounted for. This isn't an adventurous list looking to convert you to Jura or skin-contact anything; it's a well-executed parade of familiar names that the clientele here genuinely loves. Gaps exist if you're hunting for Burgundy, Rhône, or anything south of the equator, but that's not really the point. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence they landed in 2025 makes sense — the list is focused and executed with care, even if it doesn't swing for the fences.
With 20-35 options by the glass and prices ranging from $12 to $22, the pour program is one of the stronger selling points here — you can work your way through California without committing to a full bottle. The range covers the classics well: expect Chardonnay, Cab, and Merlot to anchor the list. Rotation doesn't appear to be aggressive, but with Robert calling the shots, the pours should be in good shape.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $12–$22 by the glass
Jordan always punches above its price point — structured, food-friendly Cab that doesn't demand your full attention or your full wallet. If it's available by the glass, order it before you even look at the bottle list.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone sleeps on Merlot because of Sideways and that's their loss. Duckhorn's version is one of California's most consistently polished bottles and it flies under the radar on a list full of Cab loudmouths. Don't skip it.
Opus One
Opus One is a beautiful wine. It's also a wine you're paying a restaurant markup on top of an already premium price, which means you're spending serious money to share it with a patio mister. Save it for a night you can really sit with it.
Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay + Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Rombauer's big, buttery Chardonnay was practically engineered for creamy, rich dips. The weight matches, the fruit cuts the richness, and it makes the pretzel look like an afterthought. Order both immediately.
The Bottom Line
The Living Room isn't trying to reinvent wine — it's trying to make California Cab and Chardonnay feel like an event, and it mostly succeeds. Send your friends here for a comfortable, well-staffed wine experience; just remind them to drink the Duckhorn.
Scottsdale · Scottsdale · Italian, Mediterranean
A short, Italian-leaning wine list with a note that the full list is available on request. Start with the Planeta Grillo at 12/40 or the Noussan Petit Arvine at 23/80, ask which number is the glass price, and confirm everything, since the files are linked with 2024 dates in their names. This unrated guide covers the posted wine PDF, not service, storage or markups.
Old Town · Scottsdale · Modern Latin
A 32-wine list that mixes 26 two-price pairs, like 11/39, with six single prices from 90 to 155. Start with the 11/39 Pinot Grigio, or the 15/53 Trimbach Pinot Blanc if you want the one Alsace wine, and ask what each number in a pair covers before you order. This unrated guide covers the posted Old Town wine list, not service, storage or markups.
Scottsdale · Scottsdale · Italian
An Italian list dated 06.17.26 with 18 glass pours at 15 to 19 and full bottles from 60 to 970. Start with the Barbera d’Alba La Gemella at 15 a glass, or the Fontanavecchia Aglianico del Taburno from the chef’s Campania hometown at 17, and confirm prices because the list says they are subject to change. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
Old Town · Scottsdale · American Gastropub
A long wine list that mixes Arizona and California bottles with Italian, French and Spanish wines, posted as pairs like 14 / 44 and single prices like 86. Start with the 13 / 48 Les Hauts Plateaux Rosé, or the 101 Scythians Red if you want the one Cucamonga Valley wine, and ask what each number in a pair covers. The restaurant's menus page and its linked PDF differ on some wines, so confirm before you go. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
North Scottsdale · Scottsdale · American Brasserie
A California-led list with a real glass tier under the big Cabernet bottles: 20 wines carry labeled 6 oz, 9 oz and bottle prices, starting at $13. Start with the Thomas Schmitt Riesling Kabinett at $13 for 6 oz or the Massican Sauvignon Blanc at $18 for 6 oz, and confirm prices because the menu is undated. This unrated guide covers the posted beverage menu, not service, storage or markups.
North Scottsdale · Scottsdale · Prime Steakhouse
A producer-by-producer list with 43 glass pours from $10 to $45, most of them $19 or less. Start with the $18 Pascal Jolivet Sauvignon Blanc, or pair the Daou Vineyards Cabernet ($18 glass, $72 bottle) with the 35 oz Prime Tomahawk at $147, and ask which bottling is pouring. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
Green Bay · Green Bay · American, Small Plates
The Bottle Room is the best wine bar Green Bay probably didn't know it needed — a legit sommelier, fair California pricing, and half-price bottles on Tuesdays make this a genuine destination. If you're not from Green Bay and you find yourself there on a Tuesday, fix your schedule and make it here.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Acceptable
Beacon Hill · Boston · American, Small Plates
1928 Beacon Hill is exactly what a Beacon Hill neighborhood spot should be on wine — honest, Italy-forward, and priced fairly enough that you won't feel the sting. It's not a destination list, but it's a very good reason not to skip the wine.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Canton · Canton · American, Small Plates
Grapes in a Glass is the kind of place that has no business being this good in a mid-size Ohio city, and we mean that as the highest compliment. If you're in Canton and you care about what's in your glass, this is your only stop.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
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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