Downtown vibes, wine list plays it safe
Downtown · Columbus · American / Bistro · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · August 21, 2026
RagingWine reviewed The Loft’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The Loft is doing a lot of things at once — live music upstairs, a bustling bar scene, gourmet burgers and sushi on the same menu — and the wine list feels like it got drafted somewhere between the cocktail menu and the DJ schedule. California and Oregon heavyweights anchor the list, with some Italian representation rounding things out. It's not embarrassing, but it's not why you're here.
The regional focus lands squarely on California, Oregon, and Italy — a safe triangle that covers most of what a lively downtown crowd will ask for without surprising anyone. You're not going to find any left-field natural wine picks or grower Champagne hiding in here. The list skews toward recognizable names and approachable styles, which tracks for a spot where wine is supporting cast, not headliner. Gaps in depth are real — if you're looking for any serious exploration by region or variety, you'll hit a wall pretty fast.
We don't have a confirmed count on the glass pours, but given the vibe and format, expect the usual suspects — a couple of reds, a white or two, maybe a rosé in season. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here, and the program reads more like a set-it-and-forget-it situation than something that gets refreshed with any intention.
The Bottom Line
The Loft is a great time if you're there for the music, the scene, or a solid burger — but the wine list is along for the ride, not leading the charge. Come thirsty for the atmosphere; manage your expectations on the glass.
Uptown · Columbus · Fusion / New American
Vertigo shouldn't have a wine list this interesting — and that's the whole point. If you're anywhere near Columbus, Georgia and care even a little about what's in your glass, this place is worth the detour.
Surprising Depth
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Columbus · Seafood chain
This is a wine program in name only — three crowd-pleaser labels at chain markups with no soul behind the selection. Order a cocktail or a beer and spend your money somewhere it's appreciated.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Columbus · Rooftop American
Eighteen85 is a place to drink wine, not to drink well. Come for the view, order something cold, and set your expectations accordingly — the list won't surprise you, but at least it won't bankrupt you either.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Columbus · New American
For Columbus, Georgia, The Animal Farm's wine list is a genuine Wild Card — small but considered, fairly priced, and stocked with producers most local restaurants haven't heard of. We'd absolutely send a friend here with instructions to start with the Riesling and work their way through the whites.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Midtown Columbus · Columbus · Seafood
Red Lobster 13th St. is not a wine destination — it's a seafood chain where wine exists because a menu has to have one. Order the Riesling with your lobster tail, enjoy the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and make your peace with it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Riverwalk / Downtown Columbus · Columbus · American
Denim & Oak isn't going to make anyone's wine pilgrimage list, but for Columbus, Georgia, it's a legitimately decent place to drink — fair prices, a deep BTG program, and Wine Down Wednesday as a reason to come back. Just steer clear of the Concha y Toro and head straight for the Orin Swift or the Oregon section.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
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