The Twisted Olive

Walking into a renovated lodge overlooking Southgate Park's pond, you're not exactly expecting a deep wine program — but The Twisted Olive doesn't embarrass itself. The list skews Italian and Californian, which makes sense for the menu, and the price ceiling of $90 a bottle keeps things accessible. It's not a destination for wine geeks, but it's a solid setup for a nice dinner out.

The list runs 50-80 bottles with a clear double focus on Italy and California — the two regions most people actually want when they're eating pasta and pizza, so credit where it's due. You'll find dependable names like Ruffino Chianti Classico and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, which are crowd-pleasers but not exactly adventurous. There's no obvious reach toward smaller producers, interesting sub-regions, or anything that would signal a wine director with an obsession. What's here works; it just doesn't surprise.

Ten to sixteen by-the-glass options is a respectable spread for a restaurant at this price point, covering the Italian-California corridor without much deviation. Glass pours land between $9 and $16, which keeps things honest and won't blow up your check before entrees arrive. There's no evidence of a rotating program or anything seasonal — what's on the list is what's on the list.