The Whitney
Gilded Walls, Decent Pours, Steep Tabs
Midtown · Detroit · American Fine Dining · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 22, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into The Whitney feels like stepping into a Jay Gatsby fever dream — carved mahogany, stained glass, and a wine list that tries to match the grandeur of the 1894 mansion it lives in. The list is long and covers serious ground, from Michigan locals to Brunello to Champagne. First instinct: this place takes wine seriously, even if your wallet is going to feel it.
Selection Deep Dive
The list earns genuine respect for its range — Michigan producers like Black Star Farms and Chateau Grand Traverse sit alongside Masi Amarone, Arigano Brunello di Montalcino, and Chateau Lassegue Grand Cru St. Emilion. That's a rare and commendable nod to local viticulture in a fine dining context. California is well-represented with Belle Glos 'Clark & Telephone' and Bravium Russian River Chardonnay, and Burgundy shows up through Louis Jadot. The weak spot is the markup structure — entry-level bottles like Don Miguel Gascon Malbec at $65 retail for $18 are quietly punishing, and the list doesn't offer enough value at the lower tiers to justify the pricing.
By the Glass
At least 18 by-the-glass options running $12–$17 is a solid spread for a restaurant of this caliber, and the range hits most major categories. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut and Moet & Chandon Brut Rosé make the bubbles category genuinely fun by the glass. The glass program leans crowd-pleasing but does the job for guests who aren't ready to commit to a bottle.
Bravium Chardonnay Russian River Valley — $59
At 111% markup, this is the least punishing bottle on the list — and it's actually a quality pour. Russian River Chardonnay at this price point in a Gilded Age mansion is about as reasonable as The Whitney gets.
Black Star Farms 'Sur Lie' Chardonnay Michigan
Most guests will reach past this for a California or French Chardonnay, but Black Star Farms is one of Michigan's most serious producers. The 'Sur Lie' method adds texture and complexity that surprises people who write off Midwest wine on principle.
Don Miguel Gascon Malbec Mendoza
At $65 a bottle for something you can grab off a grocery store shelf for $18, this is the list's most cynical markup at 261%. It's fine Malbec — but it's a $18 bottle, and the restaurant is charging nearly four times that. Order something that earns the price tag.
Chateau Lassegue Grand Cru St. Emilion Bordeaux + Beef Tenderloin
Right Bank Bordeaux and beef tenderloin is a classic for a reason — the Merlot-dominant blend from St. Emilion has the structure to stand up to the meat without overpowering it. In a room this beautiful, this is the move.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Whitney's wine list is like the building itself — impressive on the surface, with some genuine highlights underneath, but you're paying a premium for the atmosphere. Go in eyes open on the markups, stick to the better bottles, and the experience absolutely delivers.
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