Cold Beer Energy, Decent Wine in Tow
Downtown / East Louisiana St. · McKinney · Casual American · Visit Website ↗
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · June 28, 2026
RagingWine reviewed The Yard McKinney’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The Yard is a backyard-games-and-cold-drinks kind of place, and the wine list doesn't pretend otherwise. Fourteen labels, all familiar names, nothing that requires a second look — this is a list built for people who want wine without thinking too hard about it. That's fine. Not every spot needs to be a wine destination.
The list leans heavily on recognizable grocery-store brands — Joel Gott, Murphy Goode, Matua, Gabbiano — which at least signals drinkability if not ambition. California dominates, with a nod to Washington, New Zealand, Italy, and Argentina for range. There are no deep cuts, no indie producers, nothing that would make a wine-forward diner linger over the list. The Substance Pinot Noir from Columbia Valley is the one name that edges slightly above the rest, a Charles Smith project that punches above its label.
Ten of the fourteen bottles are available by the glass, which is genuinely good coverage for a casual spot. The price spread runs $8 to $15, hitting that middle zone where nothing feels like a bargain but nothing's outrageous either. Rotation appears nonexistent — this list looks like it was set and left alone.
Murphy Goode Merlot, California — $10/glass, $38/bottle
The lowest price point on the list and arguably the most honest pour here. Murphy Goode Merlot is a reliable, fruit-forward crowd pleaser — at $38 a bottle it's the one order that won't sting when the check arrives.
Substance Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, WA
Most people at The Yard are grabbing a beer or a cocktail, which means this Charles Smith Pinot often gets ignored. It's the most interesting wine on a short list, with more structure and personality than everything around it.
San Simeon Chardonnay, Monterey, CA
At $50 a bottle, San Simeon Chardonnay is asking a lot for a wine you can find at most grocery stores for well under $20. The markup here makes it a tough sell when better-value options are on the same list.
Charles & Charles Rosé, Washington + Backyard-style burger
A bright, dry Washington Rosé cuts through a juicy burger the same way a cold beer would — refreshing, not fussy, and built for exactly this kind of casual outdoor setting.
The Bottom Line
The Yard is a patio-and-games spot first, wine bar never — and the list is honest about that. Come for the atmosphere, order the Murphy Goode if you want wine, and save the serious bottle for somewhere else.
· McKinney · Southern American
Ida Claire isn't a wine destination, but it's a solid place to drink wine — especially if you time it for happy hour. Show up between 3 and 6, order the shrimp and grits, and let someone else worry about the cellar.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
· McKinney · Italian
Taverna Rossa's wine list gets the job done for a casual dinner out, but the markups on familiar bottles make it hard to recommend going beyond a glass or two. Stick with the Barbera or the Guigal and save the splurge for the food.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· McKinney · Mexican
Mi Cocina McKinney put exactly zero thought into their wine program, and it shows in every predictable bottle on that nine-label list. Order a margarita and don't look back.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· McKinney · Italian
Bravo! is a competent chain wine program — wide by-the-glass selection, a few Italian producers worth noting, and prices that are steep but not insulting. You're not coming here for the wine list, but you won't regret ordering either.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· McKinney · Seafood & Steakhouse
Truluck's isn't a destination wine list, but the nightly happy hour deals and an actual sommelier on staff mean you can drink well here without too much pain — just lean on the bar specials and let the secret wine surprise you. Send a friend who cares more about stone crab than obscure growers, and they'll leave happy.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Proper
· McKinney · Italian
Brio McKinney's wine list won't win any awards and the markup will sting if you reach for the California heavyweights, but there are a few genuinely Italian picks buried in there worth finding. Come for the food, order thoughtfully, and stick to the Old World side of the list.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Central Avenue / South Hot Springs · Hot Springs · Casual American
The wine list at Cheddar's Hot Springs exists because a restaurant has to have one, not because anyone gave it a second thought. Order a cocktail, enjoy the scratch kitchen, and save the wine conversation for somewhere else.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Boar's Head / Ivy Road · Charlottesville · Casual American
The Bistro at Boar's Head isn't a wine destination, but it doesn't embarrass itself either — especially for a resort list, the Virginia producer support is genuine and worth ordering. If you're on property, lean local and you'll leave satisfied.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
North Corvallis · Corvallis · Casual American
This is a sports bar with a wine section, not a wine bar that happens to have sports. Order a beer, order a cocktail, order the boneless wings — just don't come here expecting anything from the wine list.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
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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