Tony's of Lexington
Kentucky steakhouse plays it California straight
Downtown · Lexington · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 28, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Tony's reads exactly like you'd expect from a well-heeled Kentucky steakhouse — heavy on California reds, anchored by names your uncle would recognize, and priced like they know you're celebrating something. It's confident and comfortable, if not particularly adventurous.
Selection Deep Dive
This is a California-forward list with a tight lane and no real intention of leaving it. Napa Cabernet is the clear headliner — Caymus, Silver Oak, Hall, Honig, Quilt, and a handful of others crowd the red section like a greatest hits playlist. The Zinfandel bench is actually a quiet strength, with Seghisio, Saldo, Klinker Brick Old Ghost, and Orin Swift's 8 Years in the Desert all showing up in force. Outside California, you're mostly looking at token Italian pours by the glass, and there's no meaningful Old World presence — no Bordeaux, no Burgundy, no Barolo to speak of.
By the Glass
The BTG program runs 12-20 options and leans casual on the white side — Copper Ridge and Kendall Jackson anchor the Chardonnay section, which isn't exactly inspiring at these price points. The Tintero Moscato d'Asti is a genuine bright spot for anyone who wants something fun and low-ABV, and it's a welcome outlier in an otherwise predictable lineup.
Seghisio Zinfandel — null
Seghisio is one of the most consistent, food-friendly Zins made in California and a legitimate alternative to the Napa Cab markup trap. At a steakhouse with this pricing structure, it's almost certainly the best dollar-per-pleasure bottle on the list.
Klinker Brick Old Ghost Zinfandel
Most tables here are gunning straight for the Caymus, but Old Ghost from Klinker Brick is a serious, age-worthy Zinfandel from Lodi that routinely punches above its category. It gets overlooked every time, which means the value gap is real.
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet
Caymus is a fine wine, but it's also one of the most marked-up bottles in American restaurants. At a $$$-$$$$ steakhouse, you're paying a premium on top of a premium for a label that has coasted on its reputation for years. The list around it offers better wine for less.
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet + 14 oz Prime Cut New York Strip
Alexander Valley Silver Oak has that classic American oak structure and dark fruit profile that was practically designed for a prime NY strip. It's the kind of pairing that exists for a reason — the tannins cut the fat, the fruit matches the char, and everybody at the table knows exactly why it works.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Tony's delivers a dependable, California-centric wine program that suits the steakhouse format without ever challenging it. If you're here for a celebratory ribeye and a recognizable red, you'll leave satisfied — just don't expect the list to surprise you.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.