Pacific Northwest Pride in a Sports Bar
Liberty Lake · Spokane · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 10, 2026
RagingWine reviewed True Legends Grill’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
Walk into True Legends and the 230-inch screen is running the game, the beer taps are flowing, and the wine list is... actually not embarrassing. For a lively sports bar in Liberty Lake, the fact that they're pouring Barrister and BookWalter instead of just Barefoot is a small win worth acknowledging.
The list runs 20-30 bottles deep and stays firmly in Washington State and Pacific Northwest territory — which, honestly, is the right call for this zip code. You've got Barrister Rough Justice repping Spokane's own backyard, BookWalter Chardonnay from the Columbia Valley, and Maryhill Pinot Gris keeping it regional. The weak link is the presence of Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir, which feels like it wandered in from a hotel mini-bar and has no business sitting next to the local producers.
Twelve by-the-glass options is genuinely solid for a sports bar, and the $5–$15 price window keeps things accessible. The spread covers enough ground that you can drink local without just defaulting to whatever the bartender pours on autopilot.
Maryhill Pinot Gris — $8
Maryhill consistently punches above its weight in the Columbia Gorge, and getting it by the glass at sports bar prices while watching a game is exactly the kind of low-key win this list was built for.
Barrister Rough Justice
Most people at a sports bar are reaching for a beer or a bourbon, which means this Spokane-made red from one of the region's most respected small producers gets overlooked constantly. It shouldn't. Barrister knows what they're doing and Rough Justice is the proof.
Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir
When the rest of the list is repping legitimate Pacific Northwest producers, Clos Du Bois sticks out like a sore thumb. It's a mass-market California label at a price that doesn't justify choosing it over anything else on this list.
Ste Michelle Syrah + Steak
Ste. Michelle's Syrah has the dark fruit and peppery backbone to stand up to a proper steak, and at these price points you're not overthinking it — you're just eating well.
The Bottom Line
True Legends isn't a wine destination, but it earns its keep by committing to Washington producers and keeping prices honest. Send a friend here if they want to catch a game and drink something better than the usual sports bar swill.
Kendall Yards · Spokane · Winery and craft distillery tasting room with small bites
Browne Family's Spokane room is a confident single-producer tasting experience done right — fair prices, knowledgeable pours, and a genuine case for why Washington State deserves your attention. Send a friend here if they think Washington wine is just an also-ran.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Downtown / Riverside · Spokane · Barbecue / American Tavern
The Blackbird is a genuinely good barbecue tavern that simply doesn't care about wine, and the steep markups on uninspired bottles make that indifference expensive. Come for the smoked meats and a cold beer — if you insist on wine, grab the Milbrandt and move on.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Fondue / Upscale Casual
The Melting Pot Spokane isn't a wine destination, and it's not trying to be — but the Washington State anchors on this list are genuinely good, and if you stick to those, you'll drink well enough for the occasion. Come for the fondue experience, order the Ste. Michelle, and save the serious wine night for somewhere else.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel cocktail bar and lounge with small plates
1919 won't blow any minds, but for a hotel bar in downtown Spokane it earns genuine respect for keeping Washington State producers front and center. Come for the room, stay for the Beresan — just don't expect any surprises in the pricing.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel Rooftop/Terrace Bar
The Grand Terrace Bar is a great place to drink wine in Spokane — just not necessarily great wine. Come for the skyline, order the Riesling, and save the serious bottle hunting for elsewhere.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Wine Bar
Barrister is a genuine Wild Card: a serious urban winery tucked into Spokane's rail district that most wine travelers blow past on their way to Walla Walla. If you're in eastern Washington and you haven't stopped here, you owe yourself a visit.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Eagle Ranch · Vail · American
The Wild Sage is your dependable neighborhood spot in Eagle Ranch — the wine list won't blow your mind, but it won't embarrass you at dinner either. Watch the markups on the top-shelf Napa bottles and stick to the mid-range, and you'll be fine.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Waterfront · Traverse City · American
Warehouse Kitchen + Cork won't win any awards for depth or ambition, but it plays its hand honestly — fair prices, solid local representation, and a full by-the-glass program that respects your wallet. If you're in Traverse City and want a glass of something local with a water view, this works.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Truckee · Truckee · American
Sunnyside is a casual lodge restaurant wearing a serious wine list under its flannel — the markup is steep and it won't win any awards for staff expertise, but the producer lineup is legitimately impressive for where you're sitting. If you're already at the lake, this is absolutely worth ordering a real bottle.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
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