Pacific Northwest Pride in a Sports Bar
Liberty Lake · Spokane · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 10, 2026
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
Southwest / Time Corners · Fort Wayne · American
Catablu is exactly what it needs to be for its neighborhood — a reliable, thoughtfully maintained list that won't embarrass you on a date night or bore you entirely. It's not a destination wine list, but it's a solid supporting act for a kitchen that clearly takes food seriously.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Otay Ranch Town Center · Chula Vista · American
BJ's is a fine place to drink a craft beer and eat a Pizookie. It is not a place to drink wine. Order a Brewhouse Blonde, skip the wine list entirely, and save your wine night for somewhere that cares.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
SanTan Village · Gilbert · American
The Cheesecake Factory is a perfectly fine place to eat — the wine list just isn't a reason to go. Order a cocktail, split a bottle of Santa Margherita if you must, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that earned it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
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.