Southern River Views with Solid Wine Foundations
Historic District · Savannah · American · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed February 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Vic's wine list reads like a riverfront dinner safety net—nothing adventurous, but nothing catastrophic. It's the kind of list where you know exactly what you're getting before you even open it: California Cabs, Oregon Pinots, maybe a Sancerre if you're feeling continental.
The list leans heavily into recognizable American producers with a sprinkling of European crowd-pleasers. You'll find your Napa heavyweights like Caymus and Silver Oak alongside safer Willamette Valley picks. The Old World section feels like an afterthought—predictable Chiantis, a token Rioja, maybe a Côtes du Rhône that's been on the list since 2019. There's no real regional depth here, just broad strokes designed to make tourists comfortable. The absence of anything natural, orange, or remotely adventurous tells you everything: this list exists to not offend anyone.
The glass pour program sticks to the script with eight to ten options that rotate seasonally at best. Expect a Paso Robles Cab, a Russian River Chard, and a Provençal rosé in summer months. Pours are generous but prices creep toward $14-16 for wines you'd find at Total Wine for $18 a bottle. The upside: they're reliable, the downside: they're boring.
J Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley — $48
Solid producer at a semi-reasonable markup for Savannah riverfront dining—fruit-forward but balanced enough for their shrimp and grits
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir
Often overlooked because La Crema gets dismissed as grocery-store wine, but the Monterey bottling has actual structure and pairs beautifully with anything from their seafood menu
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Marked up to $120+ for a wine that retails under $80—pure tourist trap pricing for a butter bomb that doesn't need this markup
Willamette Valley Pinot Gris + Seared Georgia Shrimp
The bright acidity and stone fruit notes cut through butter-based sauces while complementing the sweetness of local shrimp—textbook lowcountry pairing
✔️ The Bottom Line
Vic's won't blow your mind with wine, but it won't ruin your riverfront dinner either. Order smart, skip the trophy bottles, and you'll drink well enough while watching the Savannah River roll by.
Downtown Savannah · Savannah · Farm to Table, Seasonal
The 1540 Room is a dependable, well-curated list in one of Savannah's most atmospheric dining rooms — you won't find anything to argue with, but you won't find anything to be shocked by either. Send your friends here when they want a great bottle with a great meal and zero drama.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Port City Southern
The Grey proves that a curated, adventurous wine list can be just as impressive as a 700-bottle cellar. James Beard Outstanding Chef Mashama Bailey's food demands a wine program that matches its ambition, and the sommelier team delivers — with indigenous varietals, natural wines, and by-the-glass pours you won't find anywhere else in the Southeast. Come for the food, stay for the wine education you didn't know you needed.
Adventurous & Curated
Worth It
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Led
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Thomas Square · Savannah · Southern
Common Thread is Savannah's rising wine sleeper. Libby Burk is building one of the most interesting sommelier-driven programs in the Southeast — indigenous varietals, natural wines, and a genuine passion for making wine accessible and fun. Not as deep as Common's 710-bottle cathedral, not as famous as The Grey's James Beard pedigree, but arguably the most exciting wine program in town for anyone who wants to learn something new every visit.
Adventurous
Fair
Proper
Sommelier Led
Wine Club & Events
Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Common isn't just the best wine program in Savannah — it's one of the best in the Southeast. 710 selections including first-growth Bordeaux verticals, Grand Cru Burgundy, and Napa trophy wines, backed by a three-sommelier team. The $25 corkage fee is fair if you bring something the list doesn't cover, but good luck finding a gap. Plan a trip around this one.
Encyclopedic
Fair
Varietal Specific
Sommelier Team
Rotating
Cellar Proper
Historic District · Savannah · Southern American
Come for the pirate history and the She-Crab soup, but leave wine expectations at the door. This list exists to fill a checkbox, not to enhance your meal—order a cocktail or local beer instead.
Crowd Pleasers
Gouge
Red Flag
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Historic District · Savannah · Italian Steakhouse
Pacifico won't change your wine life, but it won't ruin your dinner either. If you're here for the steaks and want a safe Italian red, you'll be fine. Just don't expect value or adventure.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Stemless Casual
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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.