Ynot Italian
Solid neighborhood Italian, wine does the job
Ghent · Norfolk · Italian, Pizza · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 24, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Ynot Italian is exactly what you'd expect from a casual neighborhood pizza-and-pasta spot — recognizable labels, approachable prices on the low end, and zero pretension. It's not trying to be a wine destination, and that's fine, but a few of these markups are harder to swallow than a glass of Bolla Merlot. Still, there's enough here to get through a bowl of pasta without suffering.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans on Italian stalwarts (Ruffino, Banfi, Bolla) and California crowd-pleasers (J. Lohr, Francis Coppola, Kenwood) with a couple of international ringers like the Diseno Malbec and 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc thrown in for variety. Sicily gets a nod with the Cusumano Nero d'Avola, which is genuinely one of the more interesting bottles on the list. Washington State shows up twice with the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling and Merf Chardonnay, which is a slightly unexpected touch for a Norfolk pizza joint. Don't come here expecting anything off the beaten path — this is a greatest-hits list built for people who know what they like.
By the Glass
With 18+ by-the-glass options spanning reds, whites, and bubbles, the pour program is legitimately one of the stronger aspects of this list for a casual spot. Glasses run from around $7 to $23 depending on size and pour, which keeps things accessible. The Ruffino Prosecco by the glass is a smart opener for the table, and the 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc at $9.91 for a 9oz pour is a reasonable deal if you're not ordering a bottle.
Diseno Malbec Mendoza Argentina — $25.64
At a 71% markup, this is the least punishing bottle on the list. It's an easy-drinking Malbec from Mendoza that overdelivers at its retail price, and the restaurant markup is relatively restrained compared to the rest of the list. Order this if you want red wine without the regret.
Cusumano Nero d'Avola Sicily Italy
Most people at a casual Italian spot will default to Chianti or Merlot, and they'll walk right past this. Nero d'Avola from Sicily is a genuinely interesting grape — dark fruit, earthy, with enough structure to hold up to heavier dishes. Cusumano is a reliable producer and this is the most personality you'll find on this list.
Bolla Merlot Veneto Italy
A 104% markup on a $12 retail bottle is the steepest on the list, and Bolla Merlot isn't exactly earning that premium — it's grocery store wine at restaurant prices. At $24.48 a bottle, you can do better with almost anything else here.
Banfi Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy + Tuscan Beef
Chianti Classico and Tuscan beef is almost too obvious, but Banfi makes a solid, food-friendly bottle and the high-acid Sangiovese cuts through the richness of the beef perfectly. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Ynot Italian isn't a wine destination, but it's a solid neighborhood spot where you can find a decent bottle to go with your pizza without overthinking it. Lean on the Diseno Malbec or the Cusumano Nero d'Avola and skip the Bolla — you'll leave happy.
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