Zambra

Zambra's been an Asheville fixture for years, and the wine list leans Mediterranean to match the tapas vibe. It's not trying to be a wine bar, but they've got enough Spain and southern France to keep things interesting without overwhelming the small plates.

The list skews Old World, which makes sense given the cuisine — expect solid Spanish reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, some Albariño and Verdejo for the white wine crowd, and a decent French section with Rhône and Languedoc representation. Portugal shows up with a few Douro reds and Vinho Verde options. It's not a massive list, but it's coherent and restaurant-appropriate, with enough variety to cover the menu's range from patatas bravas to grilled octopus.

The glass pour program hits the expected marks: a Spanish white or two, probably an Albariño, a rosé for patio season, and red options spanning light Garnacha to fuller-bodied Tempranillo. Rotation seems seasonal rather than weekly, so you'll see the same picks for a stretch. Nothing wrong with that if the bottles are solid — consistency matters when you're building regular traffic.