Great golf, wine not so much. US Open, Oakmont, June 12-15, 2025
The US Open returns to Oakmont for what, the 10th time, and they’re promising 5” (wet) rough and greens running 15 on the Stimpmeter. Help! While the pros are struggling to make par, you’re going to struggle just as much to find a great wine list in Pittsburgh. Although I haven’t seen it, rumor suggests the best list in town might be at the exclusive Duquesne Club. For those in search of vinous refreshment, we offer these somewhat uninspiring offers. There is no brilliant, world-class list rising above the pack. I could chalk it up to the State Liquor Monopoly, but we saw a lot better in Philly a few weeks ago. Some of the comparatively better lists have inexcusably high prices, but others have bottle shops or discounted to-go options that help a bit. A boilermaker will get the job done faster if it comes to that.
Restaurants
Click map for city details
Allegheny Wine Mixer: good short list with an eclectic bent. Finger Lakes blaufrankisch anyone? Dunn for the purist
Altius boasts a much bigger list with good diversity and strenghs in California, both red and white. Prices on high scoring bottles are consistently double current retails.
Casbah Kitchen has an interesting list tuned to its Mediterranean menu. Nice Italian offer that dares to get off the beaten path, but for some reason Burgundy prices are frightful, like $300 for middling village Gevrey.
Alla Famiglia has a good broad offer with an Italian focus as you’d expect. It’s divided into somewhat arbitrary sections like “Burly, dense and intense” which don’t make a whole lot of sense and overrun with relatively average wines. Nonetheless there are some nice options you can find with judicious inspection.
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto scared me with the name (it’s a long way from there to Pittsburgh) but the small to mid-sized list is earnest and makes an effort to trot out a diverse array of fish-friendly whites and even a Frappato. It doesn’t go far enough and the American wines are unfortunately entirely predictable. Prices are generally excellent and deserve a nod compared to some other places here.
Eleven might have the best “traditional” list in town. It is not inspired, but the size gives it an advantage in this market, especially New World chardonnay and pinot. Prices overall are fair except for the trophies, which are jacked up maybe 3x retail.
Siempre Algo mashes all the whites and reds around the world into one bucket each. It’s not a very big list but it’s fun and funky.
Pusadee’s Garden’s mid-size list has something for everyone. Wines are in flavor-profile categories but they make an effort to identify all the grapes, including about 10 in one South African field blend. A good list to explore if not to find old favorites, which is fine with us.
Retail
Fine Wine and Good Spirits is decidedly less exciting than the stores in Philly but at least it has a pulse. There are several stores to choose from and an “Online special” section with some top Bordeaux. Make it easy on yourself and start here.
For the adventurous there are quite a few wine bars and smaller neighborhood stores with a largely natural wine orientation. Take Apteka for example.
