Six restaurants where thoughtful wine programs, knowledgeable staff and standout selections elevate the dining experience.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight Pinot Noir, a special-occasion Champagne or a rare Italian red, these local restaurants have wine programs worth exploring. We asked area wine professionals to share their favorite wine lists in Fairfield County—places where knowledgeable staff, thoughtful selections and excellent food make every bottle taste a little better.
Darien
Ten Twenty Post
This bustling favorite specializes in seafood, pairing simple New England classics like seared Atlantic salmon with casual European Bistro dishes like mussels in white wine and steak frites. It’s also known for the extensive by-the-glass wine list, featuring reds and whites from Europe, the U.S., South America and New Zealand. A selection of six sparkling wines— from prosecco and rosé cava to three French Champagnes—offers something for every palate. Ports are another highlight with nine available, including Maynard’s 40-year-old tawny. Sundays are half-priced bottle days.
Roots Ocean Prime
With an upscale menu of aged steaks and fresh seafood, Roots Ocean Prime is a place to celebrate and indulge. Its wine list features about 80 bottles, with a deep focus on Napa Cabernet Sauvignons— from approachable bottles like Harper Oak ’21 to coveted cult wines such as Harlan Estate ’21. For celebrating with a large group, a magnum of Silver Oak Cabernet ’20 from Alexander Valley makes a statement. Guests can also pair a chilled seafood platter or Dover sole in buerre blanc with selections from the Champagne & Rosé, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Worldly Whites lists.
New Canaan
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant and Bar
Owned by two brothers from Ischia, an Island north of the Bay of Naples, this restaurant features regional handmade pastas, pan-seared Branzino with braised fennel and filet mignon in Barolo sauce. The curated wine lists, featuring both well-known vintages and boutique organic and biodynamic wines, are offered by the glass and bottle. One list is organized by type—frizzante, bianco, rosato and rosso—with playful descriptions (i.e. Gavi di Gavi from Piemonte: “vibrant-lively-elegant”). A second list is organized by Italian regions—from Abruzzo to Sicily, with a focus on Toscana), making it easy to pair regional dishes with regional wines.
Elm
Chef Luke Venner’s New American restaurant is known for seasonal, ingredient-forward cuisine and cool climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The chef is justifiably proud of his by-the-glass and by-the-bottle wine lists. While the selection covers all price points, it reaches its peak with Grand Crus from the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy—a region home to some of the world’s finest red wine vineyards, including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. For wine enthusiasts, Elm is a great place to indulge and celebrate. But on a regular Wednesday at the bar with Chef Luke’s Double-Double animal burger, the bartender will happily pour you a Rioja or Conti by the glass.
Rowayton
Rowayton Seafood
Since 2023, Rowayton Seafood has been awarded Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence—also known as the “Two Glass” award—which recognizes a restaurant as a serious destination for wine lovers. To earn this honor, a restaurant must have 350 or more selections spanning multiple regions and depth of top producers. Rowayton Seafood highlights wines from France, including Burgundy, Loire Valley and Champagne, as well as Italian favorites like Vermentino, Gavi and Tuscan reds. The list is designed to be approachable for people just starting to explore wine, while also having depth and interest for seasoned enthusiasts. And, of course, there’s always a summer favorite: the house Provencal rosé, Rowayton Water.
SONO
Josie and Tony’s Italian Deli and Supper Club
This modern Italian restaurant, with a theatrical throwback vibe and plenty of attitude, has earned the Wine Spectator Two Glass Award in each of its first two years in business. Owner Josh Mesnick has expertly curated lists with the variety, depth and quality the award demands. The list covers the best Italian wine-making regions and well-known and obscure varietals. A Coravin system allows Josie and Tony’s to pour Super Tuscans by the glass—so if you’ve ever wanted to try an Ornellaia Super Tuscan ’21 without committing to a bottle, you can try it here for $125 per glass. The restaurant also hosts wine classes and dinners. And yes—the food is excellent too, thanks to the chef who spent 25 years working under legendary Joe Bruno at Pasta Nostra.
Whether your preference leans toward Burgundy, Barolo, Napa Cabernet or Champagne, these six local spots prove that exceptional wine experiences aren’t limited to major cities. With thoughtful curation, knowledgeable staff and lists that range from approachable to extraordinary, they’re worth raising a glass to.