Fort Myers

Bleu Provence runs the most ambitious wine program in Southwest Florida and largely delivers on the promise — deep French cellar, knowledgeable staff, proper glassware. Just go in knowing the bill will reflect every bottle of that ambition.

Sails is a reliable wine destination if your idea of a good time is a well-known California label alongside fresh local seafood — just don't expect to be challenged or surprised. The markups on the trophy bottles are steep, but the by-the-glass program is fair enough to keep the evening moving.

Flock Wine Bistro is punching well above its zip code — a sommelier-led list with over 120 labels, legitimate producers, and fair pricing in a market that doesn't usually demand this level of effort. If you're in Fort Myers and you care about what's in your glass, this is the place.

Angelina's is punching well above its zip code with a 650-bottle list, a working sommelier, and a wine dinner program that brings in serious producers. If you're eating Italian on the Gulf Coast and care about what's in your glass, this is the move.

Izzy's is a solid neighborhood seafood spot where the wine list exists to support the food, not steal the show — and it succeeds at that modest goal. Send a friend here for oysters and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, just don't send them expecting anything to write home about.

Vergina is a reliable Italian wine list in a town that could easily coast on tourist dollars and not try at all — the fact that Gaja and Planeta share space with Santa Margherita tells you someone put in some effort. The early bird bottle deal is legitimately good value; outside of that, markup is steep enough that you'll want to pick your spots.

Truluck's is a reliable splurge for Napa loyalists who want a polished, well-staffed wine experience to go alongside excellent seafood — just don't expect the list to challenge you. If your idea of a great wine night is a familiar name in a beautiful glass, this hits the mark.

Flipper's punches above its weight class for a casual open-air beach spot — the presence of Kosta Browne, Kistler, and Zind-Humbrecht means someone with taste built this list. Markups keep it from being a steal, but if you know where to look, you'll drink well with your feet practically in the sand.

CIBO is a reliable dinner option if you're already there for the Italian food and want a recognizable bottle without drama — just don't expect the wine list to match the cuisine's heritage. Order the Ken Wright, skip the Caymus markup, and save the big wine splurge for a place that earns it.

Connors is a safe, competent steakhouse wine list that delivers what it promises — California Cabs, familiar names, and zero risk. Send a friend here for a solid steak night, but don't send them expecting to learn anything new about wine.

The Veranda is a genuinely lovely room with a wine list that does its job — it's broad, it's organized, and it covers the classics — but the markups are consistently steep and there's little here to excite a curious wine drinker who's moved past the Napa Cab greatest-hits era. Go for the atmosphere and the steak; just know you're paying a premium for the privilege.

Tap 42 isn't where you go to drink well — it's where you go to drink fine while eating decent food on a patio. Come on a Wednesday, order the En Route, and you'll leave happy enough.