Wednesday Saves What the List Can't
Downtown · Des Moines · New American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 20, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Americana reads like a greatest hits album from the grocery store aisle — Meiomi, Kim Crawford, Kendall-Jackson, La Marca. It's not offensive, but it's not trying very hard either. This is a cocktail bar that happens to serve wine, and the list makes that clear immediately.
The 40-to-70-bottle list leans heavily on California and broad New World crowd-pleasers, with no real sense of curation or regional adventure. You'll find the reliable names that every table recognizes — J. Lohr Cab, Francis Coppola Claret, KJ Chardonnay — but nothing that makes you pause or get curious. There's no old-world anchor, no natural wine flirtation, no local Iowa producer love. It covers the bases without ever swinging for the fences.
The by-the-glass program runs 8 to 14 options and mirrors the bottle list — safe, familiar, and fine. Pours are priced $8 to $14, which is reasonable for downtown Des Moines, though you're mostly paying for the name recognition. Don't expect rotation or seasonal surprises here.
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret — $34
The markup on this one is actually the most restrained on the list at under 90% over retail — and it's a soft, approachable red blend that works across the whole menu. By Americana's own standards, this is the best deal in the book.
J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon
Most people at this table are ordering cocktails, which means this bottle gets overlooked constantly. J. Lohr Seven Oaks is genuinely well-made Paso Robles Cab — structured and food-friendly — and at $30 it holds its own next to a burger or the mac and cheese.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
At $28 for a bottle you can grab for $13 at Total Wine, this is the least interesting wine on the list at the worst value ratio. There's nothing wrong with KJ Chard, but you can do better here for the same money.
Meiomi Pinot Noir + Mac and Cheese
Meiomi is big, plush, and slightly sweet — which sounds wrong for pasta until you remember this mac is rich and indulgent. The fruit-forward profile cuts through the fat without clashing, and it's the kind of pairing that works precisely because neither side is asking too much of the other.
Wednesday — Industry Night every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to close in the bar area — half-price on bottles and glasses of wine. Reserve and limited-list bottles may be excluded.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Americana is a great night out for brunch, cocktails, and good times — the wine list is just along for the ride. Show up on a Wednesday, hit the half-price bottles in the bar, and order the Coppola Claret.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.