Italy Meets Oregon, Markups Mostly Behave
Downtown · Bend · Italian
Reviewed April 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Bottega feels like it was built to match the room — warm, Italian-leaning, and unpretentious. At 120+ labels, it's bigger than you'd expect from a cozy small-plates spot on NW 13th. The regional focus on Italy, Oregon, and California makes sense given the menu, and there's enough depth here to reward a second look.
The Italian backbone is the strongest part of the list — Antinori's Peppoli Chianti Classico anchors the Tuscan section, and there are solid Piedmont entries including La Spinetta's Barbera d'Asti and Renato Ratti's Dolcetto d'Alba. Oregon gets its due with Domaine Serene Pinot Noir, which is a crowd-pleasing flex for a Bend audience. California plays predictably — Cakebread Chardonnay and Duckhorn Cab are safe, bankable names that sell themselves. The Burgundy presence is noted but thin; don't come here expecting a serious French deep dive.
Twelve options by the glass is a respectable program for a restaurant this size, spanning $11–$18 a pour. The range covers the Italian and West Coast bases without venturing too far into adventurous territory — this is a crowd-pleasing glass list, not an exploratory one. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority, so what you see is largely what you'll get on your next visit too.
Dolcetto d'Alba Renato Ratti Piedmont — $9.75
A glass pour from one of Piedmont's most dependable producers at under ten bucks is a genuine win. Ratti's Dolcetto is juicy, food-friendly, and built for exactly the kind of small-plate sharing Bottega does well. Don't overthink it — just order it.
Barbera d'Asti La Spinetta Ca' di Pian
Most people at Bottega are going to reach for the Chianti or something Californian. That's their loss. La Spinetta's Ca' di Pian is a serious Barbera from one of Piedmont's elite producers — rich, acidic, and built for food. At $59 on the list it's marked up fairly relative to retail, and it'll outdrink almost everything near it in price.
Champagne A. Margaine Brut MV
A 257% markup on a grower Champagne that retails around $50 is a tough ask. At $14 a glass it might seem reasonable, but you're paying a significant premium for the category. If bubbles are what you're after, the Nino Franco Prosecco is a far friendlier deal.
Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico + Truffle Arancini
Peppoli's bright Sangiovese acidity and earthy backbone cut right through the richness of fried risotto balls stuffed with truffle. The wine's savory character amplifies the umami without competing with it. It's an obvious match, but obvious for a reason.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Bottega is a reliable wine destination for Downtown Bend — not a destination list, but a thoughtful one that leans into its Italian identity and delivers some genuine value if you know where to look. Steer toward the Piedmontese bottles, skip the Champagne markup, and you'll eat and drink well here.
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