Connected
California classics done right in Central Illinois
Peoria · Peoria · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 13, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into Connected, the wine list reads like a greatest-hits compilation of California's most recognizable names — Caymus, Silver Oak, Rombauer. It's a crowd-pleaser approach, executed with enough care to earn a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence that's been running since 2020. For Peoria, this is genuinely as good as it gets.
Selection Deep Dive
The list sits around 100-150 bottles and leans hard into California, which is exactly what Wine Spectator called out as their strength. You'll find the usual Napa heavyweights — Stag's Leap, Jordan, Duckhorn, Cakebread — all present and accounted for. What's missing is any real adventure: no Willamette Valley Pinot, no interesting imports, no natural wine detour. Sommelier Troy Ummel keeps things tight and well-sourced, but the list isn't built to surprise you.
By the Glass
With 12-20 pours by the glass, there's a decent spread to work with across the $10-$18 range. The program skews toward the same California names that dominate the bottle list, which is consistent if not exactly exciting. Rombauer Chardonnay by the glass is a crowd-pleasing move that'll keep most of the table happy.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $35-$50
Jordan consistently punches above its price point in Napa-adjacent quality, and it's one of the more fairly priced bottles on a list that skews steep. It's the kind of wine that makes a steakhouse dinner feel like the right decision.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at this table is ordering Cab, which means the Duckhorn Merlot gets overlooked. That's a mistake. Duckhorn is one of the best Merlot producers in Napa and this bottle will hold its own next to any Cabernet on the list — often at a friendlier price.
Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is fine. It's also everywhere, and restaurant markups on this bottle are rarely kind. At a place like Connected, you can almost certainly do better with Jordan or Stag's Leap for the same spend or less.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Steak
Stag's Leap built its reputation on structured, elegant Cabernet that doesn't bludgeon you with fruit — exactly what you want next to a properly cooked steak. The tannins do the work, the beef does the rest.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Connected is the best wine list in Peoria, and it earns that quietly with a well-maintained California program and a knowledgeable sommelier who actually shows up. Just don't come looking for anything outside the lines — this list knows what it is and plays it straight.
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