California dreaming in the heart of Nashville
Nashville · Nashville · Southern American, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 27, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Deacon's reads like a greatest hits of California — Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, Far Niente. It's polished, confident, and built to impress a Nashville crowd that knows what they like. There's no pretension here, just a well-curated selection that knows its audience.
With somewhere between 150 and 250 selections, the list is solidly sized but leans hard into California Cabernet and Chardonnay — think Napa Valley's upper-middle class showing up in force. Stag's Leap, Jordan, Duckhorn, and Silver Oak anchor the reds, with Far Niente flying the flag for white wine lovers. What's missing is any meaningful exploration outside California — don't come here expecting Burgundy rabbit holes or an Argentine surprise. This is a steakhouse list built to move bottles, and it does that job well.
The by-the-glass program runs 12 to 20 options, which is respectable for an upscale Nashville steakhouse. With sommelier Andrew Lizardo on staff, there's at least a guiding hand keeping things coherent rather than random. The pours likely skew toward familiar California names — solid if unsurprising, and good enough to hold you over while you debate a bottle.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $80
Jordan consistently punches above its price point — structured, food-friendly, and far less marked up than the Napa trophy wines on this list. Next to Opus One, it looks like a steal.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at a steakhouse defaults to Cabernet, which means the Duckhorn Merlot gets overlooked. It's plush, fruit-forward, and actually a better match for some of the Southern-inflected dishes on the menu — try it with the braised short rib if it's available.
Opus One
Opus One is a great wine, but restaurant markups on prestige bottles like this are brutal. You're paying a significant premium over retail to drink it in a loud Nashville dining room. Save it for a night when the setting matches the price tag.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Dry-aged prime steak
Stag's Leap built its reputation on structured, elegant Cabernet that doesn't bludgeon you — which makes it the right call against a well-marbled dry-aged cut. The tannins do the work without overwhelming the beef's natural flavor.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Deacon's won't expand your wine horizons, but if California Cabernet with your steak is the plan — and in Nashville, it often is — Andrew Lizardo's program delivers with confidence. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is earned, even if the list plays it safe.
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