Finch
Elegant New Jersey inn that earns its keep
Stockton · Stockton · American, Italian · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 18, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into Finch at the historic Stockton Inn, the wine list feels like it was put together by someone who actually likes wine — not just someone who needed to fill a page. It's focused, coherent, and leans confidently into California, France, and Italy, which is exactly the right move for a room this elegant. Wine Spectator handed them an Award of Excellence in 2025, and the list earns it.
Selection Deep Dive
The 100-150 bottle list covers the classics without being boring about it — Napa Cabernet, Burgundy Pinot Noir, Barolo, Barbaresco, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Super Tuscans, and Rhône selections all show up with purpose. It reads like a list that was designed to complement the braised short rib and house-made pasta, not just impress someone scanning for trophy bottles. The French and Italian sections have real depth for a restaurant this size, and the Rhône Valley presence is a welcome addition that a lot of similarly positioned lists just ignore. Gaps exist — South America and Iberia are largely absent — but that's a quibble, not a complaint.
By the Glass
Ten to sixteen options by the glass at $12–$18 is a respectable spread for a room this intimate. The range tracks the bottle list — expect Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and something from the Rhône alongside a California red or two. No wild rotation or adventurous pours, but what's there is solid and priced fairly for this corner of New Jersey.
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — $40-$50
At the lower end of the bottle range, a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay in a room like this represents real bang for your buck — cool-climate fruit, enough texture to stand up to the grilled fish or house pasta, and a price point that won't sting when you order a second bottle.
Rhône Valley Selection
Most tables here are reaching for Napa Cab or Burgundy, which means the Rhône section gets ignored. That's a mistake — Rhône reds tend to carry the most personality per dollar on lists like this, and they're genuinely great with roasted meats and braised dishes.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (top tier)
The upper-end Napa Cabs push toward the $120 ceiling, and at that price in a restaurant setting you're almost certainly looking at a 3-4x retail markup. The wine is fine — it's always fine — but the value story disappears fast up here. Spend that money on Barolo instead.
Barolo or Barbaresco + Braised Short Rib
Nebbiolo's firm tannins and high acidity were practically invented to cut through the richness of a long-braised short rib. It's not a subtle pairing — it's just correct. Order it with confidence.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Finch is a reliable, well-considered wine program in a beautiful setting that punches above its weight for rural New Jersey. If you're driving out to the Stockton Inn anyway, the wine list is a genuine reason to linger.
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