Sign In

or

No password needed — we'll email you a sign-in link.

✔️The Reliable

Fogo de Chão

Big Meat Energy, Surprisingly Serious Wine List

Huntington Beach · Huntington Beach · Brazilian Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗

date-nightold-world-focussplurge-worthycasual-vibes

Reviewed April 10, 2026

Wingman Metrics

List VarietyCrowd Pleasers
MarkupSteep
GlasswareBasic Stemmed
StaffWilling but Green
Specials & DealsSet & Forget
Storage & TempAcceptable

First Impression

You're here for the endless parade of meat, but the wine list earns a second look. It's tight, recognizable, and leans hard into the South American angle — which makes sense given the concept. Nothing weird, nothing adventurous, but the hits are there.

Selection Deep Dive

The list runs 150-plus bottles and stays firmly planted in California, Argentina, and Chile — the three pillars called out in their Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, earned in 2024. Argentina is the star: Catena Zapata's Adrianna Vineyard, Achaval Ferrer, Clos de los Siete, and Zuccardi Valle de Uco all make appearances, giving the Malbec section real credibility. Chile punches above its weight with Concha y Toro Don Melchor and Almaviva in the lineup, which is genuinely impressive for a chain restaurant. California is the crowd-pleaser column — Jordan, Silver Oak, Caymus, Duckhorn — familiar names that sell themselves and rarely require explanation.

By the Glass

The glass program runs 12-20 options at $12-$18, which is a reasonable spread for a Brazilian steakhouse in coastal SoCal. Don't expect anything left-field; these are safe, red-dominant pours designed to move alongside the Picanha and Fraldinha. Rotation appears minimal — this looks like a set-it-and-forget-it program rather than something actively curated.

💰Best Value

Achaval Ferrer Malbec (Argentina) — $40s

Achaval Ferrer consistently overdelivers for the price — dense, structured Malbec that holds its own against the Picanha without asking you to spend Silver Oak money. In a list that trends steep, this is where the value lives.

💎Hidden Gem

Zuccardi Valle de Uco Malbec (Argentina)

Most tables here will order the California Cabs out of habit, which means the Zuccardi Valle de Uco gets overlooked. That's a mistake — Valle de Uco Malbec has altitude-driven acidity and complexity that most people associate with much pricier bottles. Worth the detour.

Skip This

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Caymus is everywhere, costs plenty, and the restaurant markup doesn't do you any favors. You're paying for the label more than the wine at this point. The Argentinian options at lower price points outperform it at the table.

🍽️Perfect Pairing

Clos de los Siete (Argentina) + Picanha (signature top sirloin)

Clos de los Siete is a Michel Rolland project built for exactly this situation — rich, meaty, structured enough to stand up to the fat-forward char on a Picanha without steamrolling it. It's the move.

✔️ The Bottom Line

Fogo de Chão Huntington Beach isn't a destination wine list, but it's more thoughtful than you'd expect from a national chain — especially in the Argentine and Chilean sections. Send your steak-loving friend here, point them toward the South American reds, and let the meat do the rest.

Sign In

or

No password needed — we'll email you a sign-in link.

Comments

Cmd+Enter to post
Loading comments...

Sign In

or

No password needed — we'll email you a sign-in link.

Get the Weekly Wingman

One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.