Hawthorn Grill
California classics done right, no surprises
Summerlin · Las Vegas · American Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 17, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Hawthorn Grill reads like a greatest hits album of California Cabernet — Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, all present and accounted for. It's a confident, polished steakhouse list that knows exactly what it is and makes no apologies for it. If you came here hoping for discovery, adjust expectations; if you came here to drink well with a prime rib, you're in the right place.
Selection Deep Dive
The 150-250 bottle list leans hard into California, which tracks for a steakhouse that wants to move Cabernet with every entree. Stag's Leap, Duckhorn, Jordan, and Far Niente give the list credibility — these aren't just big brand names dropped for recognition, they're genuinely well-made wines. The Chardonnay bench with Cakebread and Far Niente is solid for guests who want something white before the red parade begins. What's missing is any real reach outside California — no Barolo, no aged Rioja, no Willamette Valley Pinot to break up the monotony — which is a choice, but a limiting one.
By the Glass
With 12-20 by-the-glass options, there's enough breadth to get through a full meal without committing to a bottle — a real plus for solo diners or mixed tables. The program leans toward the same California-forward anchors as the bottle list, so don't expect anything that'll make you put your fork down in surprise. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here; what you see is what you get, week to week.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $40
Jordan punches above its price point consistently, and in a steakhouse environment where the temptation is to reach for the Caymus at twice the price, this is the smart call — structured, food-friendly, and approachable without being boring.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at a steakhouse orders Cab, which means the Duckhorn Merlot gets overlooked almost every time. That's a mistake — this is a serious, age-worthy wine that holds its own against any cut of beef on the menu and often represents better value than the obvious Cab picks.
Opus One
Opus One is a genuinely great wine, but in a steakhouse setting with steep markups, you're paying a significant premium over retail for the brand recognition. The gap between what you pay and what's in your glass doesn't justify it when Jordan and Stag's Leap are sitting right there.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Prime Rib
Stag's Leap brings enough structure and dark fruit to stand up to a slow-roasted prime rib without overwhelming the beef's natural richness — it's the kind of pairing that makes the whole table go quiet for a second.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Hawthorn Grill is a dependable, handsome steakhouse wine list that earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence without reinventing the wheel. Send a friend here if they want a great glass of California Cab with a serious piece of beef — just tell them to stick to the mid-range bottles and skip the trophy wines.
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