Johnny's Italian Steakhouse – West Des Moines

The wine list at Johnny's reads like a greatest hits album from 2012 — La Marca, Kendall-Jackson, Meiomi, Santa Margherita. Nothing here will surprise you, and that's clearly the point. It's a corporate chain list that prioritizes familiarity over discovery, and unfortunately, it charges handsomely for the privilege of that comfort.

The list spans California, Italy, and a smattering of international names, but depth is minimal — these are brand names that sell themselves, not wines that need a story. You won't find anything from Burgundy, the Rhône, Rioja, or anywhere that might challenge a first-time wine drinker. Decoy by Duckhorn represents the ceiling of ambition here, which is a low ceiling. The one nod to Italy beyond Prosecco and Pinot Grigio is Santa Margherita, itself a grocery store staple dressed up in a steakhouse setting.

There are roughly 15–20 glass pours across sparkling, white, red, and dessert categories, which is a respectable count on paper. In practice, the rotation appears static — this is a "set and forget" program with no evidence of seasonal swaps or emerging producers sneaking in. At $9–$13 a glass, you're paying restaurant prices for wines you could grab at Hy-Vee on the way home.