Suburban wine bar that actually tries
Johnston · Des Moines · Wine bar / American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 20, 2026
Wingman Metrics
You walk into Louie's Johnston and the wine list feels like it was built for people who know what they like and don't want a lecture about it. It's approachable in the best sense — not dumbed down, just not showing off. For a suburb of Des Moines, the ambition here is real.
The list runs 100-150 bottles deep with a heavy lean toward California, France, New Zealand, and Washington State — reliable wine country all-stars, no real surprises. You'll find the expected crowd-pleasers anchoring the list, which is fine for the audience, but anyone hunting for a grower Champagne or a weird Jura white will leave empty-handed. Italy and Washington State show up with enough presence to keep things from feeling like a grocery store endcap, but the list plays it safe more than it takes swings. Still, at this price point in this zip code, the depth is more than respectable.
Forty to sixty pours by the glass is legitimately impressive for a neighborhood spot — this is where Louie's earns its wine bar badge. Rotation appears to happen with some intention, and the sheer volume of options means you're not stuck choosing between two Chardonnays. The tradeoff is that the BTG list trends heavily toward crowd-friendly names, so expect familiarity over discovery.
Bread & Butter Pinot Noir — $
Reliably well-made Central Coast Pinot at a price that doesn't make you wince. It's the kind of bottle that drinks above its weight class, especially if you're splitting it over small plates.
The Prisoner Red Blend
Most people gloss over California red blends as safe and boring, but The Prisoner is genuinely interesting — Zinfandel-forward with enough Cabernet, Petite Sirah, and Syrah in the mix to keep it from being one-note. It plays well with a crowd and doesn't require a wine education to appreciate.
Veuve Clicquot Champagne
Veuve is a fine bottle, but restaurant markups on this label are almost always brutal — it's the Champagne equivalent of a house burger at a steakhouse. You're paying for the yellow label, not for a deal. If you want bubbles, push the staff to see what else is on the list.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc + Small plates
Kim Crawford's Marlborough Sauv Blanc is bright, citrusy, and high-acid — it cuts right through anything rich or fatty on the small plates menu and keeps your palate fresh between bites. It's not a revelation, but it does the job cleanly every single time.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Louie's Johnston is exactly what a suburban wine bar should be — a big by-the-glass list, fair prices, and zero pretension. Send your friends here when they want to drink well without a side of attitude.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.