Crowd-pleasing Reno list done right
Reno · Reno · Mediterranean
Reviewed April 29, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Madein reads like a greatest hits album — Rombauer, Duckhorn, Catena Zapata. Nothing surprising, but nothing embarrassing either. For Reno, this is a solid effort that prioritizes approachability over adventure.
One hundred twenty labels sounds impressive until you realize the list leans heavily on California and a few Argentine mainstays. Napa Cabs dominate the red section, Chardonnay owns the whites, and there's not much reason to wander off those well-worn paths. The Mediterranean cuisine hint feels disconnected from the wine program — don't expect any Grillo, Vermentino, or Assyrtiko to anchor those wood-fired dishes. What you do get is reliable, name-brand juice that most guests at the table will recognize and trust.
Twelve pours by the glass at $11–$18 is a reasonable spread for the price point. The range mirrors the bottle list — California-heavy, familiar labels, no real curveballs. Rotation appears minimal, so don't expect seasonal surprises or a new discovery every visit.
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2020 — $55
At roughly 57% above retail, it's not a steal — but for a list in this price tier, that's about as fair as it gets. This is a genuinely well-made Malbec from one of Argentina's best producers, and it drinks well above its restaurant price tag.
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2020
Most tables at an upscale Reno bistro are reaching for the Duckhorn or Rombauer on autopilot. The Catena Zapata is the better wine story — high-altitude Mendoza fruit, real complexity, and a producer with serious credibility that most diners overlook in favor of a familiar California label.
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
At $145 on the menu versus $95 at retail, the math isn't offensive — but Duckhorn Cab is the kind of wine that feels more expensive than it actually is. You're paying for the brand recognition, not the glass. There are better ways to spend $145 on this list.
Rombauer Chardonnay 2021 + Wood-fired fish
Rombauer's butter-forward style was practically engineered for anything coming off a wood fire. The oak and richness stand up to char and smoke without bulldozing lighter proteins. It's not a subtle pairing, but it works.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Madein isn't pushing any boundaries with its wine program, but it's priced fairly and stocked with names that won't let you down. Send your less adventurous wine-drinking friends here with confidence — just don't expect to discover anything new.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.