Maria Mezcaleria
Great Mezcal List, Forgettable Wine Program
Downtown · Waco · Mexican · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 17, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walk in and the agave spirits list is doing the heavy lifting — it's long, it's interesting, and it's clearly where the love went. The wine list feels like an afterthought stapled to the back, stocked with names you've seen at every chain Italian restaurant in America. Nothing offensive, nothing exciting.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans on familiar California brands and a smattering of Spanish and Mexican-adjacent producers, which at least makes thematic sense for the concept. But thematic sense doesn't excuse the execution — we're talking Josh Cellars Cabernet and Cono Sur as the backbone, not exactly a curated exploration of Baja wine country or Rioja's hidden corners. There's a gesture toward regional identity here, but it never fully commits. If you came hoping to find a Cannonau from Sardinia or even a decent Valle de Guadalupe bottling, you'll leave disappointed.
By the Glass
By-the-glass specifics aren't well documented, but based on the bottle list, expect the usual suspects poured in predictable rotations. If the Accidental Sauvignon Blanc and Cono Sur Carmenere are any indicator, your pours will be drinkable but unremarkable. Don't expect the glass program to surprise you the way the mezcal menu will.
Cono Sur Bicicleta Carmenere 2022 — $22
It's the least bad deal on the list. Cono Sur Bicicleta retails around $12, so you're still paying a premium, but Carmenere has enough dark fruit and smoky character to hold its own against bold Mexican flavors. Relative to the other options here, it's your best bet.
Accidental Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Nobody orders Sauvignon Blanc at a mezcaleria, which is exactly why it might be your move. It's the lightest, brightest option on a list that skews heavy, and with spicy, acidic food it can actually do some work. Underordered, which means it's probably fresher than whatever red has been open since Thursday.
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
At $26, you're paying nearly double retail for a wine that's ubiquitous, anonymous, and built for grocery store shelves, not a restaurant list. Josh Cellars Cab is the wine equivalent of ordering a Bud Light at a craft beer bar — it exists, but you shouldn't.
Cono Sur Bicicleta Carmenere 2022 + Carnitas Tacos
Carmenere's smoky, slightly herbaceous profile mirrors the char on slow-cooked pork without fighting it. It's not a sophisticated pairing — it's just one dark, savory thing playing well with another.
❌ The Bottom Line
Maria Mezcaleria is a genuinely fun spot, but the wine list is here because it has to be, not because anyone wanted it. Order a mezcal cocktail, save the wine night for somewhere that actually cares.
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