Positano Italian Restaurant
A neighborhood Italian joint that gets wine
Westridge / Holden Road · Greensboro · Italian · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 25, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Positano is short — one page, maybe two — but whoever put it together clearly knows their Italian regions. This isn't a list that was assembled by someone clicking through a distributor catalog on autopilot. There's actual intention here.
Selection Deep Dive
The Italian backbone is strong and geographically honest: you've got Lugana from Lombardia, Fiano and Chardonnay from Puglia, Pecorino from Abruzzo, Nebbiolo and Roero from Piemonte, Chianti from Toscana, and Amarone from Valpolicella — real regional representation that most Italian-American restaurants completely ignore. The non-Italian picks are minimal and functional: a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the unadventurous, a California Chardonnay for the same crowd, and a French Pinot Noir to round things out. The Super Tuscan from Casalone and the Roero from Marchisio are the list's personality — they signal that someone here is paying attention. The gap is anything approaching a premium tier; there's no serious aged Italian, no Barolo, no deep cellar play.
By the Glass
Glass pours land between $10 and $15, which is refreshingly honest for this kind of neighborhood Italian spot. With roughly 12-16 options available by the glass across whites, sparkling/rosato, and reds, you've got real choice — not just the usual Pinot Grigio-and-Chianti dead end. The Radise Prosecco DOC and the Vignefolli Pinot Grigio as glass pours are exactly what a pre-dinner table deserves.
Roero, Marchisio, Piemonte — $58
Roero is Barolo's less famous neighbor — same Nebbiolo grape, lighter touch, earlier drinking, and a fraction of the price. Marchisio making it in Piemonte means you're getting the real thing, not a label slap. At this price point in a restaurant context, it's a genuine steal for anyone who knows what they're holding.
Lugana, Roveglia, Lombardia
Lugana is one of northern Italy's best-kept secrets — a white from Lake Garda made from Turbiana that drinks with real texture and longevity. Roveglia is a legitimate producer in the appellation. Most people at this table will order the Pinot Grigio. Don't be most people.
Chardonnay, Notes, California
A generic California Chardonnay on a list with this much Italian personality is essentially a placeholder. It's here for guests who won't budge, and that's fine — but you're at an Italian restaurant with Fiano and Lugana on the menu. There's no reason to default to this.
Nebbiolo, Tintero Elvio, Piemonte + Pasta Bolognese
Tintero Elvio makes Nebbiolo that's floral and bright but with real Piemontese grip — the kind of acidity that cuts through a rich meat sauce and makes the whole table feel smarter. If Positano does a proper Bolognese, this is the move.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Positano isn't trying to be a wine destination, but its Italian-focused list punches well above its neighborhood-restaurant weight class. Fair prices, real regional variety, and a few genuinely interesting picks make this worth ordering a bottle instead of just a cocktail.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.