Siena Tavern
Italy's Greatest Hits, Chicago Style
River North · Chicago · Italian · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 13, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Siena Tavern feels like it was built by someone who genuinely loves Italian wine and wanted to show off — in a good way. Italy leads the charge, California backs it up, and there's enough depth here to satisfy both the Barolo devotee and the person who just wants a solid glass of Cab with their short rib. Wine Spectator has recognized this list since 2018, and it's easy to see why.
Selection Deep Dive
The Italian spine is serious: Sassicaia and Super Tuscans anchor the high end, Gaja and Ceretto represent Barolo with authority, and Biondi-Santi and Banfi give you legitimate Brunello di Montalcino options that most River North spots wouldn't bother stocking. Amarone della Valpolicella rounds out the northeastern flank. California gets a respectable supporting role — Caymus and Jordan hold it down for guests who won't venture outside familiar territory. Where the list shows its limits is in the middle — there's a gap between entry-level and the trophy bottles that could use more interesting producers to bridge it.
By the Glass
With 20-30 options by the glass, this is one of the stronger BTG programs in River North — you're not stuck choosing between house red and house white. Glasses run $12-$20, which is fair for the neighborhood and the quality level. We'd love to see more rotation to keep things interesting, but what's here covers Italian varietals and California staples without embarrassing itself.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $60
Jordan consistently punches above its retail price point, and in a restaurant where bottles can sprint toward triple digits fast, it's a reasonable landing spot for California Cab fans who want quality without the Caymus premium.
Ceretto Barolo
Most tables at Siena Tavern are ordering pizza and pasta with something safe. Meanwhile, Ceretto's Barolo is sitting there — structured, earthy, genuinely great — waiting for someone to give it a shot with the braised short rib. It's the move.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and at restaurant markup it's rarely a value play. You're paying a premium for a brand name that retail has already overexposed. The Jordan next to it almost always makes more sense.
Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino + Braised Short Rib
Biondi-Santi's Brunello brings Sangiovese tannin and bright acidity that cuts right through the richness of braised short rib — this is the pairing the list was built for. It's a splurge, but it earns it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Siena Tavern's wine list is a serious Italian-forward program dressed up in a lively River North atmosphere — the WS Award of Excellence is well-earned. Markups keep it from being a steal, but if you navigate toward the Italian heavy-hitters, you'll drink well.
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