Hotel Wine Done Right, No Apologies
University Circle · Cleveland · Regional · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 21, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Table 45 reads like someone made a very safe, very competent call on what fine dining hotel guests expect to see — California heavyweights up front, France in supporting role. It earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, and you can feel that credential in the structure of the list, even if the selections don't exactly push boundaries.
The list runs 150-250 bottles with a clear California bias — Caymus, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Stag's Leap, Far Niente — names that hotel guests recognize and order with confidence. France shows up through Louis Jadot Burgundy, which is a solid if predictable choice. Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir is probably the most interesting detour on the list, a nod to the Pacific Northwest that suggests someone at least glanced beyond Napa. Gaps are real though: South America, Spain, and anything remotely natural are essentially absent.
The by-the-glass program runs 12-20 options at $12-$18, which is reasonable for Cleveland fine dining. Chateau Ste. Michelle likely anchors the more approachable end of the pours, giving you a reliable white option without committing to a bottle. We'd like to see more rotation here — right now it feels like a static lineup rather than a program with any pulse.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $40-$60 range
Jordan is consistently underrated relative to its Alexander Valley neighbors. It's elegant, food-friendly, and doesn't carry the ego markup of Silver Oak or Caymus — order it before someone at your table orders the Caymus on instinct.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir
Most tables here are ordering Cabernet. Drouhin's Oregon operation makes genuinely serious Pinot Noir with Old World restraint — it's the most interesting bottle on this list and most people will walk right past it.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and restaurant markup on a bottle this recognizable is almost never kind. You're paying for the name recognition at this point — Jordan gets you closer to the same satisfaction at a better number.
Far Niente Chardonnay + Pistachio Crusted Seared Salmon
Far Niente is a rich, full Napa Chardonnay with enough weight to stand up to the nut crust and the fat in the salmon without getting bulldozed. It's a classic call that actually makes sense here.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Table 45 is a dependable hotel wine list that punches above its Cleveland zip code — it's not adventurous, but it's not embarrassing either. Send a friend here if they want recognizable, quality bottles in a proper setting; steer them toward Jordan and Drouhin and away from the obvious crowd-pleasers.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.