Bison on the plate, California in the glass
St. Johns Town Center · Jacksonville · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 24, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Ted's wine list reads exactly like you'd expect from a Ted Turner bison chain in a Jacksonville strip mall — heavy on California hits, light on surprises. It's not offensive, but it's not trying very hard either. The rustic Western vibe is fun; the wine list just doesn't keep up with the room's personality.
The list runs 40-70 bottles with a clear California-first philosophy — think Napa Cabs, coastal Pinots, and a Chardonnay that's been on every chain restaurant list since 2004. Washington State gets a token nod, and there's a Montana angle baked into the branding, though the actual regional wine presence is thin at best. You won't find any small producers or anything that required real curation; this list was built to move bottles, not to educate. It does the job for a steak dinner crowd that wants something recognizable, but don't come here expecting discovery.
The by-the-glass program runs 10-18 options, which is a reasonable count for the format — enough that you're not stuck choosing between two. Quality tops out at brands like Meiomi and Silverado, which is fine for the crowd but leaves little headroom for anyone who wants to push past the obvious. Rotation appears minimal; these pours have probably been the same for a while.
Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon — $60
Silverado is a genuinely solid Napa producer with real pedigree, and if it's the most interesting thing on this list, it's worth leaning into. Order it with the bison ribeye and call it a night.
Meiomi Pinot Noir
Yes, it's ubiquitous. Yes, it's a big commercial brand. But Meiomi's soft, fruit-forward style actually works surprisingly well with bison, which runs leaner and gamier than beef — the sweetness in the wine bridges the gap without fighting the meat.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
KJ Chardonnay is a $12 grocery store bottle showing up at chain restaurant prices. There's nothing wrong with the wine — it's just not worth what they're charging, and it has no business being at a steakhouse table when there are Cabs on the list.
Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon + Bison Ribeye
Bison is leaner than beef with a slightly mineral, almost earthy quality that can get lost next to a heavy tannic red. Silverado's Cab has enough fruit and structure to complement without steamrolling the meat's natural character.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Ted's is a perfectly competent steakhouse wine list — it checks the boxes, won't embarrass you on a work dinner, and the Silverado holds its own. But if wine is a priority tonight, you're eating at the wrong restaurant.
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