The Griswold Inn Wine Bar
Old Connecticut Charm, California Wine Backbone
Essex · Essex · American, Tapas · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 11, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into the Griswold Inn Wine Bar feels like stepping into a well-worn maritime painting — nautical touches everywhere, live music drifting in on weekends, and a list that leans hard into California classics. It's a 250-year-old inn that takes its wine seriously enough to hold a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2009, which is not nothing. The vibe says 'comfortable Connecticut evening,' not 'serious tasting room,' and the wine list plays along.
Selection Deep Dive
The list runs 100-150 bottles and is unapologetically California-forward — Napa Cabernet, Sonoma Coast Pinot, and a heavy pour of coastal Chardonnay dominate the real estate here. Producers like Ridge Vineyards, Jordan Winery, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars anchor the list with recognizable names that wine-curious guests will actually feel good ordering. There's not much here for the drinker hunting Burgundy, Barolo, or anything with natural-wine credibility — this is a list built for crowd comfort, not adventure. That said, within its lane, it executes well and the $40–$120 bottle range keeps things accessible without feeling cheap.
By the Glass
Twenty to thirty by-the-glass options is genuinely generous for a Connecticut inn wine bar, and the $12–$18 price range is honest for the region and tier of producer. Expect California Chardonnay and Cabernet to dominate the pour list, with Sonoma Pinot Noir likely rounding out the reds. Rotation doesn't appear to be aggressive — this feels more like a stable menu than a dynamic program.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $60
Jordan sits right in the sweet spot of this list — recognizable, reliable, and consistently drinks above what most restaurants charge for it. In the $40–$120 bottle range here, it's the move if you're splitting a bottle over cheese and charcuterie.
Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Most guests at a maritime inn in Connecticut are reaching for the familiar Jordan or Stag's Leap, which means the Ridge often sits overlooked. Ridge makes some of the most honest, age-worthy California Cab at its price point — if it's on the list, it's the smarter pour.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap carries a famous name and a price tag to match — but at a wine bar where the markup pressure is real, you're paying for the legend as much as the wine. Better value exists elsewhere on this same list.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir + Oysters and cheese board
A Sonoma Coast Pinot — lighter, more coastal in character — cuts beautifully through the richness of a mixed cheese board while having just enough brightness to complement a plate of oysters without overwhelming them. It's the most versatile bottle on a menu built for sharing.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Griswold Inn Wine Bar isn't trying to be a destination wine list — it's a well-kept, California-focused program that does its job in a genuinely charming setting. If you're in Essex for the evening, it'll take care of you; just don't show up expecting surprises.
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