The Mediterranean
Tapas Vibes, Wine List Needs Work
Hill · Boulder · Mediterranean
Reviewed April 7, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The Med is a Boulder institution — lively, loud, and great for grazing on tapas with a group. But crack open the wine list and the energy drops fast. What you get is a short, safe roster of crowd-pleasing names that feel like they were chosen by committee and haven't been revisited since.
Selection Deep Dive
Argentina, Italy, and California anchor the list, which sounds reasonable until you realize the depth just isn't there. Catena Malbec and La Crema Pinot Noir are perfectly fine wines — they're also on every casual restaurant list in America. There's no real effort to lean into the Mediterranean theme with interesting Spanish Garnacha, Southern Italian Nero d'Avola, or Greek Assyrtiko, which would actually match the food. The Kirkland Signature Prosecco makes an appearance, and while we have nothing against Costco, it's a strange call for a restaurant that otherwise charges full price for everything.
By the Glass
Twelve by-the-glass options is a decent count, and the $10–$16 price range is accessible for Boulder. The problem is the selections feel static — no rotation, no seasonal thinking, no sense that anyone is tasting through the list and making updates. You're getting the same pours month after month.
Catena Malbec 2021 — $45
It's the least bad deal on a steep list. Catena is a reliable, well-made Malbec that works with the lamb dishes — though at 150% over retail, 'best value' is relative here.
Kirkland Signature Prosecco
Yes, it's Costco Prosecco, but the wine itself is made by a serious producer and drinks well as a starter. Order it before you see the label and you'll be happy.
La Crema Pinot Noir 2022
At $52, you're paying 136% over a $22 retail bottle. La Crema is a fine commercial Pinot but this is a steep ask — grab a glass of something else or just split the Malbec.
Catena Malbec 2021 + Lamb Shank
Argentinian Malbec and braised lamb is a no-brainer — the wine's dark fruit and soft tannins hold up to the richness of the shank without overpowering the herbs.
❌ The Bottom Line
The Med is a great spot to eat — the wine list is not the reason to come. Order strategically, keep it simple, and don't expect the bottle to impress as much as the food.
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