The Sipp on South Lamar
Oxford's wine bar surprise you didn't see coming
Oxford Square · Oxford · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into The Sipp, you don't expect a 150-plus bottle list with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in Oxford, Mississippi — but here we are. The big bar, outdoor seating, and tapas-forward menu set the stage for a wine program that punches well above its zip code. It's upscale without being stiff, which is exactly the right call for a college town that knows how to have a good time.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans hard into California, France, and Italy — the same three pillars Wine Spectator flagged when handing out that Award of Excellence in 2020, and they've earned it. You'll find Stag's Leap and Caymus anchoring the Napa Cab section, Jordan offering a slightly more restrained option, and Louis Jadot holding down Burgundy for the France contingent. Italy checks in with Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, which is crowd-pleasing but expected. The $35–$150 bottle range keeps things accessible, and there are no obvious embarrassing gaps — just a list that knows its audience and plays to it well.
By the Glass
Twenty to thirty-five by-the-glass options is genuinely strong for a wine bar of this size, and at $10–$18 a pour, the pricing is honest. Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc anchor the approachable end, while the Stag's Leap and Caymus Cabs give guests a reason to splurge by the glass without cracking a full bottle. We'd like to see more rotation, but what's here is well-chosen.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $65
Jordan is the move when you want Napa polish without paying Caymus prices. It consistently drinks above its price point, and at The Sipp's markup, it's the bottle we'd order without hesitation.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Everyone's reaching for the Cabs, but this Washington State Riesling is a sleeper hit — especially with the shrimp and grits or a cheese board. Bright, off-dry, and well under $15 a glass. Most people walk right past it.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Santa Margherita is fine, but it's the most over-distributed, over-marked-up Pinot Grigio on the planet. You're paying for the name recognition, not the wine. There are better options on this list.
Louis Jadot Burgundy + Pan-seared fish
Jadot's Burgundy brings enough earthy red fruit and acidity to complement the richness of pan-seared fish without steamrolling it. It's a classic French combination that works every single time, and it's one of the more interesting options on a list that skews heavily Californian.
🎲 The Bottom Line
The Sipp is legitimately one of the better wine programs you'll find in a Mississippi college town, and that Wine Spectator credential isn't just decorative. Send your friends — just tell them to skip the Santa Margherita.
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