Oswald

4.5

1617 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 16 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
Neighbourhood gem

Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months.

We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.
Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.

Additional information

Location
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00–14:30 Dinner Tue 17:00–20:15 Wed, Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Damani Thomas

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CAUSD 22.00
- 1/2 BtlUSD 22.00
2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WAUSD 30.00
2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CAUSD 34.00
2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, ORUSD 36.00
2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CAUSD 36.00
- 1/2 BtlUSD 36.00
2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CAUSD 36.00
2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CAUSD 40.00
2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CAUSD 40.00
2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, ORUSD 10.00
- GlUSD 10.00
2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CAUSD 41.00
2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CAUSD 11.00
- GlUSD 11.00
2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CAUSD 11.00
- GlUSD 11.00
2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CAUSD 55.00
2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CAUSD 56.00
2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CAUSD 60.00
2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CAUSD 64.00
2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CAUSD 68.00
2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CAUSD 70.00
2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, ORUSD 72.00
2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CAUSD 75.00
2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CAUSD 100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire ValleyUSD 32.00
2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire ValleyUSD 32.00
NV Deutz Brut Classic, ChampagneUSD 34.00
- 1/2 BtlUSD 34.00
2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, CatalanUSD 34.00
2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon BlancUSD 40.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 RoseUSD 10.00
- GlUSD 10.00
2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, AlsaceUSD 45.00
NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire ValleyUSD 12.00
- GlUSD 12.00
2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-VillagesUSD 12.00
- GlUSD 12.00
2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire ValleyUSD 48.00
2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, BurgundyUSD 50.00
2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, RhoneUSD 13.00
- GlUSD 13.00
NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, BurgundyUSD 54.00
2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire ValleyUSD 56.00
2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire ValleyUSD 62.00
2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, BurgundyUSD 66.00
NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand CruUSD 75.00
2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire ValleyUSD 75.00
NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut ChampagneUSD 79.00
NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, ChampagneUSD 100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto LagederUSD 8.00
- GlUSD 8.00
2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle VenezieUSD 32.00
2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto ClassicoUSD 8.50
- GlUSD 8.50
2015 Inama Soave Classico, VenetoUSD 40.00
2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore BrutUSD 40.00
2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto AdigeUSD 44.00
2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio FriulanoUSD 50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava ReservaUSD 48.00
2014 Ameztoi Getariako, TxkolinaUSD 48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde RoseUSD 28.00
NV Broadbent Vinho VerdeUSD 29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, TripoliUSD 38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, OrmozUSD 56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, BudapestUSD 32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, RheinhessenUSD 36.00
2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, MoselUSD 40.00
2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, MoselUSD 12.00
- GlUSD 12.00
2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, RheinhessenUSD 48.00
2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, MoselUSD 52.00
2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, MoselUSD 55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, WeinriedenwegUSD 36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, VictoriaUSD 40.00
2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, VictoriaUSD 9.00
- GlUSD 9.00

New Zealand

2016 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc, MarlboroughUSD 9.00
- GlUSD 9.00
2015 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc, MarlboroughUSD 38.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Torrontes, MendozaUSD 40.00

Chile

2016 Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Casablanca ValleyUSD 32.00

South Africa

2014 Painted Wolf "Rosalind" Pinotage Rose, SwartlandUSD 32.00
2015 Nederburg "The Anchorman" Chenin BlancUSD 48.00

Red

North America

2014 Sparkman Cellars Wonderland Grenache, Yakima Valley, WAUSD 40.00
2015 Fortnight Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CAUSD 40.00
2014 William Hill Pinot Noir, Central Coast, CAUSD 11.00
- GlUSD 11.00
2012 Bonny Doon Vineyard, Le Cigar Volant, Santa Cruz, CAUSD 45.00
2014 Random Ridge Old Wave Zinfandel/ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CAUSD 45.00
2014 Random Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CAUSD 46.00
2014 Angles & Cowboys Proprietary Red, Sonoma County, CAUSD 12.00
- GlUSD 12.00
2012 Roth Estate Merlot, Sonoma County, CAUSD 12.00
- GlUSD 12.00
2014 Valley Vista Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, CAUSD 50.00
2012 Cambiata Tannat, Monterey, CAUSD 52.00
2014 Random Ridge Fortunata Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CAUSD 52.00
2016 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, CAUSD 54.00
2015 Sparkman Holler Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, OregonUSD 15.00
- GlUSD 15.00
2014 Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OregonUSD 60.00
2015 Fess Parker Syrah, Santa Barbara County, CAUSD 65.00
2015 Orin Swift Abstract, Napa Valley, CAUSD 68.00
2013 Rexford Merlot, Santa Cruz, CAUSD 70.00
2014 Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CAUSD 72.00
2013 Au Bon Climat Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CAUSD 82.00
2014 Flora Springs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CAUSD 88.00
2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, CAUSD 98.00
2014 L'Ecole Apogee Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, WAUSD 110.00
2013 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, Napa Valley, CAUSD 120.00

France

2016 Mont Gravet Carignan, HeraultUSD 32.00
2015 Chateau de Paraza Cuvee Speciale, LanguedocUSD 9.00
- GlUSD 9.00
2015 Ogier Artesis Cotes du Rhone, Rhone ValleyUSD 10.00
- GlUSD 10.00
2016 Horizon de Bichot, Pinot Noir, LanguadocUSD 48.00
2016 Domaine la Bonneliere Saumur Champigny, Loire ValleyUSD 48.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F4 Red WineUSD 50.00
2014 Triennes St Auguste Cuvees, ProvenceUSD 52.00
2014 Marie De Beauregard Chinon Cabernet Franc, Loire ValleyUSD 52.00
2014 Chateau Aney Haut-Medoc, BordeauxUSD 14.00
- GlUSD 14.00
2014 Chateau de Lancyre Pic St. Loup, LanguedocUSD 52.00
2012 Le Galantin Bandol, ProvenceUSD 61.00
2011 Domaine du Poujol Podio Alto, LanguedocUSD 68.00
2014 Dept. 66 "Others" Grenache, Cotes CatalanesUSD 70.00
2015 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey, BurgundyUSD 70.00
2013 Domaine Barons De Rothschild(Lafite), Chateau d'Aussieres, CorbieresUSD 88.00
2014 Maison Roche de Bellene, Savigny-Les-Beaune, BurgundyUSD 90.00
2015 Domaine de Vieux Telegramme, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone ValleyUSD 95.00

Italy

2013 Cielo Centanni Ripasso Valpolicella, VenetoUSD 32.00
2013 Statti Lamezia Greco Nero, Nerello CappuccioUSD 36.00
2015 Cantele Primitivo, Salice SalentinoUSD 38.00
2015 Cantine Colosi Nero D'Avola, SicilyUSD 10.00
- GlUSD 10.00
2014 Pecchenino san Luigi Dogliani Dolcetto, PiedmontUSD 40.00
2014 Tenuta Guado Al Tasso IL Bruciato, BolgheriUSD 40.00
NV PP Chiarli Lambrusco Vecchia Modena, Lambrusco di sorbaraUSD 46.00
2013 Pallazzo Della Torre VeroneseUSD 54.00
2015 Renato Ratti Barbera D'Asti "Battaglione"USD 60.00
2009 Vie Cave Maremma ToscannaUSD 63.00
2010 Piccini Sasso Al Poggio Toscana, TuscanyUSD 65.00
2012 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classio RiservaUSD 70.00
2011 Vignalta Gemola Colli Euganei Rosso, VenetoUSD 78.00
2012 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicello, VenetoUSD 82.00
2012 Conterno Fantino, Langhe Rosso "Mon Pra", PiedmonteUSD 100.00

Spain

2013 Altes Herencia Garnatxa Negra, CataloniaUSD 32.00
2014 Valcantara Garnacha, CarinenaUSD 36.00
2011 Bodegas Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon ReservaUSD 40.00
2013 Campos de Luz Garnacha Reserva, CarinenaUSD 42.00
2016 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso TempranilloUSD 11.00
- GlUSD 11.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Malbec, Los Caldones, SaltaUSD 38.00
2014 Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec, MendozaUSD 11.00
- GlUSD 11.00
2015 Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, MendozaUSD 54.00

What 1,617 people are saying

Oswald reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Healthy
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Hot spot
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for fine wines
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Romantic
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Lively
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oswald offers a warm, upscale dining experience with "amazing cocktails," "delicious food," and "fantastic service." While the menu can be limited, the quality is "always excellent." Known for its "best burger in town," Oswald's cozy ambiance, extensive wine list, and friendly staff make it a local favorite.

1,617 Reviews

b
barbara
Washington DC12 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Oswald’s was very good. Noise level was high. We enjoyed are meal & service was excellent
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B
Beau
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always the Fried Chicken with salad was astonishing!!!
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A
Addison VIP
Washington DC46 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Hadn’t been in a long time and quickly realized we’d been missing out. The staff was attentive and accommodating. The drinks were spot on and the dinners were delicious. We will be back.
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J
Jenny
Central Coast1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I had a lovely dinner! He had the lasagna and I had the skirt steak. Both were great and we would definitely get it again! The servers were friendly and attentive. The cocktails were excellent!
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S
Stephen
San Francisco5 reviews
3.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The hostess was very impressive. The server was nice and helpful. Unfortunately the entrées took quite a while to come out and we had to leave before we could have dessert and we were there to celebrate a birthday. Our reservation was at 5 PM and we had a show a few blocks away at 7 PM. We just finished our entrees just in time to make the show. We felt two hours should’ve been plenty of time. I had the special filet mignon with potatoes and asparagus. It was pretty bland. Not a great value for $60.
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R
R
San Francisco1 review
1.0
Dined on 13 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Oswald is usually amazing. We went there for lunch. Only two other tables there. The bartender/server came and took the order after 10-15 minutes of us waiting. Food took another 40 minutes to come and it was DRY. Likely had been under the heaters for at least 20 minutes. So disappointing. Waiter/ bartender was inattentive and dismissive.
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s
sheldon VIP
Los Angeles10 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Hi All, The staff and service, were excellent. The food, very good, pricing, pretty up there, maybe a bit too high and I'm not as cheap kinda' guy, or on a budget. 10 clams, not 12., otherwise, portions are good, food, well prepared. A duck breast at just over $50., up there. Table cloths, would be nice, at these price levels might be nice? The chocolate soufflé desert prefect. Not a lot of options, in Santa Cuz, Capitola, near by, might add some formal options. We had a pleasant evening, never rushed and courses, did not overlap, a good thing, nowadays.
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J
John VIP
Las Vegas17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I had dinner at Oswald on a Friday evening. The restaurant and bar area were highly occupied and the atmosphere was lively. The restaurant is fairly small and compact although it doesn’t feel cramped but instead rather energetic. Service was good although it took a few minutes for our drink order to arrive (it was Friday so the bar was packed). Food was very good - well prepared and creative. The menu is fairly limited which was fine for us as there still were enough options to choose from. Very enjoyable all the way around. We’ll definitely be back!
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C
Carly
San Francisco1 review
2.0
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Bad wait staff, incredibly overcooked scallops and some of the most outrageous prices I have seen.
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e
elfe
Central Coast1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the butternut squash soup and the prawn sandwich at lunch. Both dishes were excellent. Lot's of empty tables, unfortunately. Chef Damani in the kitchen. Highly recommend.
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FAQs

Oswald offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-7427.

Oswald is rated 4.5 stars by 1617 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 16 times today

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Additional information

Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00–14:30 Dinner Tue 17:00–20:15 Wed, Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Damani Thomas

Oswald

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

White Wine

North America

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CAUSD 22.00

2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WAUSD 30.00

2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CAUSD 34.00

2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, ORUSD 36.00

2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CAUSD 36.00

2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CAUSD 36.00

2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CAUSD 40.00

2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CAUSD 40.00

2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, ORUSD 10.00

2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CAUSD 41.00

2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CAUSD 11.00

2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CAUSD 11.00

2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CAUSD 55.00

2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CAUSD 56.00

2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CAUSD 60.00

2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CAUSD 64.00

2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CAUSD 68.00

2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CAUSD 70.00

2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, ORUSD 72.00

2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CAUSD 75.00

2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CAUSD 100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire ValleyUSD 32.00

2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire ValleyUSD 32.00

NV Deutz Brut Classic, ChampagneUSD 34.00

2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, CatalanUSD 34.00

2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon BlancUSD 40.00

NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 RoseUSD 10.00

2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, AlsaceUSD 45.00

NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire ValleyUSD 12.00

2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-VillagesUSD 12.00

2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire ValleyUSD 48.00

2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, BurgundyUSD 50.00

2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, RhoneUSD 13.00

NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, BurgundyUSD 54.00

2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire ValleyUSD 56.00

2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire ValleyUSD 62.00

2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, BurgundyUSD 66.00

NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand CruUSD 75.00

2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire ValleyUSD 75.00

NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut ChampagneUSD 79.00

NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, ChampagneUSD 100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto LagederUSD 8.00

2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle VenezieUSD 32.00

2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto ClassicoUSD 8.50

2015 Inama Soave Classico, VenetoUSD 40.00

2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore BrutUSD 40.00

2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto AdigeUSD 44.00

2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio FriulanoUSD 50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava ReservaUSD 48.00

2014 Ameztoi Getariako, TxkolinaUSD 48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde RoseUSD 28.00

NV Broadbent Vinho VerdeUSD 29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, TripoliUSD 38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, OrmozUSD 56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, BudapestUSD 32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, RheinhessenUSD 36.00

2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, MoselUSD 40.00

2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, MoselUSD 12.00

2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, RheinhessenUSD 48.00

2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, MoselUSD 52.00

2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, MoselUSD 55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, WeinriedenwegUSD 36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, VictoriaUSD 40.00

2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, VictoriaUSD 9.00