Olive Garden Wines Menu Prices & Pics (Best Guide) 2025

I’ve spent more dinners than I can count at Olive Garden — birthdays, anniversaries, random Tuesday nights when I just needed a break. And if there’s one thing that’s quietly elevated those meals? The wine. Not everyone expects a casual Italian-American chain to put care into its wine list, but Olive Garden has been quietly doing just that for years.

Whether you’re just ordering a glass to pair with your Tour of Italy or you’re sharing a bottle with friends over endless breadsticks, knowing what’s on the wine menu — and what it costs — can really shape your experience. This guide walks you through everything on the Olive Garden wines menu in 2025: from Italian reds and crisp whites to house pours and sparkling picks. It’s not just a list — it’s the full story behind the sips.

Overview of Olive Garden’s Wine Selection in 2025

What Makes Olive Garden’s Wine Program Unique?

Olive Garden isn’t just tossing a few bottles on the menu for show. What sets their wine program apart is the balance of quality, familiarity, and affordability. They’ve struck a rare mix: Italian tradition meets American accessibility.

Here’s why it stands out:

• The selection focuses on food-friendly wines that pair with classic Italian dishes.
  
• Most wines are available by both the glass and the bottle, giving you flexibility.
  
• Staff are trained to offer pairing suggestions — and they’re usually spot-on.
  

This is a wine list created for people who want to enjoy wine, not for those trying to impress with rare vintages. And that’s exactly why it works.

Italian Influence and Wine Curation Philosophy

Olive Garden leans heavily on its Italian roots when it curates the wine list. From Chianti to Pinot Grigio, you’ll find a strong showing of Italian varietals, alongside a few American staples like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Their wine director works directly with winemakers — especially those from Italy — to ensure the wines fit both the brand’s values and customer expectations. The philosophy is simple: complement the food, stay affordable, and highlight Italian authenticity.

How the Wine Menu Has Evolved Over Time

The wine menu at Olive Garden has changed subtly but smartly over the years. In the early 2000s, it featured just a few predictable options — mostly American reds and whites. By 2015, they’d introduced more Italian wines and started highlighting pairings on the menu.

Now, in 2025, the list is more balanced than ever:

• Deeper Italian representation
  
• Better quality house wines
  
• Seasonal limited-edition selections
  
• Sparkling and rosé options that weren’t available a decade ago
  

Full Olive Garden Wines Menu with Updated Prices

Below is the full wine menu as of mid-2025. Prices may vary slightly by location due to local laws and taxes, but this is a reliable national average:

Red Wines: Varieties and Price Breakdown

These reds pair beautifully with heartier dishes like lasagna, steak, and braised short ribs.

White Wines: Crisp Selections and Costs

These are perfect with chicken parm, shrimp scampi, or the ever-popular Chicken Alfredo.

Rosé and Sparkling Options Available

Rosés and bubbles have become increasingly popular at Olive Garden — especially with appetizers and seafood.

Olive Garden Wine by the Glass vs. Bottle Prices

Ordering wine by the glass is great for casual diners or solo visits. But if you’re dining with a friend or two, grabbing the bottle often makes more financial sense.

General Tip:

• 1 bottle = 5 glasses
  
• If you’re ordering 3+ glasses, the bottle is usually cheaper
  

Plus, some wines are only available by the bottle, giving you access to a fuller experience.

House Wines: Affordable Choices for Every Guest

Olive Garden’s house wines — branded as Porta Vita — are exclusive to their restaurants. Made in Italy specifically for the brand, they include a red, a white, and a rosé.

These are approachable, food-friendly, and budget-conscious. Most guests are pleasantly surprised by how drinkable they are, even if you’re typically picky.

Olive Garden House Wines: Value, Taste, and Price

What is Olive Garden’s House Red and White Wine?

The house selections under the Porta Vita label include:

• Porta Vita Rosso – A medium-bodied red with soft tannins, ideal with pasta or meat sauces
  
• Porta Vita Bianco – Light, clean white blend that goes great with chicken or seafood
  
• Porta Vita Rosé – Refreshing and slightly fruity, a summer favorite
  

They’re crafted to complement the menu without overpowering it — and they deliver exactly that.

Pricing Strategy for House Wines

Olive Garden uses its house wines as a value anchor. With glass prices starting at just $6.75, and bottles at $21.00, these wines are consistently among the most affordable on the list.

They’re perfect if:

• You want to enjoy wine without breaking the bank
  
• You’re new to wine and don’t want anything too complex
  
• You’re sharing with a group and want something universally liked
  

Why Guests Prefer the House Wine Options

There’s a reason the Porta Vita wines are so frequently recommended:

• Smooth and balanced: Nothing too tannic, acidic, or sweet
  
• Easy pairing: They work with almost everything on the menu
  
• Exclusivity: You can’t buy them in stores — it’s part of the Olive Garden experience
  

If you’ve never tried the house wine, it’s worth giving it a go next time you’re in. It’s not a sommelier pick, sure — but it’s exactly the kind of no-pressure wine that makes dining more enjoyable.

Premium Bottled Wines and Signature Imports

Notable Bottled Wine Collections

While Olive Garden is best known for its approachable wine list, there’s a quieter side to their menu — the premium bottled selections. These aren’t just add-ons. They’re chosen with intention and often surprise regulars with how refined they are.

Some standouts from 2025:

• Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico – A bold, earthy Italian red with complexity
  
• Santa Cristina Toscana – A rich Sangiovese blend that elevates steak or lamb dishes
  
• Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay – Creamy, oaky, and ideal for guests who want California character
  

These premium picks are often used for special occasions — anniversaries, graduations, or just a Friday night that deserves more.

Prices of Imported Italian Wines

Here’s a quick look at imported bottles currently offered in most Olive Garden locations in 2025:

These bottles are imported exclusively or semi-exclusively for Olive Garden, making them rare finds outside the restaurant.

Limited-Time and Seasonal Wine Offerings

Olive Garden regularly introduces limited-time wine features tied to seasonal menus or promotions. These aren’t gimmicks — they’re often well-curated selections that reflect what’s in season or what pairs with current dishes.

Some examples from earlier this year:

• Sicilian Nero d’Avola during the Spring Chef’s Tour menu
  
• Italian Moscato with Peach Notes featured during the Summer Sampler
  
• Barbera d’Asti paired with holiday risottos in late fall
  

If your server mentions a seasonal wine, don’t skip it. These are often well-priced and handpicked for a reason.

Wine Pairing Recommendations with Olive Garden Dishes

Best Red Wine Pairings for Classic Pasta Dishes

Red wines shine brightest with bold sauces, creamy textures, and meat-based Italian favorites. At Olive Garden, pairing the right red with the right pasta can seriously level up your meal.

Top pairings:

• Tour of Italy → Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon
  
• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce → Chianti Classico (Rocca delle Macìe)
  
• Five Cheese Ziti al Forno → Apothic Red Blend
  
• Lasagna Classico → Porta Vita Rosso (House Red)
  

The richness of the reds balances beautifully with cheese and tomato sauce. And if you like spice, the Chianti’s acidity makes it a must.

White Wine Pairings for Chicken and Seafood Entrees

White wines are all about freshness, acidity, and elegance — perfect for lighter dishes. Whether you’re going with creamy Alfredo or a zesty shrimp scampi, there’s a crisp white for that.

Recommended pairings:

• Chicken Alfredo → Chloe Chardonnay
  
• Shrimp Scampi → Starborough Sauvignon Blanc
  
• Herb-Grilled Salmon → Cavit Pinot Grigio
  
• Seafood Alfredo → Porta Vita Bianco (House White)
  

What works here is contrast — the acidity in white wine cuts through buttery sauces and enhances delicate seafood flavors.

Wine and Appetizer Combos Worth Trying

Don’t wait for the entrée — some of the best wine experiences start with appetizers. Here are a few combinations I always recommend:

Pro tip: If you’re on a first date, this is a low-key way to enjoy a bottle before the meal even starts.

Olive Garden Wine Menu vs. Competitors in 2025

Price Comparison: Olive Garden vs. Carrabba’s

Let’s talk pricing, because that’s often the deciding factor. Here’s how Olive Garden compares to one of its biggest competitors, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, in 2025:

Verdict: Olive Garden typically offers better value, especially on house wines and mid-tier bottles. The markup at Carrabba’s tends to be higher.

Quality and Selection: Olive Garden vs. Macaroni Grill

When comparing quality and variety, Olive Garden holds its own — and in some ways, outperforms. Macaroni Grill offers a smaller, more boutique-style list. But Olive Garden’s menu:

• Covers more varietals (reds, whites, rosé, sparkling)
  
• Includes better-known labels
  
• Offers more affordable bottle options
  

Olive Garden is built for broad appeal, and it shows. If you’re a wine lover who wants both choice and approachability, it’s a solid pick.

Wine Experience: Service and Presentation Differences

I’ve dined at all three — Olive Garden, Carrabba’s, and Macaroni Grill — and here’s my honest take on the wine experience.

At Olive Garden:

• Wine service is warm and consistent
  
• Servers know their pairings
  
• Wine glasses are proper — nothing overly fancy, but no plastic cups either
  
• Presentation of bottles (when ordered) is respectful and timely
  

Carrabba’s leans more upscale, but sometimes that can feel stuffy. Macaroni Grill often lacks consistent wine service — bottles arrive uncorked, or no pairing advice is offered.

Olive Garden hits the sweet spot: comfortable, helpful, and polished without being pretentious.

Tips for Ordering Wine at Olive Garden Like a Pro

How to Choose the Right Wine for Your Meal

Pairing wine with food doesn’t need to be intimidating — especially not at Olive Garden. The menu is designed with balance in mind, so most wines naturally go well with the dishes. Still, here’s a quick guide:

• Red sauces or meats → Go for a medium or full-bodied red like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon
  
• Creamy pastas or chicken → Choose a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
  
• Seafood and lighter dishes → A Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco usually hits the mark
  
• Spicy or bold flavors → A jammy Red Blend can mellow the heat without overwhelming the dish
  

One personal trick? Read the menu backward — look at the wine list first, then see which entrees match what you want to drink.

Getting Recommendations from Trained Staff

Here’s something many people overlook: Olive Garden staff are actually trained on wine basics. They’re not sommeliers, but they do know the menu and what pairs well with what.

If you’re unsure:

• Ask your server, “What wine do people usually order with this dish?”
  
• Or, “I like sweet wines — what would you recommend?”
  

You’ll usually get a solid answer that’s based on customer feedback, not just upselling. And if they don’t know, they’ll ask a team member who does. It’s a collaborative culture — and you benefit from it.

Saving Money with Wine Deals and Combos

Olive Garden regularly runs promotions that let you enjoy wine for less — you just need to know where to look.

Tips to save:

• Ask if there’s a Wine Wednesday promo (some locations offer ½ price bottles midweek)
  
• During Never Ending Pasta Bowl, house wine is sometimes discounted
  
• If you’re dining with friends, ordering by the bottle saves an average of 25–30% compared to buying by the glass
  

Also, if you’re part of the Olive Garden eClub, keep an eye out for email-exclusive wine offers — especially during holidays or limited-time events.

Olive Garden Wine Deals, Discounts, and Rewards

Does Olive Garden Offer Seasonal Wine Discounts?

Yes — but they’re not always advertised loudly. In 2025, Olive Garden locations across the U.S. have introduced seasonal wine features that are often $1–$2 cheaper per glass than usual menu items.

Examples:

• Spring white wine sampler
  
• Summer rosé specials
  
• Fall Chianti pairing menus
  

These deals usually align with seasonal dishes or limited-time offers. Your best bet? Ask your server, “Are there any seasonal wine specials today?”

Olive Garden’s Wine Rewards and Dining Club Perks

While Olive Garden doesn’t have a wine-specific club, it does offer perks through its eClub and Dine Rewards program (when linked with other brands like LongHorn or Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen).

Here’s what you get:

• Birthday and anniversary wine deals
  
• Exclusive invites to tasting nights (in select cities)
  
• Points for every dollar spent — which can be used for wine just like food
  

Even if you’re a casual guest, joining the rewards program can save you a few dollars every time — especially if wine is part of your regular order.

Special Promotions for Wine Lovers

Throughout the year, Olive Garden runs a few national promotions targeted directly at wine lovers. Some notable examples from 2025:

• Wine Flight Samplers – Try 3 small pours for one flat price ($11–$13 average)
  
• Date Night Deals – Appetizer, two entrées, dessert, and a bottle of wine for under $45
  
• Holiday Sparkling Specials – Around Christmas and New Year’s, Prosecco is often discounted
  

Not every location participates, but if you’re lucky enough to dine at a flagship or high-volume restaurant, these perks are worth asking about.

Conclusion: Is Olive Garden Wine Worth the Price?

Quality, Convenience, and Experience Compared

Let’s be honest: You’re not going to Olive Garden expecting Napa-level exclusivity. But for a casual dining experience, Olive Garden’s wine menu delivers surprising value.

What makes it worth the price?

• Approachable selection – Easy-drinking wines for all palates
  
• Affordable pricing – Glasses from $6.75, bottles under $30
  
• Thoughtful pairings – Wines chosen specifically for the food
  
• Atmosphere – You’re in a relaxed setting with no wine snobbery
  

Plus, the fact that you can get a decent Chianti alongside your fettuccine Alfredo for under $10 a glass? That’s something not every Italian chain offers.

Who Should Try the Olive Garden Wine Menu?

You should consider ordering wine at Olive Garden if:

• You’re looking for value in both taste and price
  
• You want wines that pair well with Italian food, without overthinking
  
• You’re celebrating something — or just treating yourself
  
• You’re open to trying something new, especially Italian imports
  

It’s not just a drink — it’s part of the meal, and Olive Garden treats it that way. Whether you’re sipping a house red or splitting a Prosecco, it’s an easy way to make your night feel just a little more special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Wine