Wine bar
Unclaimed profileCounter Reformation
Palm Springs, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Counter Reformation is a wine-first bar with a Cave à Manger and bar seating, described as a shrine to great wine. The list spans rare Champagnes and Bordeaux to natural wines, with sommelier guidance praised by guests. Cocktails are creative and uniformly priced, while a small beer and mocktail selection rounds out the program.
- What should I order?
- Start with a glass from the eclectic by-the-glass list, then consider the Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut 2016 or a rare pour like Krug Vintage Brut 1982. For cocktails, Three's Company or Pretty & Pink showcase the creative spirit.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking rare vintages and personal sommelier attention. Cocktail drinkers will find a creative, well-priced list. The intimate, speakeasy-style setting suits those wanting a focused, bar-centric experience.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the bar's dim, intimate atmosphere is at its peak. Guests praise the setting for a relaxed, wine-focused night.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are $25 each. Wines by the glass range from $17 to $36; bottles from $85 to $145 on the Mini Bar list, with premium bottles like Dom Pérignon at $521 and Krug at $2,750.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine program is the centerpiece, with a list that includes Dom Pérignon, Krug, Penfolds Grange, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The Cave à Manger and Paris tabac-inspired bar seating set a distinctive, wine-focused tone. Sommelier guidance is a noted strength.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail list with six offerings, using diverse spirits like Buffalo Trace, Rittenhouse Rye, El Tesoro Reposado, and Don Fulano Blanco. Flavors range from tropical to coffee-forward, with a uniform price point.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit selection including rye, Calvados, and mezcal float.
- — Creative flavor combinations like coconut-washed reposado and habanero-spiced guava.
Standout selections
- — Three's Company - Buffalo Trace, Rittenhouse Rye, Calvados, Demerara, Molasses, Cocoa
- — Pretty & Pink - Coconut-Washed El Tesoro Reposado, Acid-Adjusted Pineapple, Hibiscus
Pricing: Cocktails uniformly priced at $25 each.
Wine
Extensive, curated list with rare vintages and global selections. Includes Bubbles, Whites, and Reds from France, Italy, Spain, California, Oregon, and Australia. The program is central to the venue's identity.
Menu strengths
- — Rare and premium selections including Dom Pérignon, Krug, Penfolds Grange, and Château Mouton Rothschild.
- — Sommelier guidance praised by guests for pairing wines with food.
Standout selections
- — Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut 2016 - Champagne, France, $521
- — Krug Vintage Brut 1982 - Champagne, France, $2,750
- — Château Mouton Rothschild Grand Vin 1990 - Pauillac, Bordeaux, $1,897
Pricing: Wine prices range from $24 for a glass to $2,750 for Krug Vintage Brut.
Beer
Small, international beer list with four options including a Czech lager, California IPA, Belgian Trappist ale, and Nicaraguan lager. Solid but not extensive.
Pricing: All listed beers priced at $14 each.
Nonalcoholic
Three mocktails with fresh, vibrant ingredients like pomegranate, cucumber, and mint. Priced above average but with thoughtful non-alcoholic options.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic options including a zero-proof mojito.
Standout selections
- — POM Nº5 - Lime, Pomegranate, Rose, Cranberry, Ginger
Pricing: Mocktails priced at $18 each.
Spirits
Premium after-dinner spirits including Grappa, Grand Marnier, and Rémy Martin XO Cognac. Limited but high-quality selection for digestifs.
Standout selections
- — Rémy Martin XO - Extra Old Cognac, France, $38
Pricing: Spirits on dessert menu range from $16 to $38.
How it sits with the food
Tapas-style small plates like Lobster Bolognese and Jamón Ibérico are designed to complement the wine list. Guests note the pairings enhance the experience.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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