Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
Richmond, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing runs a broad beverage program that spans creative cocktails, a global wine list, deep spirits shelves, and a dedicated zero-proof menu. Signature pours like the Sea Ghost and Blackberry Basil Smash anchor a cocktail list that earns praise for balance, while the wine program offers value from Prosecco to Provence. Happy hour discounts across categories sweeten the deal.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Sea Ghost, a rum-forward tiki-style cocktail with pineapple and citrus, or the Blackberry Basil Smash for a gin-based refresher. For wine, try the Chateau Vignelaure Rosé or a glass of Antech Chardonnay. Spirit drinkers should consider the Eagle Rare 10 Year or Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the global selection and by-the-glass pricing. Cocktail fans will find inventive options, and those avoiding alcohol have a robust zero-proof list. Happy hour seekers can take advantage of discounts on drinks and oysters.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13-$20, wines by the glass $10-$15, zero-proof drinks $8-$12, and premium spirits pours from $10 to $76. Bottles range from $30 to $194.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Boathouse pairs a waterfront setting with a surprisingly deep beverage menu: over a dozen wines by the glass, a tiki-inspired cocktail limit of two per customer, and a zero-proof section that includes non-alcoholic wine. Happy hour discounts extend across all categories, a rarity for a seafood-focused venue.
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 menu with tiki-inspired, fruit-forward, and classic options.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail list with inventive ingredients like black walnut bitters and house-made watermelon cordial.
- — Positive community feedback on cocktail quality and balance.
- — Happy hour discounts on a rotating selection of cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Sea Ghost: light, dark, coconut, spiced and overproof rums, pineapple, oj, lemon, grenadine – $20 (limit two).
- — Blackberry Basil Smash: London dry gin, lemon, blackberry, basil – $13.
- — Peach Cobbler Old Fashioned: Bulleit bourbon, black walnut bitters, peach cobbler syrup – $15.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $13 to $20; happy hour offers $3 off select cocktails.
Wine
Extensive wine list with sparkling, rosé, white, and red options from Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and New Zealand. Includes non-alcoholic wines.
Menu strengths
- — Global variety with many by-the-glass options.; Value pricing, with several bottles under $40.
Standout selections
- — Chateau Vignelaure Rosé 2024 (Provence) – $12 glass / $16 / $36.
- — Arona Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Marlborough, NZ) – $13 glass / $17 / $38.
- — Musti Nobilis Prosecco DOC – $12 glass / $16 / $36.
Pricing: Wines by the glass $10-$15 for 6oz; bottles $30-$194; happy hour $2 off by the glass.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated zero-proof section with creative mocktails, including a non-alcoholic margarita and a cherry bounce made with NA sparkling wine. Also offers NA wine by the bottle.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero-proof cocktail menu with house-made ingredients.; Non-alcoholic wine options from recognized producers.
Standout selections
- — Booze-Free Margarita: lemon, lime, agave, ginger beer – $8.
- — Cherry Bounce: Luxardo cherry juice, non-alcoholic Josh Cellars sparkling wine, lemon – $11.
- — Cucumber Mint Fizz: muddled cucumber and mint, lemon, simple, club soda – $9.
Pricing: Zero-proof cocktails $8-$12; non-alcoholic wines $36-$53 per bottle.
Spirits
Extensive spirits list covering whiskey, scotch, Irish whiskey, brandy, cordials, and amaro. Notable bourbon and scotch selections at varied price points.
Menu strengths
- — Deep selection of premium bourbon and scotch.; Happy hour well spirit specials at $4.
- — Range of price points from accessible to high-end.
Standout selections
- — Eagle Rare 10 Year – $14.
- — Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak – $35.
- — EH Taylor Single Barrel Bonded in Bond – $26.
Pricing: Whiskey pours $10-$60; scotch pours $19-$76; happy hour $4 well spirits.
How it sits with the food
Given the seafood focus, the wine list's crisp whites and rosés—like the Arona Sauvignon Blanc or Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde Rosé—pair naturally with oysters and shellfish. The Peach Cobbler Old Fashioned could complement richer dishes, while the Booze-Free Margarita offers a citrusy match for lighter fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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