Aquilini Wines at Hurricane Hanks: Savor Red Mountain Excellence on Anna Maria Island

Discovering Aquilini Wines at Hurricane Hanks Restaurant

Hurricane Hanks Restaurant on Holmes Beach is known for its relaxed island vibe, elevated pub fare, and extensive list of craft beers and curated wines. But among the treasures on the wine list, few offer the same prestige and rarity as Aquilini Wines from Red Mountain, Washington. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Aquilini’s bold and elegant selections are redefining American wine culture — and now, you can savor them right here at Hurricane Hanks.

This boutique, ultra-premium wine from Red Mountain Washington is making waves across the country, earning critical acclaim and building a devoted following. At Hurricane Hanks, Aquilini Wines are proudly featured on our Wine List, complementing everything from our signature steaks to our house-made seafood specials.

The Aquilini Legacy: From Canada to Red Mountain Royalty

The Aquilini family is best known as the ownership group behind the Vancouver Canucks, but their venture into winemaking has proven just as ambitious — and just as successful. In 2013, the Aquilini Group made headlines when it acquired a significant portion of the coveted Red Mountain AVA in eastern Washington. This was no small feat: Red Mountain is widely regarded as one of the finest terroirs in the United States for growing world-class Bordeaux-style grapes.

Determined to create a wine legacy from the ground up, the family invested in top-tier vineyard management, winemaking talent, and sustainable growing practices. Aquilini Red Mountain Wines are estate-grown, small-production, and unfiltered. Each bottle is crafted with a hands-on approach, embodying the unique soils, sunshine, and conditions of the Red Mountain region.

For more on their incredible story, visit the official Aquilini Wines website.

What Makes Red Mountain So Special?

Located in Washington’s Yakima Valley, Red Mountain is one of the warmest and driest AVAs in the Pacific Northwest. Its steep slopes, south-facing sun exposure, and unique loamy soils produce grapes with remarkable concentration, structure, and tannins. The result? Wines that rival — and often surpass — those from Napa or Bordeaux in complexity and aging potential.

Aquilini Wines has maximized this terroir with estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and other Bordeaux varietals. Each vintage showcases the bold fruit, balanced acidity, and silky texture that Red Mountain fans have come to love.

Aquilini’s Growing Popularity Across America

Though still relatively young, Aquilini Wines have quickly carved out a respected space in the American wine landscape. Wine critics have taken notice: their limited-release bottles consistently receive 90+ point scores from reviewers like James Suckling, Wine Spectator, and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

The appeal of Aquilini Wines lies in their ability to bridge the gap between power and elegance. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, for instance, bursts with dark fruit, espresso, and dried herbs — but it finishes with finesse and polish. Whether it’s their flagship Red Mountain blend or their ultra-limited “Lux” bottlings, Aquilini Wines are made to impress, sip after sip.

This surge in acclaim has led to growing national distribution and coveted wine club memberships, but here on Anna Maria Island, you don’t need to wait for a bottle to arrive. Just stop in at Hurricane Hanks, where our rotating wine selections now include Aquilini’s finest offerings.

Enjoying Aquilini Wines at Hurricane Hanks

We’re proud to offer Aquilini Wines by the bottle and by the glass on our Wine Reserve List. Our current selections may vary due to the limited and seasonal nature of these wines, but you can expect world-class options such as:

• Aquilini Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Rich and structured, with layers of dark cherry, plum, mocha, and dusty tannins.
• Aquilini Red Blend – A powerful Bordeaux-style blend with depth, elegance, and a long finish.
• Aquilini “Lux” Series (limited availability) – Crafted from the best barrels, these rare offerings are the pinnacle of Red Mountain sophistication.

Ask your server or bartender about our rotating pours or check the chalkboard by the bar for limited-time selections.

Pairing Aquilini Wines with Our Menu

Pairing food with a bold, expressive Red Mountain wine is part of the fun — and at Hurricane Hanks, our kitchen delivers perfect partners for every pour. Here are some recommended pairings:

• Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter – Rich meats like filet or ribeye play perfectly against the tannins and dark fruit of the Aquilini Cabernet.
• Maple Orange Glazed Salmon – The savory-sweet glaze on this house favorite pairs beautifully with the balanced acidity of a Red Blend.
• Hurricane Hanks Burger with Bacon and Blue Cheese – Bold flavors like sharp cheese and savory bacon enhance the earthy notes in Red Mountain wines.
• Mushroom Risotto – Umami-rich and creamy, this vegetarian favorite draws out the complexity of any Aquilini pour.
• Short Rib Mac & Cheese – Comfort food meets refined sipping. The richness of short rib is tamed beautifully by the wine’s tannic backbone.

Explore the full Hurricane Hanks Food Menu and let your taste buds lead the way.

The Hurricane Hanks Experience: More Than Just Wine

While Aquilini Wines are among the crown jewels of our offerings, they’re far from the only stars. Our extensive wine list features selections from California, Oregon, France, Italy, and beyond — ensuring there’s a glass for every palate.

And don’t forget, our Holmes Beach location also boasts a robust craft beer selection, a full liquor bar, and a menu packed with local seafood and elevated pub favorites. Whether you’re visiting Anna Maria Island for the first time or you’re a local regular, Hurricane Hanks is the perfect place to unwind, explore new wines, and enjoy exceptional food and company.

Plan Your Visit Today

If you haven’t yet experienced the elegance of Aquilini Wines, make a reservation or stop by Hurricane Hanks today. We believe wine should be fun, flavorful, and accessible — and there’s no better place to discover the best of Washington’s Red Mountain AVA than right here on the Florida Gulf Coast.

To learn more about Aquilini’s wine offerings, visit their official website at https://www.aquiliniwines.com.

Other Resources You Might Enjoy:

• Best Red Wines in America – Wine Enthusiast
• Washington State Wine Commission
• View the Full Hurricane Hanks Wine List

Final Sip

Aquilini Wines are more than just a bottle on the shelf — they’re a gateway into the future of American winemaking. As Red Mountain continues to grow in prestige, you’ll be ahead of the curve, enjoying premium pours in the heart of Holmes Beach at Hurricane Hanks. Whether you’re indulging in a solo glass or celebrating with friends, we’ll have your favorite waiting — no corkscrew required.