Update: I am amending my original review because I did finally hear from the winery and they sent replacement bottles. The replacements appear fine although they have not been opened yet so I cannot verify that. One of the bottles I originally purchased was fine and the wine we had at the winery was good so I have amended my stars to 2. (ORIGINALPOSTSTARTSHERE) I went to this winery with a friend and between the two of us, we purchased six bottles of wine. So far, three of the six bottles have been dumped down the drain. Upon opening the bottles, the corks were coated in crystals and/or black(the blackened cork was from a white wine, so the cork should not have been discolored at all). They also smelled like vinegar and they had definitely turned. We have not opened the remaining three bottles yet, however, I do not hold high hopes for them. Upon trying to contact the winery, I received absolutely no response. We spent around $ 85.00 there for the six bottles and unfortunately paid cash so we have no recourse against them(such as disputing the charge with the credit card company). Poor wine quality and terrible customer service will keep me from ever going to this winery again, purchasing their wines anywhere or recommending it to anyone. Steer clear of this one. There are plenty of lovely wineries in Wisconsin. Just don’t waste your time with this one.
Susan S.
Place rating: 2 Rockford, IL
The winery’ s exterior is worn and unkempt. Our server was the manager and I found her to be a snob, rude, and non-inviting. When we arrived the tasting bar was filled. We waited at least ten minutes before she acknowledge us. Our tasting and checking out was interrupted multiple times to take care of the register. The manager insists you pay before sampling, which I found strange. Not a good way to encourage any purchasing.
Brandon J.
Place rating: 1 Winnebago, IL
Wine is just ok, $ 5 or 8 samples, and you get to keep the glass. There was two different counters for the tastings. I was bored, felt rushed, and the woman who was doing one half of the tastings seemed rude and pretentious. Our group was all in our 20’s but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy good wine and would have liked to enjoy the experience.(Example: one of their wines is called«Brianna» which happens to be my sisters name. They were not offering for tastings that day or out of it or something. My sister says to the woman«aw that sucks, Thats the only wine I was looking forward too tasting» The woman responds«well that’s too bad, this is the adults table though.» I mean, really just rude). Overall we were very turned off by this place, did not buy any wine and would not return. Don’t recommend stopping unless you have absolutely nothing to do and $ 5 to waste.
Lorraine N.
Place rating: 5 Minneapolis, MN
So much potential is just being sat on. I get the feeling this was either a big hobby or it had it’s day and the family just is at the later stages of having it be so dang busy. The buildings are unique and charming. Lots of cool stone, fencing, and gorgeous stained glass windows the guy said he purchased at auction and put in. They have a lot of inventory and affordable wine here. The owner is interesting and will chat if you ask questions. The tastings are affordable and they actually have a wine for everybody here. I would like to go during the late summer fall and see it in prime season. He gave us a little tour of one of the back spaces where you can rent for small parties. It was again very unique and interesting. I asked why they don’t have a vineyard dog or cat because it just seems like that would be appropriate. I guess back in the day they had dogs and even a cat that would be present but no more. Very cool grounds and decent affordable wines.
Lindsay C.
Place rating: 2 Milwaukee, WI
Well, I didn’t experience anyone that was rude. The location and décor were nice. I enjoyed my samples and bought a case of some of my favorites. I don’t know what is so different from what I sampled and what I brought home but this stuff is swill. I properly stored each bottle according to their kind and served each at proper temps. But no matter what bottle I picked each one was just gross. Do they just keep the good batches for tasting and the sell the bad ones? I just opened one tonight and the cork crumbled as I tried to pull it with the opener. And of course the taste is not at all what I remembered from the tastings. Maybe they weren’t stored or bottled correctly? Whatever the reason I don’t think I’ll be trying their wine again.
Buster B.
Place rating: 1 Denver, CO
While the location and scenery are beautiful at this quaint local winery, the attitude and personality of the«employee» serving us was distasteful and rude. When we asked if we would be able to taste all the wines we were told that«eight is enough.» We were rushed through the tasting and felt like we were more of a nuisance than a paying customer. The wine was not bad and we did buy one bottle. We would have bought more if we were treated differently. The personality of the only staff member at this winery ruined our experience. While we are experienced in wine tastings this is the worse that I have ever attended.
Samantha G.
Place rating: 3 Chicago, IL
For a few dollars you get to sample 8 wines and keep the sampling glass. The sampling seemed a bit rushed and odd because you are just standing at the counter tasting. That’s fine for a few samples, but when you are trying 8, it takes a while and a seat to be able to relax and enjoy would be nice. The conversation during our visit was lovely and everyone we met there was nice. The interior is cute and inviting, with a small cooler of cheeses and other items to supplement your wine purchases. The outdoor area is cute and would make an excellent party location. We didn’t spend very long here and didn’t make any purchases because none of the wines were exactly what we were looking for, but I am glad we stopped by.
Rob R.
Place rating: 4 Chicago, IL
Stopped by today as we were driving past. Keep your eyes open because the sign doesn’t give you alot of warning. Cute little place, decent wine selection for the area. The girl doing the tasting was very knowledgeable and super friendly. $ 5 for eight tastings and a glass. Try the fireside!