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Wine-Tasting in the Russian River Area
Reviewed by MingChing
Not every winery is equal. Last week my brother-in-law and sister
were on vacation, so they invited me and my sister wine-tasting
and picnicking. We went to three different wineries in the Russian
River area. The first one was Dry Creek, which was nice, hospitality
was pleasant....We bought a bottle of French Colombard and started
our first picnic, with a beautiful day ahead we kept it short.
Next winery was Ferrari-Carano. My brother-in-law promised we'd
love it. It seemed we drove forever, but it was a scenic view. As
we approach, we were in awe. The Vineyard was beautiful and as we
walked through the garden of colorful flowers and foliage, with
tiny bridges and many waterfalls that lead up to the tasting room,
the sunny day and friendly tourist, it seemed like a foreign country.
When we get inside, we toured the cellar, proceeded to the tiny
shop of goodies that was in the same room as the wine-tasting. I
found what I would buy before trying the wine. I noticed my brother-in-law
and sister waiting to be served, but the host was attending others.
They finally get served, but by a hostess who took over the shift.
I walk up and stood next to my brother-in-law, the hostess saw me
and just walked away. "Did you see that?!!" I asked him.
He changed the subject and offered me to try his wine. Maybe I was
being picky, but I wanted my own glass. She watched and after a
minute of waiting for hospitality, I had to ask for my own glass.
The hostess came across rudely and asked with a snarly face which
one I wanted to try. My sister tried to explain at this winery,
one pays to sample. I was shocked, but took the goodies I picked
up and tried to pay the hostess. Again, I'm ignored. I went to another
register and explained that I wanted to pay for trying the black
muskat plus other items. She was most accommodating and told me
not to worry.
On our way to the car, my sister who's hubby just purchased a $46
bottle of wine, forgot some fancy candy she left on the wine-tasting
counter. As she grabs the candy, I notice the hostess glaring at
my sister, rolling her eyes as if she was totally irritated. This
time, I claimed loudly, "Did you see how she just looked at
you?!!"........With that remark, the other hostess, in the
shop, smiled and greeted us a nice afternoon. We smiled back at
her and left. That most beautiful winery we saw that day just became
a house of horrors.
My sister and brother-in-law just ignored it like they see this
all the time.....maybe it was just me, but I'll get my chance again
as we will return in April for the "Taste of Spring" event.
I can't wait.....heheheheeee
Before we headed home, we came upon what looked to be a restored
barn. My sister noticed picnic tables, so we stopped to eat again.
Inside was dark with one wall of glass where you could view the
cellar. It wasn't impressive at all. A Siamese cat greets tourists
at the door just before you are greeted with a voice of enthusiasm
and an inviting smile from two hostesses handing you a wine glass.
My other sister was timid from the last winery so she stood in
the background, but the hostess asked if she would also like to
try some wine and then continued explaining about their winery,
the grapes and other interesting facts.
This time, all of us bought wine and even wine glasses as a momento
of their great hospitality. This winery was Lambert Bridge.
This experience was just one day......it could've been the moon
or a stomach ache, but I will not tolerate bad hospitality ever
again.......I really wanted to place a complaint but I'll just wait
until the next visit.
Ratings:
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery:
Lambert Bridge Winery:
Dry Creek Vineyards:
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