Unfortunately this tour did not meet our expectations. I did contact the owner via text, email, and had a phone conversation. I feel my concerns were not heard nor was an apology offered.
This tour does focus on Pinot Noir tastings. I did not see this listed on the Viator tour description so I want to point that out for people who do not drink this type of wine. I realize I should have done more research on the type of wines in the area, but thankfully the wineries we did visit also had chardonnay. I shared my wine preferences with our guide Danny and was met with frustration. Comments from our tour guide included "we won't find your grandma wine there" "we can find your type of wines at other wineries but the views will be dirt roads" I did try some tastings of Pinots and affirmed I don't care for them. Danny kept saying you should just try it and expand my pallet-I did try and I didn't like it. The tastings at the wineries visited (which I know were not included in the tour price) were expensive, and I didn't want to waste money drinking wines I don't care for. I was spoken to condescendingly because of my "sugary tastes" There were two other ladies who were part of the tour that we did not know. When asking about wine Danny's like well I will have to talk to the others about changing plans to find something you like. I would never want plans changed on my account because I didn’t know them or their tastes. I said don’t worry about it since I didn't want their plans changed.
The drive home after the wineries was rough. The van's check engine light came on, the air was turned off, there was a burning smell, and the van was struggling to go up hill. I was concerned about getting back to our hotel safely.
When we got back to our hotel, I did text Wayne and asked for his email so I could share my concerns. He replied back immediately and I sent my email outlining the same concerns I have noted above. Wayne responded that a phone call was needed to right this wrong. I spoke with Wayne for 20 minutes, I don't feel he listened but instead questioned everything-why didn't I research wineries? why did I book through Viator? why did the other couple on the tour have a great experience? (they liked Pinot I'm guessing) why didn't I request another vehicle for my mom who used a cane? Why didn't we sit or eat with the other couple on the tour? All of these things were not issues or concerns. My concern was how I was spoken to and looked down upon by our tour guide.
I received an email request from the company via Viator to share my experience about the tour so I'm doing just that.
The highlights: the wineries were beautiful. The views at the wineries were incredible. The winery staff were friendly and engaging. All offered suggestions of other wineries in the area that would match my tastes better.
Одговор домаћина
Oct 2022
We are always saddened to hear our guests were not happy with the experience they had on one of our tours. Unfortunately you selected a tour in a region widely popular for it's Pinot Noir and French white Burgundy style Chardonnay. I'm sorry you fealt you were talked down to by our driver, he's actually a very nice guy and a great tour guide. Before COVID we could talk to our guests on the way to wine country, learn their wine preferences and curate a tour then and there to suit everyone's taste. However, post COVID all wineries require advance reservations and if you don't contact us or fill in the "notes" section in your booking we assume you are here for Pinot. That also makes rearranging the tour rout same day a bit challenging.
I was present when you spoke with Wayne about your concerns and you did say maybe you should have done some research before hand. Maybe your experience would have been better. As for the van struggling, Danny di advise us of the issues, we had our mechanic look it over and we need to replace the engine. At least you were all returned to Portland safe and sound but now we have to either replace the engine or buy a new vehicle. The van has had no problems until the day of your tour. Sorry it happened. At least you enjoyed the scenery and the places you visited, it is beautiful out there.
I hope this response was helpful.
Sincerely,
Camille