04/11/09

Not impressed

by jahvor

New to town and checking out the wine shops local to Vanderbilt. I walked in, no hello, no one asked if I needed help, just blank stares by the two guys behind the counter. I made eye contact with them several times and they were just staring at me. Pretty strange. So the service stunk because it was non-existent.

Most bottles I came across were $50+ and I thought I was in a high end place, until I came across some standard, entry level, Australian white wine that I've seen many times before...for $20...about $8 more expensive that I've seen elsewhere. So the place is overpriced and therefore not a good value for the consumer.

Although Village Wines is limited in space there seems to be a good number of options but the selection is limited by price range, mostly $50+ bottles, I'd like to see a wider price range represented in the store.

I did laugh to myself as I was looking around because almost all the wine bottles seemed to have a layer of dust on them. I was trying to figure out if these guys were attempting to make the store "seem" like an old wine cellar (if so that is HILARIOUS) or if their turnover on bottles is so low the dust has accumulated over the months/years.

Anyway, check it out and form your own opinion, if you value these reviews on CitySearch, I say go elsewhere. I won't be heading back anytime soon.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Price, selection, service

03/29/07

Helpful and knowledgeable

by lynnnewc

Hoyt and his staff are very helpful with picking the right wine for any occasion. He has a vast knowledge of wine and enjoys sharing it. All of the people I know who really know wine trust Hoyt.

12/16/06

Worst wine experience ever. Go somewhere else!

by lsukd928

This isn't my first time in a wine shop. I read extensively about wine and travel every chance I get to visit wineries, and almost without exception, vintners and sommeliers have been proud of their creations and eager to share their passion. However, because I am a graduate student on a tight budget, I choose very carefully before I buy, knowing that I only have a chance to buy a very special bottle of wine once or twice a year.

I recently visited Village Wines and after looking around the shop for a few minutes I asked the proprietor (who had been staring at me since I walked in but didn't offer to help me) if he had any bottles of Chateau Leoville Barton. He told me that he was sold out, so I asked if he was going to have any more coming in. He responded by telling me that the cost of this bottle has nearly doubled since its release. I told him that I was aware of this and asked again if he would be getting any more. He responded by telling me that I couldn't "cherry pick" wines like that and that I had to "establish a presence in the wine shop to be offered a wine like that."

This type of self-consumed elitism represents the worst of the wine world and gives a bad name to those of us who love wine. If you're looking for a good selection of American wines at inexpensive prices go to Midtown Wine ... It may seem large but the staff is surprisingly knowledgeable and friendly. If you?re looking for premium wines from France and around the world go to the Wine Shoppe at Green Hills. The staff is great, and they have an exceptionally consistent selection of wines at all prices.

I know other reviewers of Village Wines have said that it isn?t Hoyt?s job to be nice. I beg to differ. He does a disservice to the wines he sells and makes what should be a wonderful experience of wine selection into one of enduring someone making sure that you know that he is better than you. I will never enter his shop again.

• Pros: Decent selection at above average cost.
• Cons: High cost with terrible service.