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

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Wine enthusiasts head to this store that specializes in a wide selection if imported wine.

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.

08/19/06

Shockingly rude staff, small selection

by shawnbjackson

A friend and I were cooking something that needed Irish Cream so we stopped by this store to pick some up. Because my friend's passport was from a South Asian country, there was some confusion about it's expiration. Before we could get a few sentences into figuring it out with one staff member, another employee barged into the conversation, angrily yelling at us that we had made a mistake and to stop arguing. We were both incredibly offended and have since told all our friends to try a store with less hostile staff. Also, with such a small amount of shelf space, there is not be much selection compared to the other liquor and wine stores in the area.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Staff, Selection

06/03/06

User review by townsend225

by townsend225

The wine selection was small, but by no means is that a bad thing. However, it was difficult finding a selection of wines that were affordable and what I was looking for. The store seemed real unorganized and the employees were not interested in you until you sought them out for help. When I did ask about some wines, I did not get a response that made me feel I knew what the wine would taste like. They do have the liquor need met :)

02/01/06

Wine, Not Hugs

by goscar

Hoyt Hill is not selling hugs. He is selling the perfect wine to go with your rabbit cassoulet. Do not let the storefront dissuade you from one of the best sommelier's in Nashville. His shop is like an italian restaurant on Mott street, the real action is in the backroom or, in this case, over the internet. Trust his judgement, it has not failed me in over two years as I go for the wine, not his demeanor (although he has warmed up a little).

01/28/06

A treasury of hard to find great wines

by farrandc

Although Hoyt and the crew carry liquour (one stop shopping), the real treasure in the shop is the wines Hoyt is able to find and bring to Nashville at amazing prices. Don't just go in the store -- sign up for the newsletter. You will receive by e-mail notices of fantastic wines at affordable prices. In addition, Hoyt will help you plan what to serve at any event -- and within the price range you set. He helped us choose the wines for our son's wedding. We thought so much of his choice we carted the wines to South Carolina for the event!

01/27/06

Astonishingly knowledgeable

by sde52

This proprietor exhibits an astonishing breadth of knowledge and a professional approach to wine retailing while providing first quality sevice and competitive prices. He even has an interesting tale to spin from time to time.

01/27/06

The Best Place to Buy Wine

by billandjewelhearn

We have been shopping at Village Wines for several years, & no longer shop for wine anywhere else in Nashville. There is simply no point. Owner Hoyt Hill is knowledgeable & witty, & not only offers competitive pricing, but unheard of deals on wines that we haven't been able to find elsewhere in Nashville. His daily email offerings are so helpful that you can actually learn about wine by reading them regularly, or just keep up w/ what's peaking now. Hoyt stands by everything he sells, & he & his helpful, friendly staff are uncanny in understanding & determining personal tastes. The store isn't huge because it doesn't need to be. Hoyt personally chooses only the best wines for any budget, & can usually place private orders available for next day pickup, which is a great time saver for special occasions.

• Pros: knowledgeable, polite, helpful