First let me say that the John, the trail guide, was awesome. He's the only reason Ride the Vines was given an extra star. Stay away from any wine tasting packages they offer or else you will have a bad time. Below is the feedback I left on their website.
John, was great and the trail ride more fun than I imagined. If it was just the ride that I was rating, I'd be giving 5 glowing stars. However, the package included wine tasting and that part was a customer service nightmare.
Diane was most unprofessional. Now, I enjoy a casual style of proprietorship, but Diane's style of doing business is Lackadaisical to the point of insult. First, John had to apologize for her because she had not yet given him the vouchers for the wine tasting and we were told that we could pick them up at the Creekside Grill at 10. Then, the host at the restaurant had to apologize for Diane because she had not yet dropped off the vouchers. The host also admitted that Diane was often late and that I should come back sometime after 11. When I did return, the vouchers were not at the Creekside Grill and I had to call Diane to find out that they were in the Tasting Room. Third, I purchased a package for tasting at 4 wineries, but was only given vouchers for 3. When I called about this, Diane told me that they weren't affiliated with the fourth winery anymore and said she was supposed to have vouchers for more tastings at one of the other 3 wineries. When I tried to explain that the point of wine tasting is to sample different types of wine and expand ones palette and that doubling up on tastings at the same winery is pointless, she offered to refund me $5 for the missing vouchers. Thankfully my wife and I have been wine tasting before and know that it usually cost $15 for around 5 tastings. I felt like I was being taken. I finally agreed to double up on tastings at Willson Creek because I had already spent too much time on my vacation dealing with Diane's lack of customer service. I agreed to pick them up the next day at the Creekside Grill at 11. Sure enough, at 11 the next day, no vouchers and yet another host apologizing for Diane. When I called, she admitted that she forgot and that she would get dressed and be right over. One hour later, I texted her for an update, she replied that she'd be there in 2 minutes. 15 minutes later, we got your vouchers.
Finally, when my wife and I voiced our disappointment with her service, Diane only offered excuses and seemed completely insincere when apologizing for our multiple inconveniences. It's was like she did not understand how disrespectful it was to not follow through on her promises and treat us like our time didn't matter. What's worse is that everyone who had to apologize for Diane, except for John, said that this kind of kind of unprofessionalism was common. I feel bad for everyone who has to work with her because they have to deal with all the unhappy customers Diane creates. I doubt she realizes that her actions negatively impacts so many people.
If anyone ask me to recommend a trail ride, I can say that John at Ride the Vines would be an excellent choice, but I couldn't in good conscience recommend the Ride the Vines tasting package. It wouldn't be worth the hassle at any price. read more
