1/5 -- Extremely Disappointing Anniversary Experience…read more
My husband and I chose Ozan Winery to celebrate our second wedding anniversary, and unfortunately, it was the worst winery experience I've ever had. I paid $103.61 for the Whistle Stop Express experience, which included a train ride, charcuterie board, wine tasting, and wine slushie tasting. What should have been a romantic, relaxing afternoon turned into a frustrating, disorganized, and rushed experience.
Upon arriving, we discovered the winery was hosting its October pumpkin patch. This was not communicated when I purchased our tickets. The train station was packed, and everything seemed centered around the pumpkin patch, with little to no direction for winery guests. I even had to ask a conductor whether we were boarding the correct train.
After a decent train ride, we were dropped off directly in the pumpkin patch with no signage or instructions on where winery guests should go. We found a gazebo selling wine and noticed charcuterie boards sitting out. Unfortunately, people without the required green wine-tasting wristbands were taking them, leaving my husband and me without ours.
An employee told us someone would come down to escort the winery guests uphill, but nobody ever arrived. I tried calling the winery several times, only to repeatedly hear an automated message before being disconnected. Eventually, all six wine-tasting guests made their way uphill independently. Mind you, I was wearing 3-4-inch heels because I was dressed for my anniversary, not expecting to hike up and down a hill! There had been no advance warning about the walking conditions.
Once we finally reached the winery, we stood in line with regular customers, still unsure where to go. Thankfully, one gentleman, whose name I believe was Heath, was extremely kind and accommodating. He genuinely tried to make the best of the situation, and I appreciate him.
Unfortunately, the tasting was rushed because the train horn sounded before we even finished our final pours! We had to hurry to catch the return train. The gentleman kindly prepared wine slushies to go and arranged a charcuterie board after I explained we never received ours. However, we were forced to rush through everything rather than actually enjoy what we paid for. There wasn't even time to browse or purchase wine.
What disappointed me most was the complete lack of consideration for guests who specifically paid for the winery experience. With multiple train cars available, even a designated seating area for winery guests would have helped create a more enjoyable atmosphere separate from the pumpkin patch crowds and children.
I have absolutely nothing against families enjoying the pumpkin patch, but that was not the experience I purchased for my wedding anniversary. My husband even joked that he was going to tell everyone I took him to a pumpkin patch for our anniversary, because that's honestly what it felt like!
For $103.61, I expected clear communication, organization, and sufficient time to enjoy the advertised experience. Instead, we spent more time confused, waiting, walking, and rushing than actually enjoying the winery.
I would genuinely appreciate a refund because I do not feel we received the experience we paid for.
The only reason this experience gets a 1/10 instead of a 0 is because of the one employee who made an effort to help us. He deserves recognition.
I truly regret choosing Ozan Winery for such a special occasion. I've attended several wine tastings, and this was by far the worst. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.
