Vom Fass is my favorite place to shop for wine. I love that you are able to try the wine before you buy. There is a huge selection of white and red wines but also gourmet oils, vinegars, foods and craft spirits. The staff is so knowledgeable, I am not a huge red wine drinker but I asked a staff member about a sweet red wine and he provided me two options. I was able to try both and I selected the wine that was best for me. During the holiday season it is best to place your orders early because there have been times where my favorite Moscato has been sold out. Vom Fass also has a great reward system as well and they even give you points on your birthday. read more

VOM FASS - three bottles of wine on a table - Specialty Food Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great selection of liqueurs, olive oils, wines and ciders. We had fun sampling during intermission from our meal at Delectable.

This place has great oils, balsamic vinegar's and liquor's from all around the world. We were able to sample all different things and the staff were very nice and helpful. I recommend going here if looking for something specific or trying something new! They also have cooking classes that you can take! We did not do the cooking class but it looks like a lot of fun and they have a great space for it! read more

Unfortunately the "cooking classes" are not worth the money. They are run more like an underfunded home ec class than an $80 cooking class. I signed up for a macaroon class expecting to get a lot of hands-on cooking/baking opportunities. Instead, I had to share materials and ingredients with two strangers and the instructor did most of the cooking. She did all the work involving the stand mixer and burner. Ultimately, all I got to do was pass the mixing bowl around my table to stir things a few times, pipe the batter (to make only 4 macaroons myself), and add the frosting and ganache. Additionally, the macaroons I took home were not really made by me. After each group's batch came out of the oven, the macaroons were all divided up between the 14 of us. So I was working with the food that others had started. In the end, it was $80 for 8 macaroons and watching someone else cook, which I can do on YouTube for free. I will looking for other places in Madison where I can actually get some hands-on practice to prepare and eat my own food. read more

Great Hidden Gem for gifts... if you like small batch alcohol this is your place. They offer samples before you purchase your bottles. Different sizes make for amazing gifts. They also have a whole line of spices and seasonings... as well as Natural Extract Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar taken from the fruit. I highly recommend checking these guys out. You will be amazed read more

See all

Excellent quality vinegars, oils, and liquors--can seem like a splurge but an excellent selection for either your home or gifts. Oils and vinegars are decanted into the bottle size of your choice. You can either purchase bottles at the store or bring your own bottles. Using up your cooking oils and vinegars at home and then bringing your clean bottles is a great way to save money here. Staff will label your bottles and gift wrap anything you like free of charge. Need to get a gift in a hurry? Buy a packaged gift set or make your own. You can taste anything in the store except bottled wine. The vinegars can be very creative, I enjoyed the honey basalmic vinegar as a slightly sweeter alternative. Huge liquor selection as well, including an excellent whiskey and scotch selection (the only thing really lacking is tequila). Some Wisconsin products are represented. I bought a cream liquor and it was slightly chunky, which doesn't mean it'll make you sick, but aesthetically unattractive, and the staff immediately replaced the bottle. Replace your oils and vinegars here! read more

VOM FASS - Filled a former grocery store vinegar bottle with honey basalmic. Decorative salt&pepper shakers not included. - Specialty Food Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

They should put up candid cameras to record faces of people when they taste all the products here. Vom Fass store has big selection of awesome oils and vinegars as well as range of excellent spirits. If you are not professional cook then this is the place to start your journey into gourmet food and cooking in general. The staff is very well trained, polite and will share very interesting ideas how to use the products they are selling. They have vinegars that can be used as dressing for cheesecake! If you're in town this is THE place to visit. If you are big fan of spirits then this is the place to come! You can taste everything they have and the selection is quite an impressive selection of single malts, Armagnac, cognacs and brandies. Ask for Caol Ila whiskey if you are here, it is simply amazing. read more

See all

I was in for an sampling event that a friend won at a recent raffle. There were about 20 of us in our group. The event was hosted after normal business hours and included the store space and the Delectable Kitchen area. The open and flowing space itself is pretty awesome. I guess I haven't been into the store since they remodeled and created the kitchen area in the back of their store space. The event included some sampling of vinegars, spirits and oils (which you can do anytime you go into the store), one free wine or beer per person and a couple of small appetizers that feature their products to nosh on. They had three employees working the event. One was making drinks, one was preparing the appetizers and one was providing samples to us. They needed more employees working the event. There were quite a few of us that wanted to try items and were unable to do so. I wanted to buy some items to take home and there was no one to help me with the list of items that I wanted to buy. Quite a few of us left the event empty handed and a bit frustrated. The appetizers that they put out for us to nosh on trickled out to the snack table haphazardly and sparsely. And some of us were having to share brownie bites between us to get a taste. read more

See all

I love, love, love this place. My bank account does not though. This place gives me inspiration for cooking, baking, and cocktails. It's a great place to bring guests who are new to Madison, and a great gift spot too. Who doesn't love booze in a nice bottle? Or an assortment of oil and vinegar to cook with? The staff is always helpful, and gives tons of suggestions. The owner (Justin) is a great guy and I always enjoy talking to him. They recently remodeled and the store is beautiful. They still have the recipe cards, but you have to ask for them. They also added a dining experience called Delectable, and it is unique and just a blast. I'm waiting for them to add a Yelp page for that so I can give them another 5 stars. Keep an eye our for their cooking classes and guest chefs. The experience will not disappoint! read more

So I order 6 bottles of wine online which qualified for free shipping on January 16th and my credit card was CHARGED on that date. I received an email confirming the order that day. I also received an email on January 20th, with estimated delivery of the 23rd. When I did not receive the delivery and waited until January 28th, I called them. I was told the weather was too bad to ship. The lady promised to have the manager call me and she apologized. I received an email on the 30th stating that they would be happy to ship on Monday, January 31st since the temperature would be a high of 30. I emailed back to please ship. Today, February 1st, I receive an email stating that the wine is pickup only. I live in Memphis, TN! THIS IS REALLY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! read more

The first store of its kind in the US (in Madison, no less!), Vom Fass is a small German-originated boutique offering a wonderful variety of high-end vinegars, oils, spirits, wines and liqueurs. Everything (but the wine and liquers) is stored in cute clay-looking kegs. And the best part? The staff encourages sampling--of anything and everything. My sister and I were in on a recent afternoon, and had our own little tasting party... featuring wines from around the US and around the world, followed by thick, tasty-sweet balsamics, and capped with the best oil-vinegar combo I've introduced to my tongue in many a year: their mango vinegar paired with a chili oil. Amazing--my future greens and sauteed veggies salute you, Vom Fass! read more

I must say, Vom Fass is the ultimate "first world problem" store. It's a beautiful store, with very helpful employees (one would hope, since you need them to get samples, which you are encouraged to do), that sells fancy oil, vinegar, and booze, among other things, at shockingly high prices. Plus, the employee who helped us proudly explained that they sell local items...local to Europe, that is, where Vom Fass is from. Uh, ok then. So at least part of the prices are due to everything being shipped across the pond? The boyfriend and I were tempted in with a $50 gift card that was, well, a gift. We probably spent 20 minutes wandering around and tasting various items (some of their liqueurs are delicious, and quite strong!), but since the boyfriend cooks, I let him make the final choices. For 2 bottles of oil and 1 of vinegar (330 mL each), it was $77. Including the cost of the bottles, since, having never been here before, we didn't have any empties to refill. Now, don't get me wrong. This stuff is AMAZING. Really, really good. However, price aside, there are a few things that irritate me. The bottles leak, for one. When I unwrapped them from the paper, they had gotten grease on both the wrapping and the bag. Plus, they are impossible to pour from without spilling everywhere, and did I mention this stuff is super expensive?? So to waste even a drop is a bit galling. Finally, the gimmick of writing the item name on the bottle with a white marker is cute and all, but almost impossible to read, and really didn't add anything for me. The boyfriend said that he could live with $27 (what we actually paid after our gift card) for all 3 -- but we'll likely never shop here again unless it's with another gift card. Good stuff, but way out of most people's price range! read more

Brilliant little store. I love the idea of it so much that I pondered investigating what it would take to open my own Vom Fass in San Francisco. Then I remembered I did do retail work (albeit at Shopko... which is a pretty lame store) as a teenager, and I soon realized that wasn't my calling. There's a lot of unique and amazing oils, vinegars, and liquors. You pick your bottle and fill it up. Bring the bottle back, and fill it up again. It's really nice to be able to buy a small amount of a very expensive bottle of whiskey or whatever. I went in on two separate occasions and both times there was only one person in the store. Both people were exceptionally friendly and knowledgable. If you're into food at all, you really ought to go there some time. It's actually fun. It's one of those places that deserves Food Network attention... it's really very unique and interesting. read more

I want to give this place 3 stars, but a few things about my experience here somehow left a raw taste in my mouth. First of all: "VOM FASS"?! Excuse me? What did you just say? Clearly the Germans didn't do a lick of international market research when choosing a name for their franchise. The whole time I was in the store, I couldn't help giggling to my companion. And I'm 30 years old. Not to mention that I never in one million years would have walked in off the street to check this place out. The name, coupled with the ambiguously corporate sign with a stylized water droplet leave me completely uninspired. If you'd asked me to guess what kind of business this was based on the name and logo alone- my top three honest guesses would have been: 1- Water Filtration 2- Septic Systems 3- Rain Barrels You'd think the lame name and logo could be appended with an easy to read sign in English "Fine oils and spirits from around the world." Fortunately, I heard about this place through word of mouth. I give the place 4 stars for selection, but the prices are pretty high. If you're looking for a fun Saturday afternoon experience, it's nice to go and taste 30 different kinds of olive and nut oils. If you've never tasted 25-year fine Italian vinegars- this is a great place to get your game on. But if you know what you like, and what you want to actually purchase, this is a very very expensive place to shop. Not only are the prices much higher than what you'd pay at a direct retailer or online merchant, but, if you're like me, you don't realize until it's time to check-out that "Vom Fass" charges an *additional* $3-$7 for the cheap glass bottle your purchase comes in. The idea is that you'll be hooked on "Vom Fass" and bring the bottle back for refills. To me, this felt like a pretty disingenuous business strategy. There's no way to make a purchase without buying one of their bottles- which are priced as if they were fine hand-blown venetian glass. But if you've ever been to Venice, these jugs start to look pretty ordinary. Summary: A racket, but a good way to discover the world of fine old-world oils, spirits, and vinegars. Just do your homework before you buy! read more

After an unfortunate experience at Vom Fass (see my original review), I had a couple of exchanges with the owner, who was sincerely interested in improving the experience. I returned to Vom Fass this past week, and was greeted upon arrival by TWO separate staff members, and was assisted by Mary, who did a fabulous job of guiding my vinegar-buying experience. I didn't tell any of the staff about my previous trip while I was shopping, because that would have been weird and uncomfortable, but I did mention it as I was checking out. I'm very satisfied with my purchases, and will enjoy returning to Vom Fass. Thanks for taking the customer service concerns seriously. read more

I've been here quite a few times over the past couple of years. I've been very impressed with both the products and the service. They carry a number of unique oils and vinegars, which you can sample before buying. I love that you can buy as much or as little as you want. You do have to buy the containers but you can always bring them back and fill them up again after they are empty. I think the prices are fair considering the high quality. The employees are always very helpful, even when the store is crowded (which seems to be only on Saturday afternoon). I honestly think I eat more salad now because I have these great salad dressing ingredients and that is definitely a good thing! read more

Cool store. Helpful employees and fun place to visit. If you haven't heard- you get all the samples of oil/vinegar/wine/liquor you want. In fact, they are encouraged. The oil/vinegar prices range from $2-$12(and up) per 100mL. Some of the stuff is pretty reasonable. I think the highlight (and what sets them apart) is the uniqueness of some of their products. For example, the calamondin vinegar is amazing. It has like a citris/lime flavor and is like nothing I have ever tasted. Also, give the pumpkin seed oil a try. Unbelievable. Way funner than the "oil and vinegar" stores in the mall. Soon they will add liqueurs to their portfolio, which should be very exciting. Currently they have a limited selection of scotch, brandy, cognac, and rum- starting at around $7/100mL $$$$. Also, small selection of wine there. TIP: bring your own containers (Can you?) because those add up. And, ask the staff for pairings. For example: mango vinegar and chili oil. read more

I need a list of all the oils, vinegar and spirits in this store so I can check them off as I try each one. The products are top-notch, and you can try them all. Find the perfect ingredient to elevate your favorite dish. Need a gift for your foodie friend or family member? Vom Fass also has sampler packages of their oils and different kinds of vinegar. I know what I'm getting my aunt for Christmas! I've been here twice and have received pretty good service each time, though I see how other customers would think some of the staff here are snooty. But it's not enough to turn me off. I will always be return for refills of the Sun Meadow rapeseed oil. It makes for the best stove top popcorn--no butter needed because the oil actually tastes like butter. Pumpkin seed oil is light umami in a bottle. And the calamansi balsamic vinegar is just... Wow! Add it to ginger ale for an unexpected refreshing drink, or use it in a marinade for your favorite white fish. I have yet to purchase one of the spirits, but I have the apricot liqueur on my radar after sampling it during my first visit. It's crazy delicious--sweet, floral and bright. This store is just too exciting. I'll be back as often as my budget allows. read more

This is an awesome place with a super cool open concept. The staff are super helpful and knowledgeable. Just tell them what you are looking for and they will make great suggestions. They always make me feel welcome and encourage me to try anything I like. You can get anything from vinegar, oil, infused liquer etc. They carry basic vinegar and oil to fancy high end ones like truffle oil. The price is higher than what you get at your local grocery stores. Probably due to the knowledge of the staff coupled with the wide range of items available all in a single store. They have options to get new bottles at the store at an additional charge (some bottle designs are intricate and cute) or you can bring in your own, clean glass bottles for a refill (recommended). For the oils and vinegars, they have a description of what it is best used for. So you might find yourself getting something you never thought you would, or never knew existed, and trying out many new and exciting dishes with it!! read more

Oh boy - I love a hint of liquor in my blood when I'm shopping. Von Fass' oil vinegar selections are great. My bf and I are particularly fond of pear vinegar and cherry balsamic. The sampling makes the shopping experience really fun. The liquor variety is what excites me the most. The apricot liquor is ohmygod delicious. They also have nice scotch, calvados, absinthe, and bourbon. If I had the money, I would love to take home all the casks. The speed of service varies depending on the staff. Most of the time, it's great, but once I encountered a miss-turtle-pace. But that shouldn't deter me from coming back. read more

When my husband told me he was taking me to a oil and vinegar tasting, I was completely unexcited and thinking of so many other things I could be doing with my Saturday. When we arrived, we were the only customers. So, we were able to have one of the staff members walk around with us and tell us about the different oils and vinegars, where they came from, what kind of foods to use with them, and which oils and vinegars complement each other. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they offer many brandy's, liqueurs, vodkas, and other spirits. This store isn't just about retail, it's an experience. I am bringing my best friend and mom up here next weekend and I can't wait! read more

Went to their dinner theater tonight. Wow. Just wow. We sat at the chef's table and that was so much fun. 5 courses and they accommodate any food restrictions or desires. We also got the drink flights. The sommelier explained all of them with knowledge and humor. We will definitely be back. read more

We went to the Cinco de Mayo dinner last night. They market it as a dining experience. To put it bluntly, it was horrible. I have been to many dining experiences throughout the city and all of them have been wonderful. This was not. The chef gave a 3 sentence summary of each course and that was it. There was no demonstration of how he cooked any of the food. The mixologist had a personality and tried to explain her drinks well. Each drink was a small pour which I expected and the drinks were good. The menu was fresh chips with guacamole and salsa. There was about a half a cup of guacamole for 4 people. 2nd course was Pozole, A pork and cabbage soup that was delicious. Next course was street corn which was absolutely wonderful but the serving was less than half a cup per person and it was an excellent place where he could have described his cooking technique but basically he just said it was corn with cheese and some oil on it . We then took a 15 minute breaks so we could shop in the vinegar and oil store. We then had two pork tacos which were just pork and bottled hot sauce. The next course was billed as treleches Flan but it was a cake that was hard as a rock and had not been soaked long enough in milk. For $70 we received $12 meal and possibly $20 in alcohol. If I had chosen non alcohol drinks however they would have only taken $15 off my bill If you want a great dining experience go to vignette dining club in Fitchburg. Or try one of the special dinners at harvest. read more

There is a very large assortment of great vinegars and oil as well as a small but terrific wine selection. We attended several chef's dinners which have all been very good. We are now enjoying their absolutely wonderful meals to go and the Take and Bake Tuesday crab cakes! read more

My husband and I discovered this shop/restaurant almost two years ago. I shop here at least twice a month - love the variety of organic olive oils, vinegars, wine, liqueurs and distilled spirits. We attend one of their by reservation only dinners or cooking classes monthly - great chefs, incredible menus and wine pairings, and wonderful service! I highly recommend you stop in to meet Justin and staff, and visit their web site for the Vom Fass event calendar! read more

Unbelievable wonderful break during a very stressful day. Sitting outside under an umbrella and having a beautiful and delicious Heirloom Tomato Blue Crab Stack was such a wonderful experience. read more

I love this place! I learn something new every time I go in, usually new combinations of oil and vinegar or a new cooking idea. The staff is always friendly, helpful and make you feel right at home. When ever we have friends in from out of town, we always take them here. And it's a no-brainer for gifts, especially for the hard-to-shop-for people. I was just there for the Summer Indulgence Pizza event on Sunday. La Fortuna pizza was cooking up flavors with the Vom Fass products. Onions roasted in Libertine Absinthe! Oh my gosh, I want to try that at home. read more

My mom, sister, and I love this place!! Every time my mom visits this is a must stop for her. As a gift, my mother bought my sister and I the Salmon dinner for pickup as a treat during these difficult times social distancing from each other. The chef did a wonderful job with the Salmon and the rest of the dinner that was included; amazing food and love supporting this local business. Although we didn't get the vinegar and oils this time it is definitely on our list for next time! Definitely worth the stop/curbside pickups!! High-quality* read more

WentHere last weekend. Was greeted at the door and immediately offered samples we're looking for some gifts. Sampled some of absinthe cognac Armagnac and Brandy. Very good quality the prices were reasonable for the quality of the liquor they have quite a few liquor selections. Including schnapps and fruit flavored liqueurs they also have flavored vinegars and oils all of their liquor is proprietary and only sold through these stores great place to find a gift for some new appreciates good booze read more

Love these stores. Been to the other one downtown but first time here. My favorite is the apricot schnapps. Huge choices of liquors, brandy, whiskey along with olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Great place to gift shop. read more

I needed a gift for a Christmas Eve party host. I was suggested Vom Fass by a colleague. Immediately, when I walked in the door, I was given one on one attentive care that was not pushy. They helped me pick the perfect set of three vinegar's to be used as marinades. You can even pick the bottles they go in! Anyone can find a gift here for anyone from $10 to $100+. Highly suggest for gift giving! They also beautiful wrapped my gift for me, and served me liquor samples while i waited. read more

Shopping here is a really fun experience. My bff's birthday is coming up so I stopped here to find a gift for the biggest olive oil snob in the world (seriously, he has his olive oil delivered from Napa valley). I left with olive oil (he loved it), vinegar and 3 of the cutest bottles of whiskey I've ever seen. As I was checking out they offered me a sample of fir tree liqueur. It tastes like a Christmas tree. I bought that, too. read more

I have never been to a store like this and I found it pretty fascinating. There are ALL SORTS of liquids available - oils, liquors, vinegars, and more in varieties I'd never even heard of. I think the best part is how approachable it is - the salespeople seemed incredibly friendly and helpful, which seems important in a different kind of store like this. read more

Vom Fass is a charming little shop specializing in infused oils, vinegars, liqueurs, and liquors. If you are looking for unique gift ideas, this is an excellent place to start. The staff is friendly, helpful, and eager to assist, and customers are encouraged to sample the products before purchasing. I do have a few complaints, however. The bottles, although corked and sealed with wax, do have a tendency to leak. I purchased two bottles of oil as a present for my mother, and when she opened them, the bottles and the cellophane in which they were wrapped were coated with a layer of oil. Not much of the product was lost due to the leakage, but it was messy, and for the price that I paid for both the bottles and the contents, it was disappointing. The bottles themselves are quite pricey (not including the price of the product), but if you don't want to spend money on them the next go-round, you can simply wash and dry them and bring them back to be refilled. I am also not a fan of the writing on the bottles after purchase; employees use a white marker to write the contents and volume of the bottle on it, and in my opinion, it looks messy and cheap. Products range from basic, traditional olive oil to higher-end oils, to sherries and vinegars, and there is a decent supply of alcohol from local suppliers, too. My favorite purchase to date is the rosemary-infused olive oil. I have also bought a wonderful raspberry vinegar here. Yes, Vom Fass is pricey, but as the product is not necessarily intended for everyday use, it is worth a visit. read more

I have been to Delectable's Culinary Dinner Theatre twice. It is absolutely amazing. Not only is the food some of the best I've EVER had (the kind of meals you think about for weeks after...), but the chefs and team make this an experience you will not forget. It's the perfect place for a girls night or date night. They also do private parties, and is someplace that I will definitely consider for that purpose moving forward. Keep up the excellent work!! read more

I have been a customer at Vom Fass since it opened and it just keeps getting better. Staff is always polite and helpful, offering suggestions from pairings to recipes. Products are priced fairly, if not generously. The selection continues to grow and impress. read more

Love this place! The creative bottles (and the fact that you can reuse them) make great gifts for anyone who enjoys cooking or is hosting a dinner party. Diverse selection of vinegars and oils - my favorites are the star fig and apple varieties. read more

:-( and :-) Have been here several times. One salesperson was very nice, the other- on 2 separate occasions- was rude and sullen as though she was really unhappy serving me even though I tried to engage her in friendly, complimentary conversation. That was enough of a turn off for me. If she believes treating customers as though they are beneath her status, she conveyed it. I'll be making my own vinegars- easier and cheaper and hey, in the words of Stuart Smalley, "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!" The 2 stars are for the nice person for whom I feel sorry. She deserves better on many levels. read more

This place is amazing, I could Have stayed there for hours. Not a good place for small children however, unless they are strapped in the stroller and can't reach anything, unlike mine. But it is a great place for small parties or getting gifts or if you are a chef or if you like to cook -its an oil and vinegar wonderland. The staff was Super helpful and walked me through delicious oil and vinegar tastings. Next time ill try the wine or scotch!! read more

We've been going to VF for a number of years and have always been happy with the retail store. Great service, great products, fair prices... :) BUT!!! now that they've added the "Edukitchen", they've taken it to a new level! With this new facility located right in the store (about 1/2 the overall space) they are able to provide classes on specific culinary topics, host small, intimate dinners, or even provide the rental of the space for private parties. We were there this past Saturday for a dinner/wine paring and the GM and Chef Kristen Williams presented a 5 course dinner that I would put up against any restaurant in town! Her progression was perfect, variety was great, and her braised pork belly was, as one of the diners said, "exquisite!". I agree! If you are tied of the same old same old for restaurant meals, "take the road less traveled" and attend a culinary event at VF and you will be amazed! read more