(Napa) The pros: 1. Location of winery 2. Quality of the wine 3. Associated charity (some rescue association for cats) 4. Fun (cheap) medal The cons: 1. So many hidden fees on top of the race fee - $15/20 to park - extra $5 per person to pick up packet on race day - insurance--for them not you. And they're probably going to need it 2. Parking in a field advertised at 3/4 mile walk from the start. Nope. Actually closer to 1.5 miles - the walk to/from the parking lot overlaps the "race" course so if you want to get out of there the minute you finish (and you will), you will be obstructing many people trying to finish the route. 2. Quality of the course -enter the need for the organizer to have insurance. So treacherous. Long grass, rutted dirt roads, exposed roots, potholes mud etc. if this was advertised as a trail run I sure missed it. - course starts on a moderately steep downhill, which is also the same moderately steep uphill you'll get to finish on. The walkers and the runners were not adequately sorted at the beginning of the race despite the relatively lame attempt to sort people by pace. Walkers in waves designed for people running a sub six minute pace would stop abruptly in front of runners going down this hill. It was super dangerous. 3. Started over 15 minutes late. Not a super big deal but irritating after being directed show up early to make sure that everybody started on time. This is not an event for actual runners which is fine, but just know this going into it. Take it as a casual walk through a moderately treacherous dusty course. Start at the end of the pack and enjoy some quality wine. Better yet, save your cash, don't give these people your money and buy more wine! read more

I signed up for this event in Phoenix and it was, unfortunately, the worst race I've ever signed up for. The only communication I received from the organizers was my receipt. When I checked the website for details, there was no additional information. The race was listed as starting at 10 AM, but the directions were unclear and there was no mention of additional fees. For starters, Parking ended up being $20. Packet pickup was also frustrating. There was an unexpected $5 fee to receive my shirt and bib, but their payment systems were not working, so many participants could not pay leading to slower and longer lines. Even the volunteers seemed confused about the fee, and some people were allowed through without being charged. After waiting in line, I found out the race actually started at noon, not 10 AM. Running at noon in April in Phoenix, where temperatures are at least 85°F, does not make sense and raises concerns about runner safety. Overall, the event was poorly organized and poorly communicated. I checked my junk mail to see if I had missed anything, but there was nothing there, and many other participants said the same, many did not receive an email in the main inbox or junk & didn't find adequate information on the website. What should have been a fun experience felt disorganized, frustrating, and a bit of a grift. I also spoke with several volunteers who said their experience was just as confusing. When I raised concerns with the person in charge, there was no acknowledgment or accountability. It is disappointing to pay $50 for an un-timed 5k race, plus $5 for packet pickup and $20 for parking, and receive such a subpar experience. I have never had a race like this before, and I hope the organizers improve their communication, logistics, and overall planning. If you're considering running this race, don't. read more

Just did the wicked wine run. Now a brunch in Fresno. Did not meet my standard for cost and experience! 20 parking Time change from afternoon to am 10 bracket for spectators really was for nothing. A wine glass. No water or such Would not recommend. read more

E2 wicked brunch wine run $20 parking No brunch for Mother's Day, just a mimosa in a small plastic cup. What a joke never again read more

Napa: I would not recommend this organization for any fun runs. Picked up packet and the woman was rude. The parking was 30 min walk away and the staff for parking was terrible. The terrain for the actual run was so dangerous! They never even attempted to make it better in any way. The line to get wine and your medal after was horrendous. I would never do this company and know they made so much money from this. The bathroom situation was unbelievable. I know legally they did not have as many bathrooms that they were supposed to for that many people. Highly recommend you pass on doing any runs with them. read more

Lodi, California, May 9, 2026. The venue charged $20 for parking. This was not clearly disclosed when I signed up. They charged for water at the venue, but not on the course. The aid stations were understaffed. The race started at noon, so it was hot. The race ad also did not disclose that participants had to pay for food after the event, which is usually provided- even a granola bar and water at a minimum. It was hot and dusty. Lines at the aid stations were long. I'm surprised no one had heat exhaustion. It's a health and safety issue. At least disclose the conditions prominently on the website when people sign up! I have volunteered at over 100 races and this was by far the most irresponsible set up I've seen. It wouldn't have taken much to have made it nice, either. Runners don't carry cash or much with them at a race because water, electrolytes, and fruit are provided at a minimum. Everything except for water on the course was extra. It's dangerous in 85 degree heat. Not to mention advertising a 5k that wasn't even 2.8 miles long. Highway robbery. We are never doing this race or any from this company again. read more

They cancelled the event, no refunds which is pretty dumb since every adult I know plans their weekends months in advance. Also no customer service, and lastly I will never sign up Again. read more

The good... *Great time hanging out with friends *Great vibe *Friendly folks at the venue * Nice venue The not so good... *Loóoooong lines at the bar. Need more bartenders...there is no reason to wait 25 minutes for a glass of wine. *The description of the 1 k says there would be wine tastings along the route and there were not. We were looking forward to trying some of the wines! *$20 for parking seems high. BUT the parking attendant was super nice! * If you are going to have portajohns, you need portable hand washing stations as well. read more

I really wanted to enjoy this run but everything was so unorganized! First of all it was such a late start! The staff was uninformed when I asked questions, and obtaining our bibs was a long process. The heat was unbearable, so the water stations would have been so appreciated IF they had been properly set up in advance! I can take responsibility for being shocked by the terrain as I didn't research it, but OMG was there a lot of terrain! It's like they just set a squiggly line through the whole area and said "yup, this is it!" I have ran a lot of 5, 10, Halves, etc, and have never been as uncomfortable as I was on this 5K! read more

I wish I would have read these reviews before registering for this event. I attended the event in Sante Fe, TX (outside of Houston). 1) We were informed that all the race goodies bags had been given out when we checked in. We were told that participants registered onsite although this event was marked sold out so they had given all the bags away. This I do not understand since my bag should have been reserved given I registered for this event 9 months ago!!! 2) There were children at this event when the guideline clearly stated no one under 21. 3) There were several dogs at this event! Nothing about this event was as advertised. There were 2 mexican food trucks. Hardly a variety of food trucks to enjoy. Very very disappointing!! read more

One of the most horrific 5k I ever done or seen. The event was suddenly changed from Elk Grove to Lodi, which was a longer drive from it was initially was. IT was super hot, with no shade or basically no water. Why make an event if the coordinator or event host cannot organize well enough for consumers, considering it was going to be in the 100s degree. From the map, there was supposed to be 2 water booth but during the run there was only one, and barely any water. The pavement was super uneven, difficult to run or water on. There was also supposed to be 4/5 wine tasting booth during the run plus the finishing cup but there's no one at any of the booth. Super unorganized and Super unhelpful! If I can it a zero I would Because there wasn't enough water both, a few participants have to be taken out get check up by ambulance and firefighters. read more

The Wicked Wine Run is a running series made specificially for people like me... people who love to run and who love to drink wine. It seems like it takes place in a variety of cities around the country. I see that the reviews one this page were written around 10 years ago, and for different locations than the one I went to. Anyway, a couple of months before the event, I convinced a couple of my athletic, wine-drinking girlfriends to join me. We signed up for a 5K with wine at the end, as well as a wine-tasting 1K. The event would take place at Bate's Nut Farm, a lovely pumpkin patch, tourist area, and event venue. Little did we know that it would be a 115 degrees on the day of the event as this inland venue. We arrived early. There was no issue with traffic or parking. I am sure the venue wanted to make money, but it felt lousy to pay $20 for parking when we had all paid to sign up for the run and it was a huge parking lot. It was a small turnout, likely because of the weather, but I don't think it was nearly sold out anyway. We killed some time browsing at the shops and staying out the heat. Finally, when it was time for the 5K, we were ready to go. We started a run up a hill, through dust and dirt. Then we ran through a cornfield. Unfortunately, it was in no way paved, and extremely challenging to run through, with the unevenly plowed dirt. There was no shade. I felt the sun beating on me. They also had only one water stop which wasn't nearly enough given the heat. Anyway, we gave up after the first lap (halfway through) as I felt lightheaded and was pretty sure I would have fainted. Anyway, we cooled off, got water and sangria and chilled out on the lawn for a little over an hour in the shade. Then we were ready for the wine-tasting 1K. It was a later, somewhat cooler time, walking only, without the trek through the cornfield. It was a cute idea as there were 3 stops along the way for wine, but when we arrived at each tent, they were almost out of wine. It actually was OK with me that they were, as I ended up throwing my wine away. The brand was La Vina, and it was disgusting. We were able to again, finish with some sangria, and then order a bite to eat from the food trucks. I do wish we had some more food truck choices, as there were only 2. I liked the idea of the run, and the organization and flow was smooth. But it was so hot that the run should have been canceled. They needed more water, it was too expensive, and the wine was terrible. I would sign up for a similar type of run, but not this particular one. read more

DO NOT BOOK this event. Similar to the other comments I live in Denver, they didn't get their liquor license in time so they cancelled the run and won't refund my money. I've asked server times and keep getting blown off. Finally I filed the dispute with my bank. I understand things happen, but if you can't deliver the service REFUND the event. Do not tell people they have to wait for a new event to be set when there is NO ETA. Terrible customer service. read more

That was a let down! There was one vendor which appeared to be part of the venue, not a single additional food truck in sight. There was one beer/ wine truck. The lines were ridiculously long. $20 parking. The run itself was shortened, not a 5K. Maybe 2,5 miles, give or take. The whole event felt discombobulated. Definitely NOT the party they promised. Will not do this again. read more

I was very excited to do this run with my friends and when we got there, there was only one food truck and one beer and wine garden truck. The packet stated there was going to be food and several wine vendors. There were 2 trucks for hundreds of people and the lines were hours long. At the finish, the line to get your celebratory sangria was an abyss. Took an hour to get that as well. I will not be doing this ever again. Why call yourself a wine run with an hour to wait for 1 glass of wine and to give out when you finish the run. read more

Wicked Wine Run - Finished the run to wait in the sun in a long line. - Wine Tours Near Me - Temecula, California

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We booked this event at the bates nut farm location. The cost which was $35 each and $20 for parking was not worth it. The name says wicked wine run yet there were 3 tastings along the way with barely 2 tablespoons of wine in each mini cup and a final one with a take home wine glass. The wine literally tasted like those $3 wine bottles sold at Walmart. The organizers are greedy and milking people, please save your money. They also only had two food vendors, a sushi truck and a burger one. We did purchase a burger with fries which was great. The best part of this event was not the event but the location. Fortunateley, we were able to see the animals and shop at the candy shop at the bates farm, this made it worth the 45 minute drive. read more

My family attended the 1k wicked wine run in Santa Fe tx on the 20th. When we arrived to check in they told us they ran out of the bags we were supposed to have gotten. If people paid for entry fees months in advance, I don't understand how they could be out of materials. Either someone didn't order enough or people showed up and were given the materials before making sure the people that paid in advance got theirs. There was a dj there playing music and kept saying that there was going to be a costume contest and dance contest. Neither of those two happened. When we lined up for our 1k that was supposed to have started at 5pm we had to wait almost 20 minutes past the start time with no explanation as to why. I will not be participating in any other runs with this company. They were very unorganized and not prepared for the event. I was thoroughly disappointed being that we paid over $600 total for a birthday event and we really got nothing out of it. Not worth the money! read more

Seems like there was essentially 0 effort put into this run, and also randomly charged $20 for "event parking" at a high school. I have never been charged for parking at a 5k read more

The Run in Elk Grove was moved to Lodi and they will not offer a refund. I have sent emails and I just get a copy and pasted reply. Beware when booking that the location can change. Very disappointed. read more

I booked an event for my upcoming birthday on August 9 with lots of my friends. I just got notified that the venue is moving from Elk Grove to Lodi, which is an additional ways from where I live. I don't want to attend now and having a hard time getting my money back.. They offered other venues in Napa and that's much further from me AND I will be on a cruise during that time, so now I'm having to battle to get a refund do the an internal change of venue on because of issue where they booked which is NOT the consumers problem. Just make note.... read more

Temecula 2024: Look, I get the gimmick, but at least make the race an actual 5k. It was only about 2.5 miles at the finish line. One vendor for wine and beer and we waited in line for an hour. The one food truck they had was awful. It's like the Fyre Festival of 5k's. Not worth the $70 we paid. read more

Participated in Wicked Wine Run in Eugene on July 12, 2025. Run started at 4pm and temperature was over 90 degrees. Organizers did nothing to address the dangerous heat conditions except offer 2 stations with small cups of water on the 5k course. No electrolytes, misters, or cooling towels. Registration fee was high and the event was all about making a profit for the organizers. I will never do a Wicked Wine Run again. read more

I was pretty unimpressed with the overall event. There were not "food trucks" just the regular vendor who operates out of the venue. There was one winery truck and they were great. There were a couple vendors. But it didn't feel like the big party that was advertised. Yes it was a "fun run" but the course was short, about 2.6 miles. It was not scenic. We ran through soccer fields and dirt parking lots/equestrian fields. It appears that things have not improved over the years! read more

Super disappointed in this event. Went to the one in Temecula yesterday. The pictures they use on their instagram should be labeled false advertisement, they use videos & pictures from lovely, scenic vineyards in their marketing but that is not accurate for all their locations. They specifically marketed the Temecula wine run & tagged "Galway Downs" as their location (which is a beautiful venue" and had this lovely, open background in their pictures & videos but in reality, we ran through a soccer field, uneven hard ground, mulch and sand for this "5k." It was definitely not a scenic run through vineyards or scenic at all for that matter....In addition, there were only 4 handwashing stations and 14 port-a-potties for "over a thousand people". They had two cornhole stations, two giant jenga towers and maybe 4 vendors...overall disappointing read more

Wicked Wine Run - They tag a venue which we did not run through or in & the backdrop is not the scene we actually run through. - Wine Tours Near Me - Temecula, California

They didn't get their liquor license in time so they cancelled the run and won't refund my money.

Can't actually rate the Wicked Wine Run itself as it was "postponed" in Denver due to poor planning and lack of liquor permit. I have been trying to have my entry refunded for weeks and been given the run around. First, I'm on the list for refund, then not eligible with their refund policy (excuse me, the event was supposed to take place last month and new date/location not even announced at time of this post) and now back to on the refund list for future reimbursement? I produce large-scale international events for a living; this is completely unacceptable. Refund my entry fee and good luck with your future events. read more

Horrible experience! No vendors to visit before the run to bide your time! Well, there were three, one food $12 tacos), one wine ($18/glass - YES, $18/glass) and a photo booth that wanted $10 per person! Run around your block this is a crap event! read more

If there was ever a moment where I can say "Zero stars" or negative stars - THIS is your event. This event was one of the most horrifically unorganized, uninformative...just an overall Horrible event. Let's see, it all started that we got to the parking lot that the organizers insisted that we needed to park at because the event venue - Callaway Wineries (which this is NOT a review for). The Wineries and their staff were great. They had nothing to do with this event, they were just contracted to do this event and I hope that they are not negatively affected by this event. Anyways, I digress. We had to pay $10 to park about 5+ miles away. Then we saw this HUGE line waiting for the shuttle. We got to the shuttle line around 5pm, thinking that we should be able to make the race, which was to start at 5:45pm. NOPE, we thought wrong. We asked the people in the front of the line - they've been waiting for the past 2 hours. Why? There's only two shuttles (school buses) taking people there and coming back (which is about a 30 minute turn-around). 11 minutes each way, and unloading passengers. Organizers blamed the shuttle service stating that they didn't provide enough buses and shuttles. um, sure. Place blame and point fingers. Luckily, there were restrooms available at the parking/shuttle line area, however the location was not contracted to provide restrooms. The employees were nice enough to open and allow us to use a restroom with lights, flushing toilets and water to wash our hands. We get to the event at 7:15pm. Um, yes. The event and the last bus is around 9:15pm. Geez thanks. Even with someone in shape, a 5k and 1k would barely give us enough time for bag check, packet pickup, and get ready. The finish line and end line were at the same point. There were arrows - but to go where? I wished the organizers told people that it was steep hills, and that trail shoes should be worn. I almost fell from the dry soil (hello, we're in a drought). This was just chaotic and unorganized. We gave up on doing the 5k because we were told the 1k was going to stop serving wine at 8:30p - once again WRONG information, because the chardonnay guy was packing up around 7:45p There were glasses for each race - 5k and 1k. It was the same glass (wow!) but no organization. People were confused on which glass they should take. The 5k people were given a glass with a drink ticket - where you had to wait about an hour to get a pour. The 1k had 4 tastings along the road - chardonnay, rose, cabernet, and muscat (sweet). I've never seen so many people confused. Confused at the event, confused at the packet pickup, confused at the start line, confused everywhere - where to go, where to start, etc. We heard (later) there were goodie bags. Thanks, we didn't get one. And even if we did, it was filled with men's products like deodorant, body wash, etc. NOTE - The Temecula organizer emailed all the participants that their registration will be free next year. Um. NO, I'd like a refund for my event, for my parking, and the time spent over there. You know that saying, fool me once - shame on you, fool me twice - shame on me! I'll be contacting my credit card company and disputing this - this was all fraud! Oh, the top everything off, the organizers had started deleting negative posts and complaints off their Facebook, as well as not allowing people to post anything on their walls. Yeah, I'll definitely do this race again (rolls eyes) read more

Pros: beautiful location and trail, the food trucks were delicious and the t-shirts you get were really soft and cute. The live band after was really good too, I was digging the chill vibes. Cons: they didn't open the gate for parking until an hour before the race! Sat in traffic for an hour, finally made it into the parking lot when they told us it was full and we had to turn around. I had prepaid $15 for parking!! They sent us to another lot which became a huge mess and nobody even checked our parking pass. It was 90 degrees out and they had no water and not a single volunteer out on the trail, not even at the turn around! Also my husband and I had planned on running this race but the majority of people walked it and it was very difficult to maneuver around people because it was crowded. Maybe in the future have the people who are running it take off in the first 2 heats? I've ran many, many 5ks in the last 15 years and this was the worst organized race. I feel like I was ripped off. It's a shame too because it had the potential to be awesome!! read more

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After a rain delay sending our event to the first of April we ended up with a virtual run due to the virus shutting down the event location. I'm fine with a virtual run, except my friend and I both paid extra for the post run wine walk. I emailed asking how they would handle that and the reply was that they aren't authorized to mail wine - and they didn't bother to refund that portion of the event or even send vouchers to the winery for us to use later. Basically they said the money was already spent before the event is held so we paid extra for nothing and weren't given anything to compensate for it. I'll never do an event with them again. read more

This event was very un organized. It started with the parking. We spent at least 15 minutes trying to park once inside the lot. We got stuck in the dirt a few times. The race if not start on time. They ran out of drinking water at the first water stop (1st mile mark) that was the worst because it must of been about 85' out. We had a group of 6 ladies, we did not stay for the after party, we just decided to go home. I don't think we will do this one again. We are going to try and find another race. read more

$60 to wait in line for over 2 hours, didn't receive anything that was listed, didn't get to do the event because it was dark and they were out of wine. ANNND an employee of the event had the balls to make a snarky comment to me as a walked by complaining to my friend, I have every right to complain. This event was a slap to the face, I have been running 5k events for 10 years and have never experienced such disrespect and disorganization. The fact that these people didn't just offer refunds to people is ridiculous. Instead they offer free entry next year which they know most people won't use cause they were too pissed off to ever want to attend again. Oh and don't forget the absurd fee of $10 per car for parking. This was the most expensive event I have ever attended and it was the worst. Thanks to these jerks we didn't get home until midnight and ruined our entire weekend. read more

After completing this "run" for the 2nd time, it got even worse. They gave us free registration and "parking" for how horrible the last time was. I wish I had not bothered. To start from the beginning, I had been e-mailing them for several months attempting to receive my free parking only to be met with no's and inconsideration. I come to find out from someone else running they were mailed their parking!!!! Something I was told multiple times they would not do. Doesn't matter now because I ended up with free parking due to their lack of organization. We arrived a little after 3 (thanks to massive traffic on the actual street) and the parking lot was already full! I was half way up a dirt hill when they made me U-turn and head to the next lot which practically full as well. I ended up parking behind the food trucks and had drive amongst the grapes to even exit. Next, the lack of planning for picking up your bibs. First of all corporate said very few people could not make it to packet pick up, which obviously was false. Secondly, they gave us paperclips to hold our bibs to our shirts! Tell me again how that was supposed to work??? The course: just as bad as the previous one (in fact we were directly next to last years location). There were fire ants and bees everywhere. The trail itself was slanted and had several steep hills. In the record heat wave we happened to have that day, running was not really an option so most people walked. Good thing, because in the 3.1 miles, there were no less than 3 water stations completely out of water! I did not actually get any water until over 2.5 miles in! This is DANGEROUS AND UNHEALTHY! We passed at least 4 people suffering from heat exhaustion and there were no race staff on the route at all! Sob no luck getting a medic. When we did see race staff, there were driving a truck on the actually race route, so be on the lookout. Our finish line wine: it was poured while the race was beginning, so it was completely warm when received, mine also had dead bugs floating in it due to it sitting outside. Bleh. The taste of the wine itself was horrid. Bottom line: never again will I participate in a Wicked Wine Run and I encourage everyone else to stay clear! read more

This was the very worst event I have ever been too. First off, the time changed from 5:30 to 4:30, no no deal, things happen, but it is Temecula and very hot. Parking!!!! Nightmare. Long line to get in, they needed someone stopping traffic and directing the patrticipants. It was chaos. We barely made it in the lot , it was 4:24. The volunteers at the parking lot ignored people, one was even texting. Come on people! Then the race started at 5. The problem was the organization. Clearly there were not enough volunteers or workers to get things done. Cars were parking on the course. I was attacked by some bees and got stung by one running on the course. Two guys who were also running said they were stung also. I heard a couple people state they had family on the course that were allergic. I also came to find out that they have bee "boxes" on the course. Would have been nice to know this beforehand. Numbers were not assigned to any runner. Why even bother with bibs? Oh the wine...not delicious. I would never ever sign up or run this event even if free. Spare yourself and find another event! They are everywhere. Negative stars. read more

Never again! How in the hell are you guys going to host a run with no water! I paid money for this were not just people you can take advantage of! Better business Bureau should know about this! Whole 5k no water! read more

YIKES what a mess! At best they were working with their heads up their asses at worst they cheated the runners for a larger profit. Here is the only way to handle a company like this take them to small claims for your entry fee. Running companies should not be able to keep your money if they don't deliver what is promised!/offered. read more

And the follow-up: After all of the complaints and horrible experiences that were reported by participants, I thought it was nice of the them offer a free race next year. Lo and behold, they send out the coupon codes and give only 5 DAYS to register for an event NEXT year. Needless to say our whole group missed the deadline and cannot register. What a bunch of DB's. Thanks again for nothing "ACTIVE". Good Afternoon, Participants you should have received an invitation with directions on taking advantage of your free entry, for the upcoming wicked wine run. To clarify there are 3 different codes that will be used. 5k & 1k Participants- Code: (freerace) 5k Participants- Code: (Wicked) 1k Participants Code:(wine) These are the codes that will be used. If you have not received an invitation to sign up for your free entry, please email us at Temecula@wickedwinerun.com. Registration will start On October 15th to 20th. There will be no extensions given once the 20th has passed. Thank You Wicked Wine Run Staff read more

If there was a ZERO star I'd give that because a 1 isn't sufficient. So yes it was hot today, 85 degrees in Temecula, but you'd expect the organizers to have ample water available at each station. Well, guess wrong, water was out at mile 1!!!! Then parking was an absolute nightmare. Don't waste your $40 + $15 for parking, these organizers could care less about your experience read more

I was so disappointed. I read reviews from last year but seemed like, given those reviews, there would be some great changes this year. First of all, after waiting for over 45mins in bumper to bumper traffic to get to parking lot, I pull in just to be told to move to another parking lot... Then we get there and the race starts almost 30 minutes late. No one can understand a word coming from the commentators mouth! Finally, out heat takes off and we begin our run. CONS: water stations were so backed up and then ran out, trucks with the water drove and spit up tons of dirt into everyone's face and mouths... I NEVER SAW ONE first aid tech anywhere and the station of free drinks for the DD were super hot Gatorade and water even though it was advertised as free coke and water.... Super disappointed and don't think we will be returning customers. read more

We made the best of the experience...great time to spend with sisters and friends..outside of that this was an awful experience. First off the parking was horrible, not everyone had to pay...I still want a refund...they RAN OUT OF WATER..how dangerous is that? How do run out of water? Wine was horrible...plus when you received your wine it had bugs in it....we were told to just pick them out. The DJ was good, the Food Trucks were good (not equipped for all the people). I will only run for a cause, this was definitely not a great experience. My cousin came in from St. Louis to join us for the walk/run..her first...what a horrible experience for her. read more