McGuigan Wines Cellar Door — Attraction in Pokolbin

This is without doubt one of the best known wineries in the area; and we’ve visited a few times over the years.

Unfortunately – the service is not what once was.

We arrived on time for our pre-booked tasting.

The staff seated and began to serve one, two, three, then four groups of people who arrived after us – many of which were literally walk-ins without appointments (I know this because I heard them say so). Whilst we were asked to go from queue to queue,

When we finally were seated – my 3 year old was seated closest to the counter. One of the sommeliers then advised that the child would not be able to drink here. I’d have laughed it off as a joke were it not delivered so brusquely.

Once we saw the same attendant begin to serve yet another group who came after us – we raised our objections about having been there over 20 minutes without being served - whilst others who came after us were already half way through their tastings.

Ultimately one of the other attendants intervened and began to offer us tastings. Thank goodness she did as we were on the verge of walking out.

We did end up buying a few bottles since we had come this far– but stopped short of buying many more due to the experience.

I understand mistakes and oversights happen; but perhaps a better approach to addressing gaps once raised and a orderly triaging process for visitors would help avoid such misunderstandings in future.

There are plenty of wonderful wineries in the area; not sure if we’ll be back...

Worst experience at a vineyard during my most recent visit to the beautiful Hunter.

There was only a group of 3 at the counter bench who were being looked after by a guide, and two other staff members in the shop at the time we arrived.

No one bothered to greet us or at least nod to say g’day. If anything, they avoided eye contact which was a shame, especially since we have had such enjoyable experiences through out the day prior to this last stop.

Once I held a fair few bottles in my arms, a lady finally greeted us to ring in the items.

My partner then enquired about the membership, to which she asked him if he drank at least 1 bottle of wine per week.

My partners response was no, and smiled politely and she swiftly snapped shut the brochure/pamphlet and tucked it away back under the shelf, then scanned my wine bottles and told me the total bill amount.

Little did she know, that had she asked me, the wine drinker of the family, and not just my partner, that I would have considered the membership as I’d happily buy good bottles of wine for my family, friends and I to drink.

Honestly, disappointing to have been treated like this when every other vineyard and their team members have been splendid during this trip and...

The most disrespectful wine tasting experience to date. To be clear, wine is okay (the red is $150 per bottle after all) and so does one of the ladies (Amsha, if I spell her name correctly) who has looked after the tasting and purchase for us. She was nice, knowledgeable, and patient. Things went south when her colleague, Courtney, came over as she knew we are going to use a $25 voucher. Me and my friend were treated and talked to like a criminal. The tone, raised voice and stare cannot be forgotten. We were really taken aback by this and had never been impolite. Not worth to argue anyway. The only issue that probably would be our skin colour is not to her liking. Bought the wine anyway as the rude Courtney figured out that the entertainment book voucher is valid. When we politely asked for a bag, she said, "we will not give you any". Fortunately, Amsha was proactive enough to offer to give us some boxes. All in all, the wines do not worth the humiliating experience that we...