Valentino Vineyards & Winery — Attraction in Long Grove

Went for a wine tasting tour yesterday. Definitely not what we expected. We thought we would get an actual tour of the process and how the wine is made, however we were wrong. Rudy first started getting mad that a couple groups were late, and expressed how he felt about that and even used profane language not knowing that half of that group were already there and was saying this all while the group was walking in. The “tour” was literally walking from his driveway where we were all sat to in front of his house about 50 feet from there he went on about how he needs a partner to invents $10,000 so he can label himself as organic. Kept saying store bought wine is trash compared to his wine. From there we walked another 15-20 feet to get close to his eastern field he went on about more of the organic stuff, and you can tell he was very passionate about it, however most people were lost. From there he talked about his pond in the back how he has a great eco system but wouldn’t let us see any of it. People asked questions and he would make them wait before he answers it. We got back to the tables which at this point are about 75 feet from us. We all sat at our tables and he was at one end talking about his wines which we couldn’t hear him cause he was too far. If you were talking at your table he will call you out and tell you to keep quiet and pay attention. Then finally two ladies couldn’t take it any more and they left after the 3rd taste. He legit called them out and got mad they were leaving. Then the amount of wine you get for the money you paid, which we paid $30 a person but he said he normally charges $60 a person is a joke. We all get a sip of each wine, which he has his wife only give you 5 different wines. So we paid $30 a person for 5 sips of wine. There were people there drinking wine not part of the group and they were also served these small portions too. Never again. If you go on Yelp there’s a lot more reviews that are exactly like this.

Mr. Valentino you have a beautiful property and your wife is nice, but I suggest changing it up as this was not a tour at all. People were expecting a lot more and we were left short of what we...

I went there few weeks ago and witnessed a committed perfectionist who indeed puts his love into this land. He inherited the old Italian way to produce the wine from his Italian parents/grandparents. I truly respect his way to use natural pesticides, and that effort does reflects on the quality.

The winery tour wasn’t fancy at all compared to other places you can find in this country. However, I love Rudy’s genuine and the way he introduces everything. For me, It’s like a grandpa telling stories to his kids, and this grandpa has all his wisdom to say. I could feel the passion from his calm tone, and this is definitely a fruitful lesson for me.

All the tasting is fantastic. Definitely more than worth the visit fee. I also realise the reason why we couldn’t choose the wine to taste is because it is like omakase - this is not a big wine manufacturer, scaling up everything with machines to lower the cost; rather, you would taste the best wines this couple have at the moment you are there, because they pick all the best grapes by their own hands to secure the quality for us.

If I have to pick one thing that can be improved, I would say that between different wines tasting, it could be better to provide water or change glasses. This way will avoid the previous flavour remaining, and avoid people from thinking every wine tastes the same. I did drink water in between, and that’s how I knew every single bottle is distinguishable and absolutely amazing.

Really appreciate Rudy and Vivian providing such a great...

The experience was.... interesting. They have a unique and big location for the town. However, the customer service was uncomfortable and questionable. It seemed they want a "specific" (older) demographic. We did the basic wine tasting. It was not offered with cheese, crackers, or even water! Water is at an extra charge, and Vivian made sure we knew that.

The tasting.... each pour was a literal "splash" of wine and per what was available. We couldn't choose the wines. When we wanted to buy a glass of wine, we were denied because she did not "want to open a bottle" (she said the same for a couple of wines). She also tricked us into buying another tasting as that was only way we could try another wine. We were willing to pay and could not emphasize that even further (not a good business approach on their part).

Also, we witnessed the tour and I am happy we did not agree to it. The owner, Rudy, appeared drunk and started yelling at us telling us we did not want to work (which he kept repeating). That and the scolding looks he was giving made everything increasingly uncomfortable. Rudy - we have jobs and money to buy wine f.y.i.

And to end it all, Vivian took back the bill as she forgot to add the charge for...