Wölffer Estate Vineyard — Attraction in Town of Southampton

To be clear, the venue, serving staff and wine was all excellent. The one star is due to the situation we encountered with the female manager that works there.

I am the owner of a service dog. Again, to be clear, not an ESA but a fully trained service animal. We were originally sat at a table in the corner by the entrance only to then be approached by said manager who rudely requested I produce all documentation to prove service dog status. When I explained this was legally not something she could request she asked me to confirm the service the animal provides which I did. She then explained this is a private property and as such they can do as they like and they don’t permit dogs. I was horrified. I tried kindly to explain while I understood she may have encountered individuals claiming ESA status this dog was a service animal. I further explained that 1) asking for paper documents demonstrated she had no idea what a service animal was and 2) Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed. She told us to enjoy our tasting but note that they don’t accept dogs. We placed our order only to find her back again. This time to notify us that we would have to sit outside but it was very busy and they didn’t have a table so could we go sit in our car?! Again horrified!! I asked her quietly to please stop making a scene. The dog was sat perfectly under the table, it was vital I ate something and none of this fuss was necessary. She then threatened me with security. At this stage I felt it necessary to challenge her behavior and incredibly rude tone. As I did she slowly backed down but not without one final jab - ‘enjoy your tasting but again, next time we won’t accept your dog’.

I am sympathetic to business owners and the abuse of ESAs, it puts everyone in a bad situation but speaking to clients like they are dirt on your shoe, not observing the behavior of the animal to see clearly it is aerobics and generally just being nasty is totally unnecessary. This manager needs training in both the rules of Service Animals but also...

We spent a wonderful day there this past weekend celebrating. Tim was absolutely magnificent! He went above and beyond and until Tim found us, we were a bit lost and were ready to walk out after 30 minutes of just waiting and being passed over. FYI...You can no longer sit down in the tasting room without a reservation and all of the reservations are sold out on line. You may sit outside if you can get a table which is still lovely but no one told us you have to get your own drinks and you cannot do tastings out there. We felt like just another number and felt neither like a customer nor valued. Lines at the bar were long and everything seemed very unorganized. Finally we placed our drink order and ordered a flatbread. The wine was fabulous but the appetizer never made it to us. It sat behind the bar only to get cold and inedible. We were fortunate enough to have connected with Tim and he helped us navigate through things. He guided us to the wines we liked, got us charcuterie boards and we even purchased 2 cases of wine because of him. Had it not been for Tim, it would have been an otherwise disappointing experience. He made us feel special, valued and took excellent care of us. A few years ago we cancelled our Grand Prix membership because of terrible service coupled with a ruined birthday and we never returned . We decided to give them another chance a few years later and although it was touch and go with us almost leaving, Tim saved the day. I hope Wölffer realizes how very lucky they are to have someone like Tim as an ambassador for them and their wines. The Wölffer experience has the potential to be outstanding however, much more structure, organization and service training is needed. Tim...thank you for making our celebration so wonderful...you are a class act and elevate the experience to...

If you're looking for a relaxing vino escape while in the Hamptons, head to Wölffer Estate Vineyards, located in Bridgehampton in the South Fork of Suffolk County, New York.

Described by its staff as "an American Winery in the Classic European Tradition," the 175-acre estate features an inviting tasting room that opens up onto a beautiful terrace overlooking 55 acres of vineyards. As late founder Christian Wölffer was an equestrian, the estate is also home to a 100-acre world-class equestrian center, complete with the largest indoor riding ring on the East Coast.

While visiting the vineyard, I recommend sitting on the terrace and enjoying a flight of the Club Tasting, which includes the following wines this summer:

2010 Sauvignon Blanc: Fruity and refreshing, this citrusy treat is perfect for a sunny day on the terrace. It is composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes purchased from Palmer Vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island.

2010 Grandioso Rosé: Light salmon in color, this rosé features baked apple, caramel and pear aromas and is composed of 66% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc and 8% Chardonnay.

2008 Caya Cabernet Franc: Long Island is known for the Cabernet Franc varietal - this one features subtle spicy black pepper, blackberry, cherry and chocolate notes and an elegant minerality, yet is light enough for summer sipping. It is composed of 86% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot.

2009 "Laica" Late Harvest (Ice Wine) Vignoles and Riesling: This elegant and not-too-syrupy harvest wine is sweet with caramel and peach. Winemaker Roman Roth recommends pairing this ice wine with fresh fruit, fruit tart or fruit sorbet, or simply enjoying it on its own. This wine is composed of 62% Vignoles, grown at Wolffer Estate Vineyard and 38% Riesling, grown at...