Carlei Wines & The Green Vineyards — Restaurant in Melbourne

It’s a pity the restaurant is so disorganized. A place that holds so many diners and it seems there may only be one person that knows how to fix any problem. The staff need training although polite. My booking was arranged 2 months prior to the event and the booking was for the 2.15pm sitting. I received a call around 1pm to ask if we are attending our 11.45am sitting arrangement. I realize at that moment it was not going to be a good experience. I explained to the person that called it was all in the email arranged a few months ago plus I had spoken to the owner only on the Tuesday before the booking. On arrival at the 2pm as I was bring the cake and table decoration. I was left standing for 10 minutes hold a heavy cake Staff and Owner passing me by like I was invisible. No one offering to take the cake and decorations from me. After asking Staff to take the cake from me I asked which was the table that had been arranged for the booking. The Staff pointed at 2 separate tables. After me complaining the Staff joined the tables. I thought “oh good” all will go well now. I was wrong. From a 2.15pm sitting entrees came out at 3pm. So visualize this 16 people on a long table and we get “3” dinner plate of entree and 3 small garlic pizzas. I don’t know but I’m sure they should have served 4 plates of entree for 16 people. Eventually the 4 large pizzas came out that of course by this stage were finished in no time. We had to wait another 1/2 hour for the next round of pizzas to come out. Again another 4 pizzas came out. Our order was a set menu Entrees, UNLIMITED pizzas, deserts, as this was recommended by the person I had emailed to arrange the booking and she had assured me there would be plenty of food. In my mind I was thinking “Italian, yeah there would be plenty of food”. “WRONG!!” After many people asking for more pizzas finally another 2 pizzas came out and 3 dessert plates straight after. That was a definite sign we were not going to get anymore pizzas and keep in mind the service was sssoooo slow. Coffees that were ordered only half came out and when we asked where the rest of our coffee order was the response was the coffee machine had been turned off. Oh my goodness, can you believe it?! After explaining we had ordered the coffees all at the same time they turned the coffee machine back on and made us the rest of the coffees. I have to say I was embarrassed by the whole situation. We paid $800 for 3 dinner plates of entree, 10 large pizzas and 3 dinner plates of dessert. What a rip off. It so sad as the place has a lovely atmosphere and it’s close to home but I would never ever go back. My suggestion would be to train staff on customer service. Get something happening in the kitchen maybe more staff or better organizational skills. My recommendation would be to go AFTER you have eaten and want some lovely wine as you’ll starve...

It was my daughter's Holy Eucharist so we wanted a special venue to celebrate at. I researched the website and Instagram and was very interested in the terrace. I made an appointment to have a look and was extremely impressed with the room. I was also shown the wine cellar room but both my husband and I loved the lovely view, openness, light-filled nature and ambience of the terrace.

After discussion with the relevant employee, I was promised that we would have a corner table and we would be able to bring in our own decorations to set up. A week before the day, I called to double check that we were in the same spot as discussed to which I was told that we were good to go. A few days before the event, I had another confirmation call from Sergio. Once again, I checked that we would be on the terrace and it was confirmed that I would be.

When I arrived in the carpark after the Church, I noticed that there were red and yellow balloons set up in the whole area of the terrace. As I walked in, all the tables were set up with decorations, crockery, cutlery, showbags, party favours...you name it, it was there! Someone in charge came to speak to me. She was a lovely lady who stated that there was a convention and they had increased their numbers only a couple of days prior. They were originally going to be in the wine cellar room but their numbers were too big for it. I was offered the wine cellar room to which I begrudgingly accepted. My daughter was understandably upset as her and her cousins wanted to experience playing outside and roaming the grounds.

I was never notified about the change until I arrived. I wasn't given any common courtesy which one would expect from any decent business. The employees were all lovely and accommodating except for Sergio, the owner. He is the sole reason for the one star review. The sole reason. Sergio approached me in an extremely irate manner, not apologising once for the mix up. One of his lines was, 'it's obvious that you won't be back so what's the point?' Clearly showing that if there's nothing in it for him, then it's simply not worth it. Sergio offered a measly compensation for our experience. When he did finally offer a suitable discount, it was met with huffs and puffs. Quite similar to that of a toddler tantrum. It's a shame really as Sergio's employees are a credit to the business but his appalling attitude is enough to drive any self-respected customer away. I won't be back but Sergio knew that apparently and...

Let me start by saying, if you're looking for a wedding venue that will leave you breathless and your guests raving for months, look no further than Carlei. Carlei boasts a rustic, relaxed winery setting, with a few options to choose from. It was absolutely magical. The venue itself provided the perfect backdrop for our photos, and we didn't even need much additional decoration – the natural beauty and decor spoke for itself. Service Fit for Royalty The staff at Carlei truly deserve a standing ovation. From our initial contact with Denise, the entire team was professional, attentive, and incredibly accommodating. They helped us navigate every step of the planning process, offering expert advice and creative suggestions along the way. On the wedding day itself, the staff ensured everything ran seamlessly, allowing us to relax and enjoy the celebration. They were genuinely invested in making our day perfect, and it showed in every detail. A Feast for the Senses We were absolutely blown away by the catering at Carlei. The food was not only delicious but beautifully presented. Our guests are still talking about the woodfired pizza. The venue also offers a wide variety of beverage options, and the bartenders were fantastic. Memories Made to Last Carlei provided the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable wedding. It was fun, beautiful, and everything we ever dreamed of. We can't recommend this venue highly enough. If you're looking for a place that will create lasting memories for you and your loved ones, look no further!

Thank you Carlei...