Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery — Restaurant in Culpeper

I didn't have my ID with me and was told I could not do a tasting on Saturday - totally understandable. Plus, at 40, if you can't tell I'm 40, I'll take it happily. I did try one (1) sip of a friend's slushy sample & an older employee came over & absolutely berated me in front of the entire room quite loudly (although with her age, she may be hard of hearing, so I'll assume that was the case). She kept going and going, so finally, sensing a potential mood disorder, I clearly stated my following statement was not sassing - I truly did not know I could not take a single sip. A friend suggested that I just buy a glass, assuming the flip out was because I took a sip as a non paying customer. The employee came back even louder, telling my friend to "stop suggesting that" and said to me she "would call the sheriff's office if I took another drink." If it sounds like something is missing, that this is too bizarre to believe, I know! That's my entire point - ONE sip of a sample and the sheriff would be called! Prince Michel who do you have working in your tasting room?! What a scene, what an embarrassment of your establishment. I strongly suggest that low level employees working as the face of your business take a training course on etiquette and appropriate response techniques. The point the worker was making was valid and accepted; however, the approach and delivery was completely unacceptable.

Update: As of today (Monday) I have left two voicemails for Mr. Haney. Hopefully I can review this situation with him so that 1) I can comfortably return there again and 2) this employee is trained so that this never has to happen again to another professional who is there with her office staff to enjoy a...

Great atmosphere, attentive staff, small sandwiches.

We stopped here on a whim, and it was a delightful detour. My husband is finally understanding that if we don’t have to be at our destination by a certain time, it’s wonderful to break it up and make the journey the destination and stop at places like this. It was really a surprise, and I was shocked when he turned into the driveway. So much so that he almost missed the turn and I wondered what he was doing! When I saw we were going to a vineyard, I was thrilled.

The space is divided into two main rooms, the tasting room (which has more of a traditional tasting room look with darker woods) and a second brighter room with tables where you bring your drinks and order sandwiches. It’s actually almost three rooms, because the second room opens onto another room with tables as well and a lot of merchandise! So it’s a rather large venue, and I can see how it would be good for weddings and events.

We enjoyed the fact that they had beer and other drinks in addition to wine, and I was excited about their sandwiches and bistro offerings. We ordered a couple of sandwiches, and the taste was great; I loved the combination of flavors, but the sandwich seemed a bit anemic and small. For the price, it should’ve been a larger sandwich. We arrived at an odd time, and absolutely no one else was there. So we had the place to ourselves, which was rather fun. A couple eventually joined us. But it was on a weekday probably around 2 PM, so I could see why it would not be a big in-demand sort of space at that time.

Would be fun to go back, but they need to up their...

Have been going to Prince Michel for 20 years and been wine club members for many years. Tonight we were told that we could not bring in our own cheese and crackers etc. to the indoor music venue. We did not see any change in policy on the website. Apparently, it's a new policy perhaps due to health regulations that were not explained to us by management although another guest was kind enough to give us an explanation. Actually expected that the music would be outside but due to the instruments, the music was inside and was fabulous. But the website did not articulate where the music would be nor that outside food was prohibited. One of the staff told us that there was a sign on the front door , but having visited for so many years, we must have missed the sign. We were permitted to enjoy our food inside as an exception and also ordered food from the kitchen. We were also the only table that ordered multiple wine bottles. There were only four tables occupied. So, if the Virginia health regs prohibit bringing outside food into the winery, it would be helpful to know where the music will be on any given day and that outside food is prohibited inside. Another suggestion. Offer cheese/charcuterie trays at...