Ellen's Wine Room — Restaurant in Sanford

This marked my second visit to this place, and I had plans to bring some friends next week. We had made an online reservation and arrived 15 minutes early. Upon mentioning our reservation, the host/server did not inquire about the name it was under. While still standing, he asked whether we preferred beers or wine, creating an awkward atmosphere. Afterall, is a wine room. Opting for wine, I inquired about wine tastings or flights, to which the response was reluctant and seemingly unwelcoming.

Then wife recalled the wine we enjoyed during our previous visit and we asked for a bottle. When I asked for a seating arrangement, given the increasing crowd, they insisted we stand there and sample the wine. Eventually, after waiting and tasting the wine, we decided to seat ourselves. We were not provided an aerator, unlike others around us. We were not offered snacks or anything else. Throughout our stay, there was no check-in to see if we needed anything else.

The overall experience left us feeling unwelcome, and I couldn't discern whether this was their typical business approach or if there was something about us that the staff did not appreciate. In any case, this will be our last visit to that...

Ellen’s Wine Room is an absolute gem tucked away in Historic Downtown Sanford—and it’s so much more than just a place to enjoy a glass of wine. Ellen and Syuzanna are the heart and soul of the experience. Their warmth, knowledge, and genuine hospitality instantly make you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just learning the ropes, they guide you with enthusiasm and passion, always ready with a great recommendation or a fun story behind the bottle.

The atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and full of character—perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or even a solo wind-down. The curated wine list is both approachable and impressively diverse, showcasing hidden gems and unique finds you won’t see at your typical wine bar.

Ellen’s Wine Room isn’t just a place to drink wine—it’s a place to make memories, share laughs, and connect with great people. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough for the experience these two incredible women deliver. If you’re in Sanford, this is...

I read the previous review by the man named Giovanni. I actually happened to be there that night. It was my first time in Sanford and I was enjoying a glass of wine with some friends. It was quite busy, there was some sort of festival going on and the man walked in and demanded service immediately. The bartender (I think his name was Tim) very nicely told him that were people in front of him, and he would be with him as soon as he could. The man then got very aggressive stating he wanted to be served at that moment. He then went on to say Tim was being disrespectful. The man actually pushed me out of the way to insist that Tim serve him first. Even his wife was embarrassed of him. At no time did the Tim raise his voice. I watched the entire situation unfold. I thought Tim did a great job considering the bar was very busy and was the only one working. Great wines and service. I will be back. Tim recommended...