Wind Rose Cellars — Restaurant in Sequim

ZERO STARS isn’t an option:DO NOT EVER go to Wind Rose Cellars!! I went in Friday evening (5:30) with my family (yes, kids too) to purchase wine, glasses, chocolates, and a gift card to put in a gift basket and promote local business. The owner was overwhelmed, (with 3 tables present the rest of the place had reserved signs and empty) short with me and didn’t have time for my purchase. I said I understood and heard him loud and clear… which he then continued to be rude. We left, my husband and I in shock. We discussed this incident and decided to return everything and to pick a different local business to highlight and support. I go back the next day with 2 of my children (as we were on our way to a movie) to return all the items at a time when they weren’t busy (he made it very clear that the evenings were too much for him). I made the mistake of not bringing my husband with me. He refused to refund my purchase and began yelling at me in front of my children. He eventually did refund my purchase by writing a check which meant I was stuck there until the whole thing was over… all while continuing to yell at me. The vitriol coming out of his mouth was astonishing. For example making fun of me for being a working mother….. you name it. I am still in utter disbelief and shock about what happened. My children have never seen anyone behave this way or treat me this way. My children left in tears and so did I. I wouldn’t have gone in with them had I known the owner was a lunatic!! I posted about this incident on a local FB page and am appalled at how many other women are coming forward with statements about this guy. How can he do business this way… and continue to be in business?!...

Horrible customer service experience. OPEN sign was on. I admit error on our part we visited private wine club event. At no point was members only posted. The winemaker made me and my family feel like idiots for not seeing and understanding an obtuse foot level grease board that indicated wine member 'pick up' event. 'No formal tastings'. We went in and asked hostess if we could have a tasting, she indicated, yes, and started to serve us. Later once they found out we were not wine club members the winemaker ridiculed us for not understanding the 'large sign out front'. We apologized several times and eventually paid retail for our tastings and for reasons unknown in retrospect bought a bottle of wine, the wines were average, just OK. Both hostesses were great although initial interaction should have indicated we were not welcome, it was members only event. Found the winemaker very arrogant, snobbish and unfriendly. Does not need my business, may not need yours, not recommended. Needless to say my family will never visit again if they ever feel they need public business on a Saturday afternoon. Highly recommended doing your wine business...

Early Thursday afternoon and we decided to stop in for a tasting. I enjoyed a sampling of reds and my husband had whites. A plate of tapenade, hummus and pita was ordered with our drinks. We really enjoyed talking with our server and she was very personable. Wines were good as was the small plate of food. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and were pleasantly surprised to see the work of local artists highlighted on the wall and for sale. Go local! There was a beautiful blue iris watercolor I would have loved to have in my home...and a peonies watercolor, a bunting, an old mill...you get the idea. Local musicians are also highlighted regularly in the evenings, so choose your visit time accordingly. I will definitely be back to listen to some local talent while sipping local wines. Definitely for couples (you deserve a night out anyway) - leave the kiddos...