Valenzano Winery — Restaurant in Shamong Township

UPDATE: The below long-winded response is equally disappointing to the concerns I shared. It does not address the customer service complaint, only redirects to a procedure we were never told to follow. The emails went unanswered for several weeks (including one using the online customer service contact form referenced in the below reply), and if there was a policy in place to handle these situations there were ample opportunities to share that with us. My email was always available as it was used to confirm the original bookings. In fact one of my Groupons was redeemed even though the service was never rendered and so this response confirms that the business did receive money from that reservation. Everyone experienced setbacks and challenges due to the pandemic. If there was a policy in place, that should have been communicated three weeks ago. It's sad this Google review was the only way I received a response.

This review is not in regards to the quality of the product, however it does speak to recent customer service - or lack thereof. Prior to the pandemic, my rating would be 5 stars. My family and friends loved taking advantage of the Wine Tour and Tasting with Danny, especially when it was available through Groupon. We always had a fabulous time, and Danny always made guests feel like family. We got to try many different wines and would always purchase a few bottles afterwards. We would recommend it to anyone as a fantastic afternoon out. Unfortunately, the Wine Tour and Tasting was suspended due to Covid and Valenzano no longer offers it. Danny has also left the business. My sister and I had several outstanding Groupons for this offer from March 2020 that we were hoping to have credited towards another service, or refunded. We actually had reservations booked when the state when into lockdown, and naturally they were canceled. Recently when we contacted Valenzano, my sister did not receive any response to her emails and ended up calling directly. She was told "that was so long ago" by a self-identified manager in regards to her unused Groupons. She was offered no solution other than it would be "looked into." She never received a follow-up. I never received a response to my email either. We ended up taking the request directly to Groupon who were able to address our concerns. I'm sad that the customer service is lacking. It felt as though since they already got the money, they just didn't want to be bothered. While it is disappointing the service is no longer offered, we were hoping to put the credit towards something else at Valenzano but were not given the option. I know the pandemic threw everybody into disarray, but the flippant way our concerns were handled and ignored implies that the business is not concerned with customer service. I cannot say I will be back anytime soon, and am thankful at least that Groupon was receptive...

The biggest thing is the service was poor. I felt extremely uncomfortable there. Went on a Saturday evening for dinner and drinks. The place was almost empty. We were a party of two including myself, we were seated at a table in the back room by the window. There was only one other table of two people there. The host gave us water but besides that no one came. 20 minutes past and a couple was seated to the table somewhat near us. They were helped a few minutes later, and still no one came to my table. We kept looking around making it obvious we haven't been helped but no one came. I couldn't help but notice I was the only person of color in the place. My friend and I moved ourselves to the bar and spent the evening there. There I think the women's name is Kathleen? She was lovely. She chatted with us gave us recommendations and made it a nice time. But I still couldn't shake my uncomfortable feeling. The wine is ok I think most of them would taste better if they aged for some time. Seems very right from the vine. The food was yummy, especially the sweet toast Batch 3 - apples figs and goat cheese I think it was. Very fall flavors and sweet it was good I'd have it again. The place is pretty but definitely looks and I'm sure functions more as a venue. Even the entrance doesn't look inviting. If I go back it would probably be for a nice dinner and that's all. Or a glass of wine and sit outside where I can't feel the discomfort of color....

Attended a wine tasting on 3/19/21 and it was truly exceptional. Me and my boyfriend made a reservation originally at 5PM but we were running a bit late so we called to reschedule at 6PM which was no problem. Upon arrival, we were seated at the bar and were shortly greeted after by our waitress named Emily.

For the wine tasting, you are able to choose 8 wines from the 29 selections provided. The tasting is also accompanied by a small assorted cheese plate with crackers. It's a large ballroom/dinning room space so if you are looking to order appetizers or stay for dinner, those options are available as well. On their website, wine tastings are advised as 45 minute time slots but never at any time did we feel rushed. As dinner service began, more customers arrived but never did the space feel overcrowded.

Lastly, our waitress Emily was amazing! Her service was great, she was personable, knowledgable, and never for a moment did we feel forgotten. She provided great recommendations and detailed descriptions for us to make sound selections. Even as other parties arrived and she waited on other tables, we never had to go looking for her at any point. She alone deserved 5 stars for service!

The price point and quality of this place is really unbeatable. We purchased 4 bottles that are not available at our local liquor stores and enjoyed the experience so much, that we will...