Vino & Vibes Wine bar — Restaurant in Utica

I rarely write reviews, but my experience tonight was so unsatisfactory that I had to. My 4 friends and I went tonight for 1/2 off bottles of wine. The first bottle was good. I was chosen to pick the second, and I asked the waitress's recommendation between two roses. She said one of the ones I said would be bubbly (not true, I chose ones under the "Amber & Rose" category, Bubbles had their own) and after that it seemed clear she didn't know what she was talking about, so I picked one. We tried it (a sampling was offered) and we agreed we did not like it. The manager came over to tell us about orange wine, and made us feel guilty for not liking the SAMPLE that was given to us. Why is a sample given at all if there is pushback for wanting a different one after trying it? We chose a pinot grigio instead, fine. At that point we were all ready to finish it quickly and leave. When it came time to pay, my one friend offered to pay for her own food at least, but the waitress informed us the wine couldn't be split so I offered to pay the whole bill and we would figure it out amongst ourselves. I get the receipt, sign, and we walk to Host across the street. The manager & waitress follow me outside to inform me right as we were about to walk into Host that I didn't pay my entire bill. They said there must be something wrong with my card. So I had to follow them back inside to pay the rest. My friends and I figured out that she didn't clear out what my friend intended to pay first on the card device, and so there was still a balance. Accidents happen, but I REALLY didn't appreciate being followed in the street and accused of having card problems when it was THEIR mistake. Also, the chairs at the high top were incredibly uncomfortable. All to say, not a nice evening and my friends and I won't be back here anytime soon.

AFTER the below response from the owner We "didn't appreciate it"? We simply did not like the taste of it, and you can still sell glasses of it despite us opening a precious bottle. When you left the table, we weren't even sure you were going to let us pick a different one. A better establishment would have simply said either "sorry, you have to pay for this" or "of course you can choose a different one you'd like better." Instead we were left feeling confused and uneasy. As for the bill issue, it's astounding that you can't accept that is was a problem on YOUR side. It was a credit card! If there was a problem, it would have declined the transaction completely. I used a different card to pay the balance because I was irritated and frazzled, but it definitely was not my fault. I use that card often for the airline miles. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that card, unlike you and your condescending waitstaff who REFUSE to take accountability...

My friend and I enjoy trying different spots for wine tasting; this location did not disappoint. This is a wonderful addition to the area.

The inside was warm and inviting with different styled table and comfy chairs. I hate having to sit on a hard chair, there were different chairs that either had a nice curve and soft material so sitting on them wasn't so bad.

We came on a Wednesday during happy hour. We both ordered a $5.00 glass of the house wine, we liked this wine better than the other more expensive versions. I love flights and did not see a flight option so the server allowed me to order three glasses with half pours at half price. The cab sav. was smooth and excellent.

There is plenty of parking behind the building. You can park on the street if you want to parallel park in a small, tight spot...I tried this but the darn cop car right behind me was crowding my efforts, Haha.

Personally I'd like to see a better food menu as nothing really looked all that...

Very nice atmosphere! Service was pretty average. The Food was pretty much non-existent, even for small plates! Not many choices for the charcuterie board beyond goat cheese, which was what we went in for. Bread was just a dry loaf that came with a bland olive oil. No other garlic or spices in the olive oil dip. sicilian rice balls were alright, but not sure if they were frozen or made fresh, since they came out a little cold. Truffle fries didn't hold much flavor on them. Just parm?? Drinks i guess follow the same Small & miniature theme. The cocktail came out in basically a thin tube. Seemed to be less than 8oz for a premium price?!? Cocktail was very sour and not reslly drinkable unless you like to pucker. We wanted to try someplace new, but just weren't impressed unfortuneatly. It was just meh, and would not go back. More of a first date place. Just was no music or anything...