Red Bank Wine — Restaurant in Wilmington

EPIC FAIL! I am a local artist who creates custom-made sculptures. I recently completed a set of wine-themed tables which include temp. controls, lights, and one way mirrors - and rare wines. On behalf of my client I needed to consult with a wine expert to purchase wines that would not lose their integrity under such abnormal conditions. Upon entering Red Bank Wine, I waited until there were no customers before approaching owner Eric Copeland. Mr. Copeland, believing that I was trying to sell him something or ask for a donation, REFUSED to give me a moment of time to see what I was there for. When I opened my album to show him pictures, he insisted that I leave the store. Even when he said "I have no time for this, I have customers to attend to", my girlfriend and I both turned to confirm what we already knew - there were no customers in the store. I was done and was no longer going to try to beg Mr. Copeland to give him my business. The owner is arrogant, rude, and unwilling to learn what his...

The owners and staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and very helpful. Today I got an education on the definition of burgundy wine (really a pinot noir or chardonnay) from a specific region. It's not a type of wine, I learned, just a location. Eric suggested a much less expensive alternative for cooking. He also explained that Cognac is a type of brandy distilled from grapes. You don't need to buy an expensive bottle of Cognac for cooking; a good brandy will work just as well. My point in writing this is to illustrate the type of service you get at Red Bank Wine, which is nearing its 11th anniversary. The owners, Eric and Sara, are terrific people and I wish them great success in the coming years. I think Red Bank Wine is the best wine store...

Please please please do not support a business with such horrible customer service. I was in trying to pick out a bottle for a friend's wedding, and I must admit I am not an expert in wines, but the bald guy (I'm only assuming the owner) would not even look up from his paperwork to assist me. If you know exactly what you are looking for then they have a huge selection, as do several other wine stores in Wilmington, but if you have ANY questions in the least I would recommend not 'interrupting' this gentleman. There are too many other local places to purchase nice wine for this to be acceptable in my mind. It appears quite a few other people have had similar problems here as well. Bad way to run a...