Wilson Winery

1960 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA

Address:	1960 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Phone:	+1 707-433-4355
Site:	wilsonwinery.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Kevin Cobden

My wife and I were in the Sonoma area for wine tasting. We were choosing Sonoma for two reasons: the VISA signature program as mentioned in the previous review, and the fact that it wasnt Napa where attitudes and culture surrounding wine have become fairly pretentious. We stopped in on July 5th. When we walked in there was a taller, heavy-set woman with dark hair behind the tasting counter. We informed them we found them through the VISA signature program. She immediately turned cold, nasty and proclaimed that they did not honor the VISA program and that she had a letter to prove it. She told us there would be a fee for tasting, when I said I was not interested in paying it then she asked us to leave! Unbelievable! On my way out I informed her that money was not an issue, that the reason I went to wineries in the VISA program was because that vinters who had confidence in their grapes would not charge for tasting, which has become common in many cash-cow wine enterprises. I also informed her I would be contacting VISA since they were still getting free advertising from it. When we drove down the road we found another winery named "Mazzacco" which was great and they did participate in the VISA program. Come to find out, they are owned by the Wilson winery! On arriving home I phoned the winery to see if I could speak with the management. I got through to a woman who told me she was their wholesaler. I explained the situation to her and she tried to tell me they no longer participated in the VISA program because their wines were too high in demand to be used for complimentary tasting. I guess she doesnt understand that if the wines are that great then people will buy them! As a rule I have never bought I wine I didnt taste first, and I NEVER pay for tastings. Charging for tastings is tacky and what you do to tourists, not serious wine connoisseurs. When I asked her about why the Mazzacco winery which is owned by them honors VISA and they didnt, she gave me a lame excuse about each winery being run independently even if they are owned by the same person. I do not accept this explanation. The "wholesaler" told me that the tasting room manager named "Dee" was away and that I should email her. I will update this review if I get any new information. I still recommend the VISA program. On our trip we visited over 40 wineries in the Sonoma area and only found 1 that was non-compliant, 1 we had benefit issues with and another that did not properly list their hours and benefits. Overall it was still worth it, just avoid this place. UPDATE: I finally got a hold of Dee. She said she knew exactly who the rude woman was that I dealt with but would not tell me her name. When I explained that I had already contacted VISA and that VISA was not happy with my experience or finding out that Wilson owned separate wineries in the VISA program, she seemed nonplussed. She said she was sorry for my experience but no attempt to remedy the situation beyond an empty verbal apology.

A Private User

I went with my family to show my uncle a great zin place, due to the ratings. Boy was I disappointed. We were a group of 10, in our early 30s and my older relatives. We mentioned the Visa Signature program, and the ladies said they do not honor the program, but will give us 5% off any order. Whenever other couples stopped in, they were involved in pleasant conversation with them. We were never engaged in any conversation, and were met with annoyance whenever our glasses were empty. I was embarrassed, considering my relatives were from London and I have never encountered such snobbery at a winery. Maybe its because we dont look like your typical wine clientele if you know what I mean. Then they were pushing their wine club, but not even offering tastes from the reserves, saying that they were only for the wine club members! Hmmm, how about showing off your wine club by sneaking a splash? Its December for goodness sakes, they should be happy to have anybody come by. By the time the ladies realized that other cultures liked wine too and can spend just as much money as their "normal" customers, I was heading out the door and telling them thanks but Im already a member of two other wine clubs. Besides, I uncorked a bottle of 2003 Ridge Geyserville Zin earlier that day with lunch, and Wilsons juice doesnt even come close. If youre in your early 30s and have some visible melanin, dont expect engaging service from this place and move on.

Michael Sasse

Visited Wilson Winery back in June solely because my wifes maiden name is Wilson and they have a son with the same first name as her. Looking like were a couple of 20-somethings despite being in our mid to late thirties, early on the experience was a little impersonal but as we shared our story and why we were there, the staff really opened up and we had some great conversations. The Wilsons son who shares my wifes first name also happened to be in and we got a great picture of two Sawyer Wilsons holding a bottle of Sawyer Zinfandel! We got to try a couple of the Reserve selections and ended up joining the wine club and ordering a mixed case on the spot. I will say its very obvious the staff is comped on getting people to join the wine club, so we found the approach a touch pushy and some of our favorite places to visit have staff that are elated to start a conversation with patrons rather than needing to be warmed up, but overall we really enjoyed our visit and LOVE the wines!

Leigh Ann Snarski

Horrible experience! Am a member at their affiliates winery. Called about wine club discount reservations accomadations they offer for wine club members. In the past year very friendly woman helped me thru the process. However this gentleman Matthew was very rude and un helpful. Wow! The affiliated wine club I am a member are outstanding with their customer service. Too bad this is a reflection of the wine club. bad impression. I will be sure to tell others not to bother and report my experience to my wine club.

Jeff Griffin

We showed up right at 5:00, and they were gracious enough to hang around and provide us with a full, unhurried tasting. We loved the wines and the enthusiasm of the staff. Long story short, we ended up joining their wine club and in turn received free shipping on the wines we bought. Very nice experience.

Dennis Johnson

Just joined another Wilson family wine club! Been here before and enjoyed the panoramic view. A few years ago I thought the Zins where better than OK but not wine club worthy. I am now even a bigger big fan. Friendly staff, great patio overlooking the valley and now fantastic Zins. Highly recommend

A Private User

Wilson Winery has the best zinfandels in Sonoma County! Plus everyone there is very friendly and helpful. Definitely worth stopping in.

Eric Stewart

Wilson primarily serves zinfandel. Bring some snacks, sit outside on the deck and enjoy a picnic with your tasting.

Dennis McCarty

A warm and friendly experience at a real down to earth family operation. We enjoyed the wines immensely

Lori Neveux

Love their wine and the people are so friendly and knowledgeable, especially Rick!

Kit Lau

Solid Chardonnay, picturesque location, perfect for an outdoor wedding!

Terry Carpenter

If you love bold fruity wines then go here