12/27/08

This location is closed - so is the Upper West Side location.

by brooklyncraps

I went by this location on Dec 22, 2008, and it was closed. The shelves were empty, and a sign said thanks for 10 years SOHO - please visit us at our upper West side location.

I trekked to the Upper West side location later that day - it was also closed up completely - with a space for rent sign in the window. Does anyone know what happened? Their website implies these locations are still open, I'm telling you they are not.

• Pros: was great when it was open - I'd change the ratings
• Cons: its closed with no information. Closed I tell you, closed!

08/29/08

Delightful classes, classy wines

by Benning

We have attended two classes at Vintage, one on Champagnes and one on Rieslings. The professionals were very interesting and informative. A variety of wines were served in each category to represent the range. The other attendees were serious wine lovers whose questions and comments added to the experience. As a bonus, we were served delicious "bites" from the restaurant upstairs. At the end of the class, I felt like buying more wine than I could carry, visiting the vineyards mentioned, and making a trip to the restaurant.

• Pros: Knowledgable staff, easy access, attractive decor, excellent wine

08/19/08

a waste of time

by rlmmg3

As a wine professional in the service industry who's lived in NYC for 16 years, I'm appalled by the unprofessional behavior of the Vintage store manager. Any small praise I would have given to the store's selection of NY State wines is overshadowed by this employee. During a wine tasting at the store, he was rude, impatient, and arrogant, cutting me off as I tried to describe what wines I wanted to taste, barking at his staff in front of me, complaining about the dirty wine glasses leftover from the previous shift, making my overall wine tasting experience incredibly uncomfortable. I'm a believer in second chances and I'd have chalked it up to him having a bad day, if it were not for a second run-in with the manager over the phone, where I was met with the same tone and decibel while finalizing a wine event order. There are far too many wonderful wine shops where quality and service are unmatched. While they may not have the extensive selection of wines from NY State, Astor Wines, Pour, Frankly Wines, Chamber Street Wines all have a limited but very good selection from Hudson, Long Island, and The Finger Lakes. NY State wines can also be purchased online. Bottom line: Don't waste your time at Vintage.

• Pros: NY State only wines
• Cons: service, ambience, prices

02/28/08

Bad, bad service

by cd80

I was excited about this place because I love wine and love to support local wineries. The service was terrible...I don't think anyone said more than two words to us the whole time. No help picking out wines, no checking on us after we got our two flights, AND they didn't even give us the happy hour price on appetizers, even though we got there in plenty of time. In fact, they made us feel very uncomfortable for being there. We went on Friday, February 22nd so if the owners of the place read this review, you need to have a chat with the staff that night. I will NEVER go back!

• Pros: Excellent appetizers
• Cons: HORRIBLE SERVICE

02/18/08

Fun

by nygoddess4u

Usually I am at the Upper West Side location of Vintage. The other day I decided to try out the location on Broome street. I went into have a meal and thought that the food was fair. I loved the design of the store, althought I prefer the one on the Upper West Side. After my meal I decided to buy a bottle for retail. I was helped by the manger of the store, Gary. He was very helpful and has a great knowledge and passion for wine. All in all i had a very pleasent experience.

• Pros: The big cute teddy bear behind the counter. the waitstaff
• Cons: Closes too early, a little on the pricey side

02/11/08

A wine store whose mission is to popularize New York wines.

by Contributor

The Scene
Always thought wines from the Empire State were inferior to others? This Soho merchant begs to differ. All 200 of the labels here come from one of New York's numerous wine regions--eastern Long Island, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson Valley. Enhancing the wine-browsing experience, the store's high ceiling gives the impression of spaciousness, while the mezzanine level and cellar provide space to accommodate the largest of holiday crowds.

The Goods
A favorite shop feature is the tasting bar, where you can sample any of the wines you see on the floor. In addition to the exquisite reds, whites and sparkling wines, unusual ports and ice wines are worth a try. Another bonus: The shop is open seven days a week.

02/11/08

Great night out

by Sheks84

My girlfriend and I, along with another couple, met at Wine Bar to have a "few" glasses of wine before going out. Three and a half hours and many more glasses later, we left Wine Bar extremely satisfied and excited to go back. The service was impeccable (a guy named Matt gives great recommendations and is extremely knowledgeable), the wine list is fantastic (I recommend the vino bianco!), the menu is great (try the chevre!), and the ambience is hip yet cozy. What started out as a place "en route" to a night out became our final destination.

• Pros: Knowledgeable staff, diverse wine list, great menu and ambience

04/23/07

HORRIBLE!

by izzodesh

We had our engadgement party here and it was a complete debacle.....The owners (husband and wife) should be con artists....When we first booked the party me and my wife dealt with issues like wine selection and limiting the amount of whites because most guests wanted reds. This was a huge mess and they were not very helpful at all. We were assured that there would be open bar for wine and unlimted food. They went off about how there will be venison, sausages , dried meats and never an empty glass.

Fast forward to the party day ...... The owner (the husband) goes up to my wife to be and confronts her...making her very upset...which REALLY ticked me off. They had no prof. or manners. He said we had consumed too much food and double the wine he anticipated...I handed him my card and said do whatever it takes to keep ppl happy. They ultimatley charged WAYYYY more than they said and also kicked us out on the dot. they were rude, cheap and need a serious training class in manners! You should never approach the bride to be and talk about pricing in the middle of the party!

The only good things were the staff (the bar tender)

and also the wines.

Vintage should not be used for parties or small get togethers

And if you do enough research you can get the wines for much cheaper if you drive out to the hamptons north folk wine tours!!!!

AVOID VINTAGE like the plague!

Also be very careful of the other reviews left here such as "Vintage New York offeres it all. From private space for events to a bar to sample all wine sold in the store this spot is as close as you get to a winery in the city............. " This is taken directly from their website and is obviously not a real customer review

• Pros: Great wine selection
• Cons: They will rip you off, horrible for large parties and private spaces

01/06/05

poor service

by nycgirl14

I don't know about the wine, but with my dealings with the owner over the phone, I've come to the conclusion that she is a very rude and abrupt person. Hope the wines are better.

12/09/04

The Full Experience

by mmiulo

Vintage New York offeres it all. From private space for events to a bar to sample all wine sold in the store this spot is as close as you get to a winery in the city. They even sell local cheeses and other food that compliment the large array of NY wine selections. The staff is extremely knowledgable which isn't a surprise given the owner also operates a winery in the Hudson Valley.

• Pros: Good prices, Wide selection, Option to taste